RAF Folkingham
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  Map sources for RAF Folkingham at grid reference TF0530
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RAF Folkingham was an air station of the Second World War period, established in phases on a convex hilltop by the British Royal Air Force, and lent to the United States Army Air Forces. It is now abandoned near Temple Wood, Aslackby, Lincolnshire. (Site map)
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[edit] Development
Despite the dome shape of the hill, the terrain on its top is fairly flat but it was not suited to use as an air station without the construction of substantial runways as the hill is capped by glacial till (boulder clay). This becomes particularly sticky when wet and disturbed. The initial Royal Air Force use of the site began in 1940 when it was set up as a decoy. The intention was to make it look like a real airfield so that it would draw aerial attacks which might otherwise be made on active stations. As the war progressed, day-time bombing raids were almost eliminated so in 1943, conversion to a bomber station for the RAF was begun. As at North Witham, soon after completion, it was transferred to the USAAF to accommodate the growing American air force presence.
[edit] Parachute troop transport
On 5th February, a month or so after North Witham, it opened as a USAAF IX Troop Carrier Command station flying four squadrons of C-47s. In June, parachute troops of the U.S. 82nd Airborne (508th Parachute Infantry Regiment) were flown to the opening of the Battle of Normandy, following the 82nd's pathfinders who had flown from North Witham.
In September 1944, the British Parachute Regiment left from Folkingham for Arnhem. They had been billeted in Bourne and at Grimsthorpe Castle, ten and seven kilometres away respectively.
[edit] After the war
In March 1945, Folkingham closed down its flying operation and in April, was returned to RAF control. RAF Technical training was carried out until 1946 and the station was closed in 1947.
From 1959 to 1963 Thor intercontinental ballistic missiles were set up as a deterrent lest the USSR should think of threatening a war. RAF Folkingham finally closed in August 1963.
[edit] Racing car test track
The runway was used for development testing of the new BRM 16 cylinder 1.5 litre racing car which was presented before the press for the first time on 15 December 1949, at Folkingham airfield. A BRM engine test house and other facilities were later built there. However, when the station was equipped with Thor rockets, BRM was moved out to RAF North Witham. On the closure of he Thor site, BRM moved back and its later cars were tested here.
[edit] Aerial photograph
- See how it looks now. The runways have been partially dismantled but the Thor sites are clear. There are concrete disused bomb stores in the wood.
