The history of the wartime airfield is quite interesting as the airfields history is brief. It was part of AOC 46 Group as the first aircraft landed on February 18th 1944. On Feb 24th 1944 the first Squadron arrived No.48 Squadron who flew Dakotas and towed Horsa gliders. Also No. 271 Squadron and No. 91 SP arrived during March 1944. Operation Tonga was ordered for the night of June 5/6. Seven Dakotas/Horsa combinations would take part in the night landings these were carrying 3rd Parachute Brigade HQ and first Canadian Parachute Battalion the frops went well and the Dakotas returned safely.
Casevac Dakota operations began on June 18th 1944 when 11 aircraft landed at airstrip B4 in Normandy. They loaded with casualties which the brought back to Down Ampney. During July HM Queen Mary came to see the tending of the wounded and inspected 271 Squadron.
Down Ampney also took part during the Arnham assault. On the September 19th whilst parachuting supplies into Arnham three aircraft were lost including that of Lieutenant S.A Lord and crew. Whos selfless act of courage under fire was posthumously awarded the VC.Down Ampney was closed on April 1946 when the last Dakotas left for Canada.
A plaque commenarting the airfield and the people who serverd there.
A Picture looking down what was the main runway towards Fairford.
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