RAF Hemswell - A History

This is the history of 2 airfields at the same location in Lincolnshire, RFC Harpswell and later RAF Hemswell

No. 5 Group Bomber Command
No. 1 Group Bomber Command

County: Lincolnshire
Location: 10 miles N of Lincoln
OS Ref: 941908
Opened: 1916 / 1937
Closed: 1919 / 1967
Pundit Code: HL
Control Tower: Watch Office with Tower (Fort Type) 207/36, Tower removed and new control room added 4698/43
Condition: Used as office for grain store with new building added at side
Runways: Grass. In 1943 three concrete & tarmac runways were laid. (170) 2,000 by 50 yards, (239) 1,550 by 50 yards & (280) 1,500 by 50 yards. Runways (239) and (280) ends were both extended to 1,700 yards
Hardstandings: 36 asphalt pan hardstandings. In 1943 during runway and perimeter track construction at least four were destroyed. Another six on the south side were compromised by being directly in front of runway 35. 16 of the surviving pans were on the other side of the A631 accessed by long taxiways. 17 loop-type standings were added along the perimeter track
Hangars: 1- T2, Four C Type hangars fronted the bombing circle
Bomb Stores: Located to the northeast of the camp
Ad., tech. & barr.: The technical and support area was on the south-east corner in close proximity to the rear of hangars
Population: RAF Officers - 240, OR - 1,786, WAAF Officers - 10, OR - 246
Sat. airfield(s): Ingham & Sturgate
Decoy airfield(s): Caenby Q, Toft Grange Q/K & Glentham Q