MEMBERS of Melksham Probus Club this month heard about the history of RAF Kemble, now Cotswold Airport.
Club secretary Keith Gibbons reports, “The November meeting started with a good lunch of roast pork, roast potatoes and vegetables, followed by dessert.
“The talk this month was about the Royal Air Force, Kemble by Glen Moreman who has always lived in Kemble.
“Kemble was started in 1936 and was used for testing only. The runway, 6,000 metres, is partly in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and also part of the Fossway which runs round and through it. English Heritage is involved with the old hangars. The whole area is approx 1,000 acres.
“In 1938 to 1983 it was used by the RAF and during 1949 approx 500 aircraft, including 37 squadron Wellington Bombers were based there. In 1942 areas were painted green to make it look like fields. MK2 Spitfires were also based there. In the 40s fighters were flown there from the manufacturers to be finally fitted for operations throughout the world by 1944.
“In 1940 two Hurricanes were kept on alert ready for operations 24 hours a day to protect the area. Approximately 600-700 RAF personnel were on site most days.
“On 6th Sept 1944, ‘D’ day, USAAF landed 165 aircraft in 105 minutes with 165 lorries loaded with fuel and stores to fly to France.
“In 1967-1985 The Red Arrows were based at Kemble. Kemble is now in private hands.”
