TM0784 : RAF Fersfield - Site 4
taken 10 years ago, near to Fersfield, Norfolk, England
Initially the aerodrome was known as RAF Winfarthing (USAAF Station 140) but was later designated RAF Fersfield (Station 554). Unlike the other WW2 airfields used by the US Army Air Force, very little is known about RAF Fersfield, perhaps because it played a very important and secret role.
From July 1944 until January 1945, about 25 aircraft were assigned to the 562nd Bombardment Squadron of the 388th Bomb Group (Heavy) for flying secret missions code-named "Aphrodite", involving the use of remote-controlled aircraft against the German V-1 and V-2 weapons sites, submarine pens and other fortifications. Due to continuous problems with malfunctioning or out of control aircraft and accidents, some fatal, the operation was however abandoned after 19 missions.
The RAF No 2 Group then used the airfield as a training centre for aircrew and for one of its own secret operations: Operation Carthage.
The field was closed to flying in 1946 and after a brief spell in the early 1950s as a motor racing circuit it reverted to agriculture. Only the perimeter track remains on the airfield proper but a number of buildings have survived on some of its dispersed campsites.
See also: Link