The Royal Air Force

Croydon Aerodrome

World War 2

WW2 started when Germany invaded Poland on the 1st of September 1939 and on the 2nd of September 1939 'Croydon Aerodrome' ceased to be London's civil airport and was taken over by the RAF (11 Group),  and named 'RAF Croydon' as Sector 'B' of 'Fighter Command', (a satellite station of RAF Kenley) until transferred to 'Transport Command' in 1944, which left in March 1946.

(above) RAF Croydon August 1940

Croydon became part of '11 Group RAF', and satellite station in 'Sector B' for Kenley. Conversion to a fighter station from a civil aerodrome was done by the use of existing land and buildings. There were four runways, and the existing Terminal building was converted for use as an administration block. Pilot accommodation was at the adjoining 'Aerodrome Hotel'. Fuel and oil was housed in the existing tanks which had 46,000 gallons of aviation fuel capacity. Ammunition stores were built that would hold at least one and a half million rounds. Early squadrons that used the aerodrome were 'No3 squadron' and 'No615 squadron'. Croydon was an important base during the evacuation of Dunkirk, and many flew back to Croydon in July 1940 before moving on. One of these squadrons was '111 squadron' which stayed during August. Many other squadrons were based at Croydon during WW2 including 'No1 squadron RCAF' in 1940 and 'No401squadron RCAF' near the end.

(above) a WW2 photograph of RAF Croydon and it's details taken by the Germans probably from one of the Lufthansa flights over Croydon in the months before the war.

(above) WW2 German military photograph of Croydon Airport and it's vicinity. Picture probably taken by Lufthansa aircrew previously as it appears much earlier than 1939.

(above) the airport on the 16th of August 1940

As a fighter station Croydon played a front line role in the 'Battle of Britain', and became a target during the first major raid of the war. The first attack by the Germans against Croydon Aerodrome was on Thursday the 15th of August 1940 around 7pm, when the BF110's of Erprobungsgruppe 210 the crack presicion attack squadron led by Rubensdorffer attempted a surprise attack. But radar had picked them up and nine Hurricanes from 111 Squadron were scrambled 30 minutes before the attack, and were ready and waiting and therefore able to interrupt the bombers before they had a chance to line up their targets. This interruption meant that the bombers dropped the majority of their loads outside the aerodrome causing casualties amongst the civilian population. Six BF110' and one BF109 were shot down that day, which was a costly exercise for the Luftwaffe, especialy as the target the bombers were aiming for was actually Kenley. During the bombing however the aerodrome still suffered a lot of damage, large bomb craters over the airfield, a direct hit on the armoury, and 'C Hanger' used by 'Rollason Aircraft Services', was hit with incendiary bombs and the training aircraft inside were all destroyed. 'D Hangar' was raked by canon fire and received blast damage. The 'Officers Mess' was reduced to rubble when hit by a bomb blast close by. Five airman from 111 Squadron and one from 'Station Headquarters', were killed. Four airman from 111 Squadron, one officer from No1 Squadron RCAF and two civilian operators were injured.

(above) Sighting the enemy. (below) a Listening Trailer and Searchlight.

(above) locals looking over the Stafford Road fence of the Aerodrome after the bombing on the 15th of August 1940

(above and below) more bomb damage from the 15th of August 1940

Newspaper article showing the remains of a German aircraft brough down in the attack on Croydon Airport in August 1940

The Terminal Building Control Tower camouflaged and being repaired after bomb damage.

(above and below) The main terminal area about 1940. Blenheim's of 145 Squadron. A bomb crater in the right foreground of the bottom picture.

(below) 'D' Hanger camo during WW2.

It was the civilian population that bore the brunt of the bombs dropped outside the aerodrome. The Rollason factory and workshop was badly hit, as well as neighbouring factories of British NSF, Bourjois and Redwing which were all severely damaged, killing 62 and injuring 185 civilians.

A bombed factory near to the areodrome (Borjois)

(above) bomb damaged houses near the aerodrome (note the Anderson Shelters beneath the mounds in the gardens)

(below) GAL T47 at Croydon. 1940.

(below) Hurricane over the fence.

1 Squadron RCAF. One of the early squadrons to be posted to Croydon

(below) A Canadian pilot resting

(below) a Blenhem at Croydon in January 1940

(above and below) September 1940. Hurricane pilot's resting

6th of March 1940

July 1940

an '11 Group', 'Scramble'

No111 Squadron was diverted to Hawkinge while repairs to Croydon were undertaken, but repairs were soon completed and the squadron returned after only two days. Croydon received further attacks on the 18th of August the 26th of August and the 23rd of September.

(above) 'Bristol Beaufighter

(below) Christmas 1944 snow

(below) Polish Spitfires at Croydon. 1945.

(below) Junkers at Croydon. 1945.