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.