Having started life as an emergency landing ground for Detling Airfield after WW1, West Malling Airfield was not used as a military airfield until WW2. At various times it housed the Kent Aeronautical Services, Malling Aviation and Malling Aero Club. In 1939 the Air Ministry took over the site and expanded it to become RAF West Malling. New grass runways were strengthened by Sommerfield Tracking and buildings, including a watch office and hangars, were erected.It played little part in the Battle of Britain but became a leading night fighter station from 1941. In 1944 it was part of Operation Diver,a campaign to defend the South East against the V1 Flying Bomb. In 1945 the airfield was expanded and new concrete runways were built. It was important as a rehabiliation centre for POWs returning from Germany and then for peacetime training until the 1960s. It was used by the US Navy Air Service until1970 and then as a reception centre for Ugandan Asians. Finally it was used as acommercial airfield by Metair until its development as a Business Park and housing. Much of the Beatles 1967 film 'Magical Mystery Tour' was filmed in and around West Malling airfield. See also TQ 65 NE 93 TQ 65 NE 95 TQ 65 NE 78