RAF Tempsford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
RAF Tempsford
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The Control Tower at Tempsford during the Second World War
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| Airport type | Military | ||||||||||||||||||
| Owner | Air Ministry | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operator | Royal Air Force | ||||||||||||||||||
| Location | Tempsford, Bedfordshire | ||||||||||||||||||
| Coordinates | 52°09′31″N 000°15′49″W / 52.15861°N 0.26361°W | ||||||||||||||||||
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 RAF Tempsford
Location in Bedfordshire
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RAF Tempsford was a secret Royal Air Force base in England. It was located about 2.3 miles (3.7 km) northeast of Sandy, Bedfordshire. It was also about 4.4 miles (7.1 km) south of St. Neots, Cambridgeshire.
This airfield was one of the most secret places during the Second World War. It was part of the Royal Air Force Special Duty Service. Two special squadrons, 138 (Special Duty) Squadron and 161 (Special Duty) Squadron, operated from here. Their job was to drop supplies and secret agents into countries in Europe that were controlled by the enemy. They worked for the Special Operations Executive (SOE).
Squadron 138 mainly dropped supplies and agents by parachute. Squadron 161 used special planes called Lysanders. These planes could land and take off from small, hidden fields. They were used to pick up and drop off agents secretly.
RAF Tempsford is near Little Gransden Airfield. You can often see it when planes take off from Little Gransden. Other old RAF bases nearby include Gransden Lodge and Bourn.
Contents
Secret Missions and Aircraft
RAF Tempsford was a very busy place during the war. Many different types of aircraft and units were based here. They all played a part in the secret missions.
Key Squadrons and Their Planes
- No. 138 Squadron RAF (1942-1944): This squadron flew Handley Page Halifax II and V bombers. They were vital for dropping supplies and agents.
- No. 161 Squadron RAF (1942-1945): This squadron used Westland Lysander IIIA planes. These small planes were perfect for landing secretly behind enemy lines. They also used other types of aircraft for special tasks.
Other Important Units
- No. 109 Squadron RAF (1942): They flew Vickers Wellington I aircraft.
- No. 149 Squadron RAF (1943-1944): This squadron operated Short Stirling III bombers.
- No. 617 Squadron RAF detachment (1945): A part of the famous "Dambusters" squadron, they used Avro Lancaster I & III planes.
- No. 1586 (Polish Special Duties) Flight: This unit was made up of Polish airmen. They flew special missions to help the Polish resistance.
RAF Tempsford Today
Today, RAF Tempsford is no longer an active airfield. However, you can still see parts of its history.
In 2002, some of the old airfield was used for making concrete. Some of the original buildings were turned into workshops. A public path leads to a runway that is still mostly there. This path also goes to Gibraltar Farm. This farm was the last stop for agents before they flew out on their missions.
Memorials and History
- Gibraltar Farm Barn: This barn has several plaques and memorials. They honor the brave men and women who flew from Tempsford. Many of these agents were captured and sadly died.
- St Peter's Church: In the nearby village of Tempsford, there is a memorial inside St Peter's Church.
- Tempsford Memorial: This large memorial stands outside the church. It remembers all the secret agents and the RAF aircrew who helped them during the Second World War.
- Tempsford Museum & Archives: This museum in Tempsford village keeps a large collection of items from RAF Tempsford. It has photos, papers, maps, uniforms, and even parts of aircraft.
Notable People from Tempsford
Many brave people were involved with RAF Tempsford. Here are a few:
- Andrée Borrel and Lise de Baissac (Odile): These were the first two female SOE agents to parachute into France. They left from RAF Tempsford on September 24, 1942.
- Flying Officer Gerald Cruwys: He received the Croix de Guerre award for his work with the French Resistance.
- Group Captain Edward 'Mouse' Fielden: He was the boss of RAF Tempsford from 1942 to 1944. He had also been a pilot for the Royal Family.
- Group Captain Percy Charles Pickard: He was a very brave leader of 161 Squadron. He received a special award for his leadership in March 1943.
- Violette Szabo GC: A very famous SOE agent, she flew her first mission into France from RAF Tempsford.
- Wing Commander F. F. E. Yeo-Thomas: Known as the "White Rabbit," he was dropped into France on February 27, 1943, from a plane that took off from Tempsford.
Images for kids
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A Westland Lysander plane, like those used to drop and pick up secret agents.
