RAF Exeter

RAF Exeter. A former Royal Air Force station located near the city of Exeter in Devon, England. Operational from 1937 until its closure in 1977, it played significant roles during the Second World War and the subsequent Cold War. The airfield served as a base for Fighter Command, Bomber Command, and Coastal Command units, and later for training and transport aircraft.

History

The station was constructed during the rapid pre-war expansion of the Royal Air Force and opened in 1937, initially as a Bomber Command base. With the outbreak of the Second World War, its strategic importance grew, and it was heavily involved in the air defence of South West England during the Battle of Britain. Throughout the conflict, it hosted a variety of squadrons flying aircraft such as the Hawker Hurricane, Supermarine Spitfire, and Bristol Blenheim. Post-war, the station remained active, adapting to the needs of the Cold War by supporting jet aircraft and serving as an important base for Royal Air Force Germany reinforcement exercises.

Units and operations

Numerous frontline and auxiliary units were based at the station across its history. During the early war years, it was home to No. 213 Squadron and No. 87 Squadron, both flying Hurricane fighters. Later, it accommodated No. 307 Polish Night Fighter Squadron and the Czechoslovak No. 310 Squadron. Bomber and coastal reconnaissance operations were conducted by units like No. 206 Squadron flying Avro Ansons. In the post-war era, it hosted training units such as No. 2 Flying Training School and transport squadrons operating the Vickers Varsity and Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer.

Facilities and infrastructure

The airfield originally featured three grass runways, with a standard pattern of hangars, technical sites, and administrative buildings typical of a pre-war RAF station. A major upgrade during the 1950s saw the construction of a single, long hard runway to accommodate modern jet aircraft, alongside new dispersals and improved maintenance facilities. The station also included extensive living accommodations for personnel, an RAF Hospital, and a WAAF site. Its location placed it under the control of No. 10 Group RAF and later RAF Technical Training Command.

Accidents and incidents

The airfield witnessed several notable aviation accidents. In August 1940, a Hurricane from No. 213 Squadron crashed on approach, killing the pilot. A major incident occurred in March 1944 when a United States Army Air Forces B-17 Flying Fortress made a forced landing, sustaining heavy damage. Post-war, in 1953, a Gloster Meteor of No. 2 FTS crashed near Exminster, resulting in fatalities. Another training accident in 1966 involved a Vickers Varsity which overshot the runway.

Post-war use and current status

Following its closure by the Royal Air Force in 1977, the site was largely redeveloped. The majority of the airfield now forms the Exeter Airport civil aviation facility. Some former technical buildings and hangars were repurposed for industrial and commercial use. A small portion of the original station, including the Battle of Britain memorial and the former station headquarters, remains as a historical site, with commemorative events often held by the Royal British Legion. The control tower was demolished in the 1990s.

Category:Royal Air Force stations in Devon Category:Military history of Devon Category:1937 establishments in the United Kingdom