Milfield (Woodbridge)

Location : 4 miles North West of Wooler
OS Ref : NT 946 330

Map showing where the Milfield Airfield was located. The landing ground was to the East of the World War Two development

Milfield was first used in 1917 as a 1st class night landing ground for the home defence aircraft of 77Sqn. This site was known as Woodbridge. Much later, in March 1941 approval was granted to develop this area into an airfield for operational training use. Milfield had opened within No.81 (Training) Group in early April 1942, but it wasn't until the August when 59OTU moved in from Crosby-on-Eden that the airfield had resident aircraft. Three runways made with a mix of concrete and wood chippings were laid - 06/24 1,100 x 50 yards, 35/17 1,400 x 50 yards and 29/11 1,100 x 50 yards in a typical 'A' layout. Fifty hard standing were laid off the perimeter track, 44 for single engine aircraft, 6 for twin. Hangarage was provided by two T2 and 8 Blister hangars. A decoy site was also established at Lowick, but its exact location has never been traced.

The airfield was home to training units throughout the entire time its was open. It closed in 1946, but most of its buildings and runways remained in good condition for a significant time after though non remain today. At present the airfield is host to the Borders Gliding Club, operating from small grass strips.


Milfield airfield in Summer 1948

Based units

Unit Arrived From Arrival Date Dept Date Departed To Aircraft
59OTU Crosby-on-Eden 05/08/1942 26/01/1944 (Absorbed to form the FLS) Hurricane, Typhoon, Auster, Battle, Martinet, Dominie, Tiger Moth
1SLAIS (Formed) 07/12/1942 26/01/1944 (Absorbed to form the FLS) Hurricane, Typhoon, Master
184Sqn (Det) Eastchurch 04/1943 05/1943 Eastchurch Hurricane IID
FLS Aston Down 26/01/1944 16/10/1944 (Absorbed into CFE, Wittering) Spitfire V, Typhoon, Hurricane IV
DFDW (Formed) (06/09/1944) 27/12/1944 Wittering Spitfire, Typhoon, Martinet, Proctor, Auster
56OTU (Reformed) 15/12/1944 14/02/1946 (Disbanded) Typhoon IB, Tempest V, Master II