Lympne Airfield's Pivotal Role in World War II and D-Day
Since 1941, Lympne Airfield had been actively supporting efforts to take the war back across the Channel. This involvement intensified from 1942, with operations ranging from nuisance raids and escort sorties for bomber aircraft to supporting the Dieppe raid of that year.
Escalating Offensives and Tactical Raids
During 1943 and 1944, Ramrod and Rhubarb raids became favored methods for attacking mainland Europe. A Ramrod raid was an offensive operation where a small number of bombers were escorted by large numbers of fighters to lure German fighters into dogfights. In contrast, a Rhubarb raid targeted opportunities by day or night. It was clear that Lympne would play a significant part in the buildup and execution of D-Day when it arrived.
Arrival of Spitfire Squadrons and D-Day Preparations
On May 17, 1944, three squadrons equipped with Spitfire IX aircraft arrived at Lympne and immediately engaged in escorting bombers over western Europe and protecting shipping convoys. These squadrons were:
- 33 Squadron, formed at Filton, Bristol, in January 1916
- 74 Squadron, formed at Northolt, Middlesex, in July 1917
- 127 Squadron, formed in February 1918
In the lead-up to D-Day, 74 Squadron's Spitfires attacked Axis rail yards and escorted bombers targeting V1 launch sites, which would later send flying bombs over southeast England starting June 13.
The Historic Day: June 6, 1944
On June 5, Lympne was bustling with constant signals, setting the stage for an even busier day. June 6 saw all three squadrons in action, a day that would go down in history. 74 Squadron conducted convoy patrols from Dover to the Isle of Wight with twelve aircraft. Simultaneously, sixteen aircraft patrolled to protect CANNYMEDE off Dungeness, with eight on convoy escort duty for SHARK.
33 Squadron deployed eleven Spitfires to cover glider formations heading to the eastern beach area, likely Sword Beach west of Ouistreham. 127 Squadron had six aircraft on convoy patrols over CANNYMEDE, four scrambled over a convoy near Dover, and eighteen continuously patrolling SHARK. The tension and excitement were recorded as 'terrific,' as everyone realized D-Day had arrived.
Post-D-Day Movements and Legacy
All three squadrons operated under the control of the 2nd Tactical Air Force (TAF) and were part of Air Defence Great Britain (ADGB), with officials frequently visiting Lympne during this period. They left Lympne for Tangmere on July 3 as the Battle of Normandy continued.
Subsequently, 33 Squadron transferred to France in October and re-equipped with Hawker Tempests in December. 74 Squadron moved to Sommervieu, France, in August, supporting the Allied advance through France, Belgium, and the Netherlands in a fighter-bomber role. 127 Squadron also moved to France in August, aiding ground forces through France, Belgium, and into Germany.
Lympne Airfield had fulfilled its role in the largest sea and airborne invasion in history, serving as a small but crucial component in a massive machine, an effort unlikely to be seen again.
Upcoming Society Meeting
The Lympne Airfield History Society's next meeting is scheduled for May 5. Paul Ross from the Silver City Association will deliver a talk titled 'The Silver City Story,' focusing on the car-carrying airline that operated from Lympne and Lydd airports from 1948 to 1954. Meetings are held on Tuesdays at Lympne church, with doors opening at 6:30 PM and entry priced at £3. For additional details, contact 07508 708725 or email johnsimpson43@btinternet.com.
