Sunday 6th October, 2024

Rivenhall Airfield - help us to revive the history and memories

07/07/2017 About 1 minute
USAAF Station AAF-168

Brief History



Rivenhall Airfield was first known as USAAF Rivenhall (formally as USAAF Station AAF-168. The airfield had the Station Code 'RL' and it was first inhabited by the USAAF 363rd Fighter Group of the US 9th Air Force, and it was later occupied by the 397th Bombardment Group. The 9th Air Force moved to the airfield in January 1944, and fully left in October 1944.

Shortly after their departure, the Number 295 Squadron moved in. In March 1945, the Squadron participated in 'Operation Varsity' - one of the biggest airborne assault missions over the Rhine River in Germany. The RAF left Rivenhall in January 1946.

USAAF Station AAF-168USAAF Station AAF-168


Soon after, the airfield was occupied once again. This time, the airfield was inhabited by Polish citizens aiming to start a new life after fleeing from war. Many chose to reside here due to the fear of persecution if they returned to their homeland. At the same time, the local Council had transformed the Station Headquarters into the 'Wayfarers' Hostel', which was open to travelling folk. Under a Government-assisted integration programme, many of the Polish citizens managed to return to their homeland, and the camp was closed.

USAAF Station AAF-168USAAF Station AAF-168


GEC-Marconi Company Limited spent a significant time looking for an ideal location for their operations. In June 1956, they rented out the 2 Hangars and a small number of buildings for their radar testing. However, they expanded, and within 10 years they occupied many of the surviving structures at Rivenhall Airfield.

In the 1980's, the Marconi ceased operations, and the glorious, former-RAF / USAAF Airfield was abandoned for the last time, leaving behind all of the secrets, tales and memories contained within the walls of the empty structures.

USAAF Station AAF-168USAAF Station AAF-168

Help

After having a long-term fascination with the airfield, I started our small, but expanding, group. Our group aim to revive the history and memories associated with the airfield, from the USAAF right through to the Marconi days.

We are looking for people who have memories, photographs or artefacts regarding Rivenhall Airfield. It doesn't matter how small something is, nothing is too small and irrelevant to us. Any history is good history. Even if people can give us contact information for members who served at the airfield, it would be very welcomed and well appreciated.

Contact Information

E-Mail: helprafrivenhall@gmail.com
Website: https://helprafrivenhall.wixsite.com/rivenhallairfield
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saverivenhall/

Recent Articles

Over 200 arrests made for drink and drug driving offences in December
Over 200 arrests made for drink and drug driving offences in December

Essex Roads Policing Officers have made 126 arrests on suspicion of driving whilst over the alcohol limit, made 95 arrests for drug driving offences and 36 arrests for failure to provide.

When are Junior Doctors striking in Chelmsford?
When are Junior Doctors striking in Chelmsford?

Junior doctors at all major hospitals in the mid and south Essex area are scheduled to strike for three days, starting at 7am on Wednesday, 20 December, and ending at 7am on Saturday, 23 December.

How to contact Chelmsford City Council over Christmas and New Year
How to contact Chelmsford City Council over Christmas and New Year

Here's how to contact Chelmsford City Council over the busy festive period.

Events

Berliner Philharmoniker Live: New Year's Eve Concert
Berliner Philharmoniker Live: New Year's Eve Concert

Siegmund in Richard Wagner’s Walküre is a signature role for Jonas Kaufmann. The world-renowned tenor is passionate, radiant and combative in his portrayal of the tragic hero at the centre of a love triangle.

Chelmsford Half Marathon - March 2024
Chelmsford Half Marathon - March 2024

Chelmsford Half Marathon / Race Weekend is the major road closed running event in Chelmsford, Essex.

The start and finish is at Anglia Ruskin University, outside the Student Union Building.

Post Office Scandal: The Inside Story
Post Office Scandal: The Inside Story

Journalist and Broadcaster Nick Wallis tells the true story of how hundreds of innocent people fought to clear their names after being pursued by the Post Office through the criminal courts.

Ria Lina: Riawakening
Ria Lina: Riawakening

In her debut tour, Ria tackles the issues of coming out of a global pandemic, divorce, dating in a new digital world, motherhood and what it really means to be a woman.