Whitchurch (Tilstock) Airfield

Whitchurch (Tilstock) Airfield, also known as RAF Tilstock, was a Royal Air Force (RAF) station located near Whitchurch and Tilstock in Shropshire, England, during the Second World War. It primarily served as a training airfield for bomber crews.

The airfield opened in 1942 and was initially used by No. 9 Flying Training School (FTS), training pilots and navigators for Bomber Command. Later, it became home to No. 11 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit (AFU). The AFU provided advanced flying training for pilots who had completed their initial training, preparing them for operational service.

The airfield consisted of three runways, various hangars, and support buildings, including accommodation for personnel. The main types of aircraft used at RAF Tilstock included the Airspeed Oxford, which was widely used for multi-engine training.

Following the end of the Second World War, RAF Tilstock was gradually decommissioned. It officially closed in 1946.

Today, the airfield site is largely agricultural land. Some remnants of the airfield's infrastructure, such as sections of the runways and some buildings, can still be observed. There is a memorial on the site to commemorate those who served at RAF Tilstock during the war. The site serves as a reminder of the vital role played by training airfields in preparing aircrew for combat during World War II.