Dates: 1917 - 1971
At the end of WWI, the site became RAF Old Sarum3, with almost exclusive use in pilot training.
Old Sarum Airfield - situated two miles to the North-East of Salisbury, Wiltshire, off the A345 on the road to Winterbourne Gunner, and in continuous use since 1917 - is one of the oldest operational airfields in the United Kingdom.
In 1920, Old Sarum became home to the RAF’s School of Army Co-operation, started to develop RAF and Army skills in airborne artillery spotting and tactical reconnaissance. By 1924, the school received an attachment of three Squadrons, and it was during this period that the full potential of the Air Observation Post (AOP) was appreciated.
At the outbreak of WWII, Old Sarum provided a home to No 1 and No 2 Schools of Army Cooperation4, and by 1940 a squadron of Lysanders from the Royal Canadian Air Force joined them. During the invasion scares of that year aircraft from these units completed anti-invasion patrols along the South Coast.
The Royal Air Force station closed in 1971, but general aviation aircraft continued to fly from the airfield, alongside Army Flying which resumed a presence there.
Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving RAF Old Sarum
" Would like to re-establish contact with BRIAN FURNESS, late of RAF OLD SARUM c.1959, last heard of in Crich, Derbyshire in May 2003. Having expressed an interest in my autobiography, ’I’ll take you where the music’s playing’, my e-mails have all been returned by the ISP ..."
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" I remember someone who had served at Old Sarum posting a request for info on how to obtain a colour photo of the RAF Old Sarum Station Badge Sadly, I can’t remember who it was and indeed if it was on forces re-united or another ex service organisationIf it was anyone on this site, please send me a message as I have received info from the RAF Historical Branch "
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