RAF Atherstone on Stour

Description of this historic site

RAF Atherstone on Stour, a Second World War bomber airfield with three runways. It opened in 1941 and closed in 1945. The airfield was situated to the north east of Atherstone on Stour.

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Notes about this historic site

1 A three runway bomber airfield, with extra facilities for use by fighter aircraft, opened 12 July 1941. From July 1941 to Sept 1942 was a satellite to RAF Wellesbourne Mountford. From Sept 1942 to March 1944 was a satellite to RAF Pershore. From March 1944 was returned to RAF Wellesbourne Mountford. Closed 1945. Remaining facilities include: 1 type T1 hanger (SP 21 51); 1 control tower (SP 21 51); 1 signal square (SP 21 51); 1 battle HQ (SP 21 52); 2 pillboxes (SP 21 52 and SP 21 51); 1 blast shelter (SP 21 51); 1 shelter (SP 21 52); 1 range (SP 22 51).
2 Report of a student project investigating the changing land use of all RAF airfields in the modern County of Warwickshire.
3 Airfield plan of 1942.
4 Vertical air photograph of airfield.
5 Note, 1 page.
6 Opened in April 1941 (contra 1), on land recquisitioned from the Alscot Park estate. It was provided with the standard features of a bomber airfield – three concrete runways, although one was uniquely completed in half tarmac/half concrete (presumably for experimental purposes), 23 hardstandings, a perimeter track, two large hangars (B1 and T1 types), control tower, fuel storage tanks, a water tower, a bomb dump, shelters and defence emplacements etc. It was originally known as RAF Atherstone but not long after opening was renamed Stratford-upon-Avon (presumably on account of consuion with Atherstone in North Warwickshire). Detailed information.