Shropshire Airfields in the Second World War (Second World War Aviation History)

This illustrated, action-packed book contains a full account of the part played by Shropshire's airfields during the Second World War. The history of each airfield is described, with details of the squadrons and aircraft based at them and the main operations flown. 

The subject is brought vividly to life with first-hand accounts, alongside photos of the airmen themselves and their aircraft.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, Shropshire had just two operational airfields - Shawbury and Tern Hill. Eight more major airfields were to follow.

Many took on the important role of training pilots, gunners, ground crews, repair engineers, radio operators and navigators. These men and women, once qualified, were fed through to the front line.

For many trainee pilots, a major hazard was not enemy aircraft but the height of Shropshire's famous hill, The Wrekin. Eventually a large beacon was built at the summit, which still warns aircrews today.

The airfields at Atcham and High Ercall trained fighter pilots who, with their instructors, took part in dangerous raids behind enemy lines and flew night patrols to defend Shropshire against Luftwaffe raids on nearby Midlands cities. 

Atcham later became a base for America's 'Mighty' Eighth Army Air Force while High Ercall became a major training centre for RAF Bomber Command crews. At High Ercall too, the furniture-making firm of Harris Lebus constructed Horsa gliders which were used extensively in the D-Day landings and at Arnhem.

Robin Brooks' narrative will bring back vivid memories for some and will inform and inspire many more.

CONTENTS

• Map of the Airfields
• Introduction
• 1. Setting the Scene; The Building of the Airfields; Hangars; Watch Office/Control Tower; Domestic & Technical Sites; Decoys & Camouflage; Airfield Defences 
• 2. Atcham
• 3. Bridgnorth
• 4. Cosford
• 5. High Ercall
• 6. Peplow (Childs Ercall)
• 7. Rednal
• 8. Shawbury
• 9. Sleap
• 10. Tern Hill
• 11. Tilstock (Whitchurch Heath)
• 12. Minor Airfields, Satellite & Relief Landing Grounds
• 13 The Aries Project
• 14 Civilians at War
• Appendix A - The Main Squadrons & Units of the Shropshire Airfields
• Appendix B - Glossary of Terms
• Acknowledgements
• Index