“Essex Aerodrome,” that’s what Stapleford Aerodrome was known as in 1933. Today, we explore this airfield that holds stories from its early days to its vital wartime service.
Stapleford Aerodrome first opened its doors in 1933. Hillman Airways, a charter company, used it as their operating base. Edward Hillman started a scheduled service to Paris using Dragon Rapides. The return fare was £5.10s.0d.
But after two years, Hillman ran into financial trouble. Whitehall Security Corporation Ltd took over and formed British Airways Ltd. Operations shifted to Heston Aerodrome after only four months. Stapleford Aerodrome was left with just a few private aircraft.
The Royal Air Force recognized Stapleford’s potential in 1937. By 1938, No. 21 Elementary and Reserve Flying Training School was established here. Reid and Sigrist Ltd provided the flying training under contract. One notable student was J.E. “Johnnie” Johnson. He became the RAF’s top-scoring pilot and an Air Vice-Marshal. Johnson even lived nearby in Loughton.
During World War II, the airfield was requisitioned. It became RAF Stapleford Tawney. A perimeter track and dispersal points were built. Some accommodation buildings were also erected. By March 1940, it served as a satellite station for RAF North Weald.
No. 151 Squadron was the first to regularly use Stapleford Aerodrome. They began patrols in August 1940. Sadly, the squadron lost six aircraft and two pilots. Squadron leader Eric King was killed in action on August 30th.
No. 46 Squadron replaced them in September. This squadron had a harrowing experience evacuating from Norway. They landed their Hawker Hurricane fighters on HMS Glorious. Tragically, HMS Glorious was sunk on the way back. All aircraft were lost. Only two pilots survived.
The secret No. 419 Flight also operated from Stapleford. This unit was the operational air-arm of the Special Operations Executive (SOE). They dropped agents and supplies behind enemy lines. Westland Lysanders picked up agents and other important people. The Whitley was a large aircraft for Stapleford’s grass runways. The flight moved to RAF Stradishall after only two operations.
Other squadrons included No. 242 Squadron and No. 3 Squadron. In 1941, No. 277 Squadron was formed here for Air Sea Rescue.
In March 1943, Stapleford Aerodrome was transferred to Army Co-operation Command. It played a role in the preparations for D-Day. On November 20th, 1944, a V-2 rocket struck the airfield leaving a 60-foot crater. Another rocket landed on January 23rd, 1945. It killed 17 personnel and injured 50.
After the war, in 1946, the Royal Engineers took over Stapleford Aerodrome. In 1953, Roger and Buster Frogley moved the Herts and Essex Aero club here.
Later, in 1955, Edgar Percival started building his EP9 crop-spraying aircraft. A total of 40 aircraft were produced.
Today, Stapleford Aerodrome is home to Stapleford Flight Centre. It trains pilots and offers business charter services. You can also take London sightseeing flights here. The airfield has two runways designated 03/21 and 10/28.
From its humble beginnings as Essex Aerodrome to its wartime service, Stapleford Aerodrome has a rich history. It continues to be a place where aviation dreams take flight.