Reflections of RAF Warmwell - a book by Anthony Cooke.
Construction of RAF Woodsford in Dorset began in 1936 converting it from a Gunnery School. Renamed, RAF Warmwell, the station played an important part in the Battle of Britain, particularly in the defence of the Portland Naval Base. The revised version of "Reflections of RAF Warmwell" is now available with expanded sections, 3 new chapters and an additional enlarged section on the occupation of the base by the American Air Force. RAF Warmwell was renamed Station 454, USAAF Moreton until it was handed back to the RAF after D Day on 5th August 1944
The History of Dorset’s only RAF Fighter base during the Battle of Britain - with memories of those who served and those who lived in and around the base.
The aim of this website is to make the presence of this excellent publication known to as many people as possible. The book contains innumerable memories and reminiscences from people who were involved with and living near the Dorset RAF Warmwell Air Station.
Crossways is a new village on the Wareham side of Dorchester. The village, prior to the 1930's, was a small hamlet with a cluster of small farms and cottages.
The Air Ministry acquired the local heath and farmland to build an airfield. This was completed in 1937 and was known as RAF Woodsford although it was renamed RAF Warmwell a year later. It played an important part in World War 2 being a major fighter base during the Battle of Britain and offering fighter protection for Portland Naval Base and other important south coast areas.
In the years following the closure of the airfield in 1946 the runways and operational areas disappeared as a result of the extraction of valuable sand and gravel by various mineral companies.
MAIDEN NEWTON AT WAR 1940’s themed weekend. Maiden Newton is in West Dorset, England. We will be running a weekend of 1940’s themed events on Friday 20th, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June 2008.
There will be a sing along dance on the Friday evening with various activities during Saturday and Sunday including the official opening with the sounding of an Air Raid Siren, exhibitions of memorabilia, local and trade stalls, children’s games (1940s style), WWII Re-enactor group skirmish and battle each day, street party, radio plays and many more 1940’s attractions and events. Saturday evening we will be hosting an open air concert with AJ’s Swing Band.
We are encouraging our visitors to attend via public transport if possible, Maiden Newton is served by both bus and rail routes.
Cost for the weekend are £5.00 for the Friday evening dance. £5.00 adult and £3.00 child per day for the main event including the battle. £10.00 for the open air concert on the Saturday Evening.
For more information contact: andy_elliott@maidennewtonatwar.co.uk or visit our Web site www.maidennewtonatwar.co.uk
