RAF Docking

RAF Docking opened in July 1940 in north-west Norfolk, a few miles from its parent station at Bircham Newton. It served chiefly as a satellite and overflow airfield within RAF Coastal Command’s No. 16 Group, easing the congestion at the larger base while taking on operational work of its own. The landing ground remained a grass surface throughout its life, equipped with a number of blister hangars and a single larger hangar.

A wide variety of units passed through over the war years, reflecting the station’s flexible role. Squadrons including Nos. 235, 254 and the Polish No. 304 flew anti-shipping strikes and maritime patrols from here, operating aircraft such as the Bristol Blenheim, Lockheed Hudson and Handley Page Hampden, while Canadian, naval and RAF Regiment units also made use of the field. Fighters such as the Spitfire and Hurricane appeared alongside trainers and army-cooperation types.

Docking became particularly associated with meteorological flying. No. 521 Squadron conducted weather reconnaissance from the airfield, and Mosquitoes flew long-range “PAMPA” sorties deep over occupied Europe to gather temperature and humidity data ahead of bombing operations. The station closed in September 1946, and the site has since reverted to farmland.