Flying at Sherburn can be traced to the pioneering period before the First World War. By 1918 the site was an Aircraft Acceptance Park associated with aircraft built in Leeds, including Blackburn production. In the inter-war period it supported club flying and even briefly served a Leeds-Paris air service.

During the Second World War Sherburn became exceptionally busy. It was used as a scatter field for aircraft associated with RAF Church Fenton and the Operational Training Unit at Catfoss. No. 7 Pool of the Air Transport Auxiliary was established here in November 1940; civilian ferry pilots, including many women, delivered aircraft between factories and service units.

Blackburn Aircraft repaired aircraft at Sherburn and built a major wartime factory after receiving the contract to produce the Fairey Swordfish. In roughly three years, 1,699 Swordfish were built at Sherburn, with the last delivered in August 1944. Components were supplied by numerous engineering firms, many in Leeds.

In June 1942 the Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment moved to Sherburn from Ringway. It tested gliders, parachuting, airborne equipment and methods of delivering vehicles and guns. The work required heavier aircraft and prompted construction of long concrete runways and large hangars. AFEE moved to Beaulieu in January 1945.

Our Address:
The Airfield,
New Lennerton Lane,
Leeds LS25 6JE

Telephone:
01484 705 258