WW2 Aerodrome Recreation - Dunsfold

 

Peter Smith, Son of Odd Bod George Smith, has taken on a project to recreate the WW2 Dunsfold Aerodrome in model form, and it is progressing well, although he has struck a few hurdles along the way.

Dunsfold was located a few miles south-east of Guildford in Surrey. It was built as a Class A Bomber Airfield in the 1940's and accommodated three squadrons during WW2 operating B25 Mitchell Bombers - 180 Squadron (George Smith's squadron), 98 Squadron, 320 Squadron.

The Aerodrome had a number of buildings including the Watch Office (these were later called Control Towers), an underground Battle Headquarters, various aircraft hangars, machine shops, and accomodation facilities. 

Watch Office with newly installed top level 1952

Watch Office model ready for paint.

The hurdles came about because of war time restrictions on taking photographs, the practice of camouflaging facilities, and post war modifications. The aerodrome continued in operation after the war, notably used by Hawker Siddeley (later to become British Aerospace) including development of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier, the first VTOL (vertical take off and landing) jet fighter bomber.

Dunsfold Battle Headquarters - underground.

Dunsfold Battle Headquarters internal.

Peter has exhaustively researched early photos and descriptions in an attempt to find out exactly how the aerodrome would have looked when his father served there. Simple things like the colour of the Watch Office have yet to be confirmed. It is unlikely it would have been painted white as post war photographs show.

More than 15 facilities have been constructed so far and we have featured three in this article. Peter might need a bigger dining table as he progresses his project.

Aircrew Tent Accomodation