Photo credit Forgotten Airfields Norfolk John. The last of the large brick and earth revetments was bulldozed away a year or two ago.
R.A.F. Matlaske delightfully situated in The Middle Of Nowhere Norfolk. Excellent today, as then for Dog walking.
Originally planned with three grass runways. The longest 1600 yds, the other two approximately 1300 yds. Prone to water-logging and described by Pilot Officer Harry Shaw (56 Squadron Tempest pilot) as having "A heck of a slope on it!"
A very busy fighter airfield (satellite of Coltishall) throughout the war. At its peak 2,500 personnel were based here. Airmen and NCOs were billeted at nearby Barningham Hall, first in the house and later, when The Hall was occupied by Officers, in the grounds. When 56 Squadron arrived in August 1942 the Officers, Airmen and NCOs were billeted in Itteringham village, the Officers at Itteringham Mill astride the River Bure.
'Cocky Dundas' the CO was a great dog lover. Subsequent to his departure on November 10th 1942 the following entry was made in The Squadron Diary? ' 29 November 1942 Appointment of a new Mess Officer (F/L Sutton 1489TT Flight) An enormous improvement in orderliness and cleanliness was soon noted. It had been difficult to tell it from a kennel with untrained dogs running all over, leaving behind signs of their presence.'
My thanks to Janine Harrison for allowing me to quote from her excellent book about RAF Matlaske.
Last edited by OUAQUKGF Ops; 6th Sep 2019 at 16:34.