RAF North Weald
| North Weald Airfield | |||||||||||||||
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The control tower at North Weald
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| Summary | |||||||||||||||
| Airport type | Public/ Unlicensed | ||||||||||||||
| Operator | Epping Forest District Council | ||||||||||||||
| Location | North Weald | ||||||||||||||
| Elevation AMSL | 321 ft / 98 m | ||||||||||||||
| Coordinates | 51°43′18″N 000°09′15″E / 51.72167°N 0.15417°ECoordinates: 51°43′18″N 000°09′15″E / 51.72167°N 0.15417°E | ||||||||||||||
| Website | North Weald Airfield | ||||||||||||||
| Map | |||||||||||||||
 EGSX
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North Weald Airfield (ICAO: EGSX) is an operational general aviation aerodrome, in the civil parish of North Weald Bassett in Epping Forest, Essex, England. It was an important fighter station during the Battle of Britain, when it was known as the RAF Station RAF North Weald. It is the home of North Weald Airfield Museum. Although unlicensed it is home to many private aircraft and historic types, and is host to a wide range of events throughout the year, including the Air-Britain Classic Fly-in and smaller airshows.
Royal Flying Corps Station North Weald Bassett aerodrome was established in the summer of 1916 during the First World War by the Royal Flying Corps. Later it became Royal Air Force with effect from Monday 1 April 1918. Its military functions continued to develop during the interwar period, with the building of large hangars and accommodation for Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel. The airfield played an important part in the air defence strategy of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. Initially Hawker Hurricanes were deployed at the airfield, alongside Bristol Blenheim night fighters. The Hurricanes from North Weald saw action over the beaches of Dunkirk and played a key role in the Battle of Britain. In 1940, two American Eagle Squadrons moved into North Weald supplied with Spitfires. A couple of years later, Norwegian squadrons were reassigned to the airfield. Jet fighter squadrons were based at North Weald from 1949 and the sight of Gloster Meteors and de Havilland Vampire fighters in the west Essex skies was commonplace. In late 1940's and early 50's an Air Training Corps gliding school operated at weekends teaching cadets up to certificate A.
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