Army Air Corps Middle Wallop

Middle Wallop Flying Station lies near the Hampshire village of Middle Wallop. It is a British Army airfield and the Headquarters for the Army Air Corps and the 1st Aviation Brigade Combat Team. The base also trains aircrew for the Army Air Corps after they complete basic training at RAF Shawbury. Two training regiments operate here, one handling ground training and the other training aircrew on Army Air Corps aircraft. The airfield has served under the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and the Army at different times. During the Second World War it became a key fighter station. No. 609 Squadron RAF and No. 238 Squadron RAF flew Spitfires and Hurricanes from Middle Wallop during the Battle of Britain. Among their pilots were John Dundas, Red Tobin, Andy Mamedoff and Shorty Keough. No. 604 Squadron RAF later flew Bristol Beaufighters equipped with four 20-mm cannon and improved radar to defend against night raids during the Blitz. The airfield’s two undulating runways made landings challenging for pilots of heavy fighters. Today the station remains an active Army airfield. Visitors can see the headquarters buildings and the hangars used by the Army Air Corps. The surrounding Hampshire countryside provides a quiet setting for the airfield. The station’s wartime history is still visible in its layout and buildings.