Eshott Airfield

Eshott Airfield

RAF Eshott (1942–1944)

Bockenfield Aerodrome
Summary
Airport typePublic
Owner/OperatorEshott Airfield Ltd.
LocationFelton, Northumberland
Elevation AMSL197 ft / 60 m
Coordinates55°16′45″N 01°43′15″W / 55.27917°N 1.72083°W / 55.27917; -1.72083
Websitewww.eshottairfield.com
Map
Eshott Airfield is located in Northumberland
Eshott Airfield
Eshott Airfield
Location in Northumberland
Map
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
01/19 610 2,001 Asphalt
01/19 550 1,804 Grass
07/25 550 1,804 Asphalt

Eshott Airfield is a general aviation airfield in the civil parish of Thirston, in the county of Northumberland, England, 20 miles (32 km) north of Newcastle, and midway between Morpeth and Alnwick. It is a former Second World War Royal Air Force (RAF) station and is also known as Bockenfield Aerodrome.[1]

Second World War

From 10 November 1942 Eshott was home to No. 57 Operational Training Unit RAF. Training on Supermarine Spitfires was carried out there along with a satellite airfield at RAF Boulmer between March 1943 and June 1945, until the unit was disbanded on 6 June 1945.[2][3]

The following units were also here at some point:[4]

Current use

Eshott, now a civil general aviation field, is used by light aircraft and microlights. It has both tarmac and grass runways.

The airfield is home to more than 40 aircraft and has a clubhouse, parking, and three hangar blocks.

References

Citations

  1. ^ Smith, Ian (20 February 2024). "New operator to take on Eshott Airfield after sale agreed". Northumberland Gazette. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  2. ^ Sturtivant & Hamlin 2007, p. 204.
  3. ^ ""No. 57 Operational Training Unit RAF", RAF Fighter Command 1939–1945". Archived from the original on 11 September 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2013.
  4. ^ "Eshott (Felton)". Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  5. ^ a b Jefford 1988, p. 84.

Bibliography

  • Jefford, C. G. (1988). RAF Squadrons. A comprehensive record of the movement and equipment of all RAF squadrons and their antecedents since 1912. Shrewsbury, UK: Airlife Publishing. ISBN 1-85310-053-6.
  • Sturtivant, Ray; Hamlin, John (2007). Royal Air Force flying training and support units since 1912. Tonbridge, UK: Air-Britain (Historians). ISBN 978-0851-3036-59.