Monument record TQ 85 NW 130 - Detling military airfield

Summary

Detling airfield originated as an air defence landing ground in 1915 and was particularly active during the German bomber offensive in the spring of 1918. It was abandoned in December 1919 and became farmland. The site returned to use as a military airfield during the great Expansion Period in the later 1930s against the emerging German threat. The airfield was raided during the Battle of Britain in 1940 when its buildings received considerable damage. The airfield continued in use throughout the Second World War and, with other sites, had a part to play in anti-DIVER patrols during the V1 offensive in 1944. From 1946-55/6 the airfield was mainly used for glider training. The site was derequisitioned in 1959.

Location

Grid reference Centred TQ 81266 59528 (2178m by 2083m)
Map sheet TQ85NW
County KENT
District MAIDSTONE, KENT
Civil Parish DETLING, MAIDSTONE, KENT
Civil Parish THURNHAM, MAIDSTONE, KENT

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

<1> Victor Smith and Andrew Saunders, 2001, Kent's Defence Heritage (Unpublished document). SKE6956.

<2> Air Ministry., 1945?, Detling Record Site plan: airfield site and dispersed sites (Map). SKE32060.

<3> Nicola Bannister, 2009, Whitehorse Wood Country Park Nr Thurnham, Kent. Historic Environment Assessment (Unpublished document). SKE16394.

Sources/Archives (3)

  • <1> Unpublished document: Victor Smith and Andrew Saunders. 2001. Kent's Defence Heritage.
  • <2> Map: Air Ministry.. 1945?. Detling Record Site plan: airfield site and dispersed sites.
  • <3> Unpublished document: Nicola Bannister. 2009. Whitehorse Wood Country Park Nr Thurnham, Kent. Historic Environment Assessment.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (0)

Related Thematic Articles (2)

Record last edited

Feb 8 2017 12:16PM