​​RAF Hemswell​

​​During the First World War, the airfield, known as RFCS Harpswell at the time, served as a night landing ground. On 31 December 1936, RAF Hemswell officially opened to accommodate the rapidly expanding Bomber Command. At this time, the airfield had grass runways, and the infrastructure was expanded with a number of large hangars, of which three ‘C Type’ hangars are still present today.

​At the outbreak of the Second World War, No. 61 and No. 144 Squadrons were present with their Hampden aircraft. They were the first Bomber aircraft command to drop bombs on German soil during the Second World War.

​During the war years, many squadrons were posted to Hemswell, including many Polish personnel. In anticipation of the heavier Avro Lancaster bombers, the grass runways were converted to concrete.

​In January 1944, RAF Hemswell was reclassified as a class ‘A’ airfield, which allowed for the use of heavy bombers. No. 1 Lancaster Finishing School arrived here from Yorkshire and continued to train pilots and crews before it was disbanded in November. RAF Hemswell then returned to operational duties with No. 150 and No. 170 Squadrons taking up residence here. These two Lancaster Squadrons remained at the airfield until the end of the war.

​After the war, the airfield remained active until 1966. It has now returned to agricultural business use. Within the business park, several memorials can be found at different locations outside the business premises, including a memorial and information panel erected on the edge of the old parade ground.

​Parts of the airfield and runways still exist and can be walked along from the main roads.