Holmsley South as it
was in 1960,14 years after closure(MoD
Holmsley South - a recent aerial view
HOLMSLEY SOUTH(Plain Heath) was built during the summer of 1942,opening
for flying in September whilst unfinished.The first users were RAF Coastal
Command(until 12/43) after which control of the airfield passed to 2 TAF.In
October 1944 Transport Command took over and continued as the main user untill
the airfield closed in October 1946.On several occasions during the following
years,aircraft landed at Holmsley in error ,thinking they were at
Hurn.Eventually ,in the 60s,the runways were removed ,the land returning to
forest/heathland
Handley Page
Halifax
In August 2002 a memorial was unveiled at Holmsley commemorating the twelve wartime airfields of the New Forest.The memorial is located at the western end of the field to the north of the 07 runway.
The picture above was kindly provided by Chris and Caroline Hayles.
The two pictures above were kindly provided by John Elcome.
Flying Units - RAF
58 Sq Whitley VII /Halifax II arr 2/12/42,dep31/3/43
58 Sq Halifax II arr29/6/43, dep 6/12/43
129 Sq Mustang III arr 22/6/44 ,dep 24/6/44
167 Sq WarwickI/III arr 1/10/44,dep30/3/45.
174 Sq Typhoon IB arr 1/4/44,dep 17/6/44
175 Sq Typhoon IB arr 1/4/44 ,dep 20/6/44
182 Sq Typhoon UB arr 22/6/44,dep 3/7/44.
184 Sq Typhoon IB arr 14/5/44,dep 20/5/44.
184 Sq Typhoon IB arr17/6/44,dep 27/6/44
232 Sq Liberator VII arr 2/45
245 Sq Typhoon IB arr 1/4/44,dep 25/4/44.
245 Sq Typhoon IB arr 30/4/44,dep 12/5/44
245 Sq Typhoon IB arr 22/5/44,dep 27/6/44
246 Sq York C1 arr12/44,dep 15/10/46
295 Sq Halifax V arr 1/5/43,dep 30/6/43
306(Polish) Sq Mustang III arr 22/6/44,dep 27/6/44
315(Polish) Sq Mustang III arr 22/6/44,dep 25/6/44
