Panshanger Aerodrome

The history of Panshanger Aerodrome

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This book is an illustrated history of Panshanger Aerodrome in Hertfordshire. Much smaller today than its heyday, it was originally 248 acres acquired by the Air Ministry in 1940. A decoy factory was constructed there to divert enemy bombers from the de Havilland facility at Hatfield, 6 miles south and the lands beside de Havilland were also used as a reserve landing ground, called Howell Hyde.

In 1941 the Elementary Flying School moved from Hatfield to Holwell Hyde and it continued expansion becoming RAF Panshanger in 1943. Army and airforce pilots were trained there as were Allied forces, i.e. Dutch Air Force and Turkish and Canadian military. De Havilland managed the London Aeroplane Club on the north site and the Reserve Flying School, and a gliding school was based there until 1955. In 1953 the aerodrome sold into private hands. It has since featured in many a television advert.