RAF Ramsbury was a Royal Air Force (RAF) station located near the village of Ramsbury in Wiltshire, England.
Operational History
- Opening: The airfield was opened in 1942 as part of the RAF’s expansion for the Second World War.
- Primary Use: It was primarily used by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) as a transport and troop‑carrier base. The 61st Troop Carrier Group (61st TCG) was stationed there from October 1944 until the end of hostilities in Europe. The group operated Douglas C‑47 Skytrain aircraft and participated in airborne operations, including support for the D‑Day landings and subsequent supply missions.
- RAF Use: After the departure of the USAAF, the airfield returned to RAF control and was used for various transport and training duties until its final closure.
Key Units
- United States Army Air Forces, 61st Troop Carrier Group (October 1944 – May 1945)
- RAF Transport Command units (post‑May 1945)
Facilities
- The airfield comprised three concrete runways in a typical wartime “A” pattern, multiple dispersal hard‑stands, and ancillary support buildings including hangars, a control tower, and accommodation blocks.
Closure and Subsequent Use
- RAF Ramsbury was officially closed in 1946.
- The former airfield site has since been redeveloped for civilian purposes, most notably as an industrial estate and agricultural land. Few wartime structures remain.
Legacy
- RAF Ramsbury is documented in several official wartime records and historical works concerning RAF and USAAF operations in the United Kingdom. It is recognized for its role in supporting Allied airborne operations during the later stages of World War II.
