Thetford
THETFORD: Military aerodrome (Also known as SNAREHILL)
Military users: WW1: RFC/RAF
25, 35, 38, 51 & 75 (Home Defence) Sqdns*
RFC HD Flight Station 1916
RFC/RAF Training Squadron Station 1915 to 1918
RFC/RAF School and 26 Wing Aeroplane Repair Section 1918 to 1919
Location: W of the A1088 and Elder Hill, about 1nm SE of Thetford
Period of operation: 1915 to 1919
Site area: 414 acres 1737 x 960
NOTES: I’ll apologise if you find this stuff boring but I often found the records of Pilot Certicates invaluable for proving a date of operation. In each case I have stated the first recorded issuing of a Pilot Certificate. In this instance it was on 9/12/15 when 2nd Lieut. Francis Revel Offord was awarded his Pilot Certificate No.2167 here.
Today I wonder how many people know of this aerodrome? In it’s day it was one of the largest aerodromes in the UK!
*Can anybody explain why five 'Home Defence' squadrons were based here of all places? And why was THETFORD seen as being a major strategic location for the defence of England?
25 Sqdn were it seems flying the FE.2b whereas 38 Sqdn flew the BE.2c. On the other hand it appears 51 Sqdn were flying the BE.2 and BE.12 plus Avro 504Ks for night flying.
A DEBT OWED
In producing this 'Guide' I owe a considerable debt to so many people who have kindly offered advice. As you may well imagine, with so many sites listed, and waiting to be listed, the amount of time I can allow for detailed research is quite limited - and I am not getting any younger! See 'Comments' below for an excellent example of such kindness.
Dan Savident
This comment was written on: 2016-11-10 19:56:28The location is the other side of the A1088 from your marker, you can see the chichen sheds. If you look closely there are the old squash courts. Also on site is one RFC building and a WW2 shelter from its time as a decoyfield. Hope that helps
Reply from Dick Flute:
Hi Dan, Many thanks indeed. I shall move the marker. Best regards, Dick
Lesley Perry
This comment was written on: 2017-10-26 16:23:19Hello. I have come across your very useful site whilst looking up RAF Thetford. I am researching Capt John James Paine who married a Thetford girl so I assume he was there. He was shot down & wounded April 1917, Fe.2b, then I think couldn't fly but was promoted to Capt & involved in training. Have you come across him at all?
Reply from Dick Flute:
Hi Lesley, Thank you for the enquiry but I'm afraid I cannot help. Nevertheless I shall keep it posted and hopefully somebody might come across it who can help. Best regards, Dick
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