RAF Cranfield

RAF Cranfield opened in mid-1937 in Bedfordshire, roughly twelve miles south-west of Bedford, and began life as a bomber station under No. 1 (Bomber) Group. Its first occupants were Nos. 62 and 82 Squadrons, which moved through the type changeover of the period, flying the Hawker Hind biplane before re-equipping with the Bristol Blenheim. Several other units passed through in the early war years, including Nos. 35, 108 and 207 Squadrons, while the station also served briefly as a group pool for crews and aircraft.

From 1941 the airfield’s character shifted decisively towards training. No. 51 Operational Training Unit was established there to prepare night-fighter crews, and supporting elements such as a repair and salvage unit operated alongside it; American night-fighter personnel also used the field. One ground tragedy is remembered in particular: Aircraftman Vivian Hollowday was awarded the George Cross for his courage in attempting to rescue airmen from burning crashed aircraft in 1940.

After the war the RAF role wound down and the site took on a new identity. The College of Aeronautics was founded there, growing into what is today Cranfield University, and the airfield has remained in active use as a centre for aviation research, business flying and aerospace industry rather than reverting to farmland.