12-18 November 1943

Overview

This week is considered to be the beginning of the Battle of Berlin, with the first raid being on 18/19 November, which both 12 and 626 Sqn’s took part in – fortunately with no casualties. This battle will be a common part of our reports until the end of March 1944.

I think it would also be useful for people to have a view of what the airfield looked like when both squadron’s were operating – this map was compiled using blueprints from the RAF Museum in Hendon, high level photographs of the time and local knowledge of the area around the airfield.

Many of the buildings, especially those to the east of the airfield marked “Main Communal Site” are still standing and accessible, although it is on private farm land. The whole airfield was over 650 acres in size and was built from the end of 1941 to September 1942 when 12 Sqn arrived.