DEBDEN
Debden aerodrome was constructed during between 1935-36 and was the only airfield that was originally constructed as a fighter aerodrome during the RAF's reconstruction period, although as years progressed it did have a varied existence. Although located in 11 Group near Bishops Stortford, it is not also very far from Duxford and the 12 Group boundary, although Debden did in fact come under the operations of 12 Group for a short time until it became firmly cemented under the juristriction of 11 Group. When opened in April 1937, the airfield was all grass covered, with three large "C" type hangars on the eastern side which at the time would accommodate the functions of three squadrons. Closeby was the administrative buildings and barracks.
The first squadrons to use Debden were 73, 80 and 87 Squadrons all were flying Gloster Gladiators. First use meant that these squadrons undertook normal flying training, but fighter combat tactics were not taken seriously until towards the end of 1938 when the possibility of a European war may become a reality. When war did break out on September 3rd 1939, the squadrons stationed there were 85 and 87 Squadrons who had now been equipped with Hurricanes. 29 squadron was formed and flying Blenheims for the purpose of night operations was also based at Debden. But the status of Debden's strength was depleted after eight days when both 85 and 87 Squadrons were posted to France, to be replaced by 17 and 504 squadrons but 504 squadron had barely time to settle in when they too were sent to France.
During the 'Phoney War' period, advantage was taken of the conditions, and two concrete intersecting runways were constructed. More buildings were constructed as well as the completion of many incomplete structures. Debden, at the time was one of the most advanced of the fighter stations with modern design and planning. With the aerodrome left practically devoid of squadrons during the 'Phoney' period as all squadrons were undertaking operations in France, it was not until the opening phase of the Battle of Britain that squadrons once again became permanent at Debden. These were 17 and 85 squadrons. 504 squadron did come back briefly but was posted to Wick and 29 Squadron to Digby. On July 10th 1940, Debden received its first raid. A single Do17 dropped 20 plus HE bombs which although fell within the aerodrome boundary did no serious damage.
Although Debden and its satellite Castle Camps, and close aerodromes of Martlesham and Wattisham were kept busy during July and the early part of August, most of their patrols were along the East Anglian coast with a number of excursions to the Thames Estuary and Channel ports to assist the more southern squadrons. Throughout this period, Debden maintained only 17 and 85 Squadrons. When the Luftwaffe commenced its attacks on RAF airfields in mid August, Debden was reinforced by 257 Squadron followed four days later by 111 and 601 Squadrons replacing 17 and 85 squadrons that had been posted further south. The first raid on Debden of any significance was on August 26th 1940 when Fighter Command were following the course of a German formation, only to lose contact between Chelmsford and Colchester. Then suddenly over 100 HE and incendiary bombs rained down on Debden aerodrome. The airmen's quarters, NAAFI and the sergeants mess all scored direct hits, the WAAF quarters, motor transport section and equipment buildings were all seriously damaged. Five personal were killed instantly when their trench received a direct hit and both power and water mains were fractured.
Another raid on August 31st was just as bad as the first, and again the sergeants mess and NAAFI were badly damaged. One of the hangars was hit as well as the sick bay and a number of smaller buildings. Three people were killed and twelve were injured in the raid. After this, temporary measures were taken in relocating the operations room at a clay pit until a grammar school at Saffron Walden was acquired. Other attacks were made on the aerodrome, but none causing much damage. From September most of these attacks were during night bombing operations.
Debden continued throughout the war as a fighter station, but played an important role in night fighter operations. It was also base for the all new 71 'Eagle' Squadron followed by 121 and 122 which was to form the 4th U.S. Fighter Group. After the war the aerodrome was retained by the RAF both as a signals division then a Technical College, but in 1975 saw the RAF hand the station over to the Army where it became Carver Barracks.