Heroic Hawkinge Traditional Cache

It is common knowledge that Dover has seen considerable wartime action and many historical battles. The well preserved castle and surrounding areas have been a key part of our defences over many centuries.  Most recent, during WW1 & WW11. 

Like Dover, Folkestone is very close to France and has also seen more than a fair share of battle.  The area rightly earned the name ‘Hellfire Corner’.  

A year after The Great War was declared the British War Office was seeking land in Kent for use as airfields. They had urgent need of suitable land, close to the Channel. Megone’s Field in Uphill, owned by Lord Radnor, was selected.  By 1915 the grassland had become runways.  Temporary hangars and tents were swiftly erected and the airfield was to be used as a ferrying station.  In 1917 permanent hangers were built and buildings erected. In 1923 it was known as RAF Hawkinge. Hawkinge was on the map and a new village began to grow as a result. No pretty village green or quaint cottages here.

In 1939 RAF Hawkinge became a training station. On 16th February 1940 it was handed over to fighter command. It was a perfect place, enabling the RAF to to cross the narrowest part of the Channel giving quick access into France and the rest of Europe.  From here they were able to quickly intercept aerial attacks and defend the coastline.  The airfield played a vital role during the famous Battle of Britain and was one of the busiest fighter command airfields during the Dunkirk operations. It became one of the most famous airfields of WW11. Although heavily attacked and bombed, it was never declared unoperational. The airfield was active from 1915 to 1958. The buildings were empty and soon became derelict. Sadly the MOD sold the land by auction in 1964. Locals enjoyed seeing it recreated for a brief spell when it was used in the making of the1969 film ‘The Battle of Britain.’

Houses cover the majority of the airfield and there is very little evidence left to show that it ever existed, other than a war memorial in ‘Aerodrome Road’. Some of the RAF accommodation was turned into Council Houses. Several local businesses and an excellent museum now occupy the few service buildings that remain.  A number of substantially built Officer’s houses in Elvington Lane have been private dwellings since the auction of 1964.  The Officer’s Mess building was turned into a Youth Adventure Centre for a short time in the late 1970’s. It has now been demolished after suffering from years of vandalism and decay.

Hawkinge now has town status whilst the original rural village of (Old) Hawkinge still remains in hiding a short distance away.

The cache has been hidden in one of the last remaining areas of the airfield as a reminder of the vital role it played in the survival of this country.

Please take care when seeking and hiding this cache. It is a quick cache and grab, but make sure that you do not park in the way of the frequent local bus service. The bus stop is close and there are often plenty of muggles about.  You will need to bring your own pen to sign the log.