Dates: 1937 - 2003 Opened in 1937, it saw the peak of its activity during the years of World War II, when it served within the defence network of fighter bases of the RAF providing protection for the Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, Humberside industrial regions. In September 1940 it became home to the first RAF "Eagle squadron" of American volunteers (71). It also hosted the first all-Canadian RAF Squadron (242) and the first all-Polish RAF Squadron (306). As technologies evolved, the first night fighter Operational Training Unit (54 OTU) was formed at Church Fenton in 1940 and stayed until 1942. Some of the squadrons stationed there flew the famous "Wooden Wonder", the De Havilland Mosquito. After the war it at first retained its role as a fighter base, being among the first to receive modern jet aircraft, namely the Gloster Meteor and the Hawker Hunter. In later years, its role was mainly flight training, from 1973 for a few years being home to the Royal Navy Elementary Flying Training School (RNEFTS) using the Jet Provost T3, and again 1979-1992, triggered by the introduction of the Panavia Tornado, being the first station to receive the new turboprop-powered Short Tucano T1 basic fast jet trainers. From 1998-2003 Church Fenton was the RAF’s main Elementary Flying Training airfield
Memories of RAF Church Fenton
RAF Church Fenton in 1960Written by Marilyn Cole Contact this person >>  "Does anyone have memories of RAF Church Fenton? The White Horse pub after church on Sundays? The local chippy (owned by the taxi driver, who would always make sure members of the WRAF got back safely to camp after an evening at the White Horse??. Secondly, does anyone remember Mars Murray and Brenda Howse; if so, would like to hear from them. Thirdly, does anyone remember the
go-karting club?" RAF Church Fenton in 1960Written by Pat Kurley(Paddy Whitehead) "I worked in the PBX as a telephonist along with Terri Docherty and Diana Ross and Margaret McCann. I have great memories of cycling round the country lanes. I remeber the go-cart club but didnt belong to it."
Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving RAF Church Fenton
" well it was certainly a quick way to mature into the real world.The DI in my little story earlier was Cpl. Jim Oakley. Do you remember him? I call him Jim as I met him again 5 years later at RAF Church Fenton where he was then a Sergeant Fireman. He really was quite human. "
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" Hi , Cpl Tony Ryder RAF Church Fenton ........Airmans Mess 1968/69 anyone remember me? Sorry can not remember you Norman Last edited by anthony ryder"
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" After initial training at RAF wilmslow,i was posted to,RAF weeton driving school,after about 8 weeks,i took my test and failed,i think i was unlucky,because i thought i did good enough to pass,but that,s life,in october i was sent to kirton-in lindsey,to train as a storeman,after passing,i was ..."
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"reunion at fenton soon hopefully. see raf church fenton group on facebook"
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"I was in RAF Church Fenton in the military police from1959-61 when I left on marriage to Ian Martin who was an aircraft techniciaN. I dont remember many people sadly, except for Lowri Jones (telephonist?) and Sylvia Theophilus who was also in the Police."
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