Snitterfield
SNITTERFIELD: Military aerodrome later gliding site
Note: The first picture is by the author. The second picture (2017) was obtained from Google Earth ©
In the aerial view the southern two-thirds of the WW2 airfield are clearly visible, as are two of the runways. The 04/22 runway extended into what is now a golf course north of the airfield. But, if you look closely, there is still evidence visible.
Military user: WW2: RAF Flying Training Command 23 Group
18 (P)AFU (Pilots - Advanced Flying Unit)
Operated by: 1980s to - : Stratford-Upon-Avon Gliding Club
Location: E of A34, E to SE of Bearly, W of Snitterfield, about 3nm N of Stratford-upon-Avon
Period of operation: Military: 1943 to 1946 Then 1987 for gliding until -
Runways: WW2: 04/22 1829x46 hard 16/34 1234x46 hard
09/27 1143x46 hard
NOTES: Used as a satellite station by No.18 (P)AFU at CHURCH LAWFORD from 1943 to 1945. It appears that 18 (P)AFU moved from CHURCH LAWTON to SNITTERFIELD in April 1945 and were then flying Airspeed Oxfords and Miles Magisters.
From January to December 1944 it seems that Belgian Air Force personnel undertook basic training here. But, however, with apparently no flying training taking place.
Also in 1944 the 1533 BEAM Approach Training Flight arrived with Airspeed Oxfords and they departed in April 1945.
From 1945 to 1946 SNITTERFIELD was a RLG (Relief Landing Ground) for No.20 SFTS (Service Flying Training School) based at CHURCH LAWFORD.
In April 1945 No.21 FTS (Flying Training School) arrived with North American T-6 Harvards and stayed until September 1946.
GLIDING
In 1987 the Stratford-Upon-Avon Gliding Club started using this site.
ANOTHER ELEMENT
According to an entry regarding this site on Wikipedia, in 1948 SNITTERFIELD - "...was one of two disused airfields given special consideration as to the suitabilty of hosting a British Grand Prix." In those days it was nothing like the major global event it is today, but SILVERSTONE was chosen to host the event instead.
lance
This comment was written on: 2016-10-24 15:24:09I'm a SoAGC member and I'm told by other members this Airfield was originally built for the American Airforce but was considered not useable by them. Anything known about this? Cheers
Reply from Dick Flute:
Hi Lance, Thank you,I shall keep your comment open. Best regards, Dick
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