Hendon Aerodrome was an aerodrome in Hendon, north London, England and between 1908 and 1968 was an important centre for aviation.

It was situated in Colindale, seven miles (11.3 km) north west of Charing Cross. It nearly became "the Charing Cross of the UK’s international air routes", but for the actions of RAF after the First World War. It was famous as a place of pioneering experiments which included the first airmail, the first parachute descent from a powered aircraft, the first night flights, and the first aerial defence of a city.
Hendon Aerodrome was under pressure even before the war, with the possibility that RAF Hendon would become a target for enemy bombing raids. After the war the base was increasingly unsuitable, particularly because the runways were too short, and the close proximity of suburban houses made matters worse. The RAF argued the military importance of the complex into the 1950s in case future developments in aviation technology might render the base suitable again, but eventually Hendon Borough Council and the London County Council were able to argue that houses were needed more than the aerodrome. The last flying unit, the Metropolitan Communications Squadron, left Hendon in 1957. Late in 1968 a Blackburn Beverley, flown in to be an exhibit at the new RAF Museum, was the last aircraft to land in Hendon. The RAF base finally closed altogether in 1987. The area of the aerodrome is now the site of the Grahame Park Housing Estate, and Hendon Police College. The RAF Museum now situated on the site.

Memories of RAF Hendon

RAF Hendon. in 1956
Written by Mike Foxton
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"Off-duty times in "the smoke" Going with pals to West End.Is there still a Union Jack & Picadilly Club?Seeing pics like Rock Around the Clock,Rebel Without a Cause & Bridge over the River Kwai at Odeon Edgeware Road thengoing to Maria’s for supper before walking back to camp. By far the best posting of my 5 yrs service.Still in touch with pals I made 55 years ago.Happy Days."

Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving RAF Hendon

" Hi, I decided to ’join up’ here and see who is about.... I am an ex brat 44th entry RAF Cosford (1961-1963)as a Teleg. then moved into the real world for my first posting to RAF Stanbridge, then RAF Akrotiri/MOD London/RAF Bahrein/RAF Hendon/then got remustered to an ROT and posted ..."

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" The following units have been accepted for inclusion in the menus since our last note on 5 April. Air Corps Flight Air Navigation School, Winnipeg, Canada Air Traffic Control Centre RAF Barnwood Army Apprentices School Chepstow * Depot Queens Division Bassingbourne Barracks Engineer Stores ..."

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" Hi I’m a new member and a little out of my depth here. I joined in an attempt to trace information on my Gt Uncle whom I think served at RAF Hendon in 1939/40. His name was Charles Robert Clegg and he was a master in electronics. Would anybody have information on who was based at Hendon during this period? RegardsClaire "

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" I knew Carole at RAF El-Adem when my father was stationed there in 1960.  Wg Cdr Mills was posted to RAF High Wycombe and thereafter to RAF Hendon.  I heard through the grapevine that Carole had married a navigator. If you contact Carole, please advise, thank you. Kind regards Roger Mewis "

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"I was posted there in May 1968, loved my time there, lived in Sgts Mess at RAF Hendon, tubed there and back, great stuff, recently, via this site, discoverd another collegue who was there same time as me, we chat via email now. As you say ’cushy’ Did you know that Bob Monkhouse did his National Service at CME, as a clerk not a medic? "

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