RAF Kingsnorth (World War II)

RAF Kingsnorth was a Royal Air Force (RAF) station located near Ashford, Kent, England, during the Second World War. Primarily active during the Battle of Britain and subsequent periods, its main function was to serve as an advanced landing ground (ALG) and dispersal airfield. This meant it provided a forward operating base for fighter squadrons tasked with intercepting enemy aircraft attacking southern England and the Channel coast.

Kingsnorth lacked permanent runways; instead, aircraft operated from grass strips. This necessitated good weather conditions for effective operation. The airfield also included dispersed hardstandings for aircraft, allowing squadrons to spread out and reduce vulnerability to air attack.

While not a major RAF station with permanent resident squadrons, Kingsnorth played a vital role in the air defence network. Fighter squadrons, typically from nearby airfields like RAF Hawkinge and RAF Lympne, would rotate through Kingsnorth for short periods, providing a continuous presence in the area. This allowed them to respond quickly to incoming raids and patrol the skies over Kent.

The airfield's location was strategically important, enabling rapid interception of Luftwaffe aircraft approaching from across the English Channel. The squadrons stationed at or utilizing Kingsnorth played a significant part in the air battles of 1940-1941.

Following the end of the war, RAF Kingsnorth was decommissioned and returned to agricultural use. Little remains of the original airfield today, although its historical significance as a vital component of Britain's air defence during World War II is recognized. The site serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the RAF and the importance of air power in securing the country's freedom.