Monument record 7103/1 - Lilbourne Airfield (WWI)

The site of the important First World War airfield at Lilbourne, near Rugby. At its height the airfield covered an area of between 150 to 200 acres and had various hangars and sheds. The airfield was used by various squadrons including 34 and 55 Squadrons which arrived at Lilbourne in June 1916. 55 Squadron stayed with its BE2s, Avro 504s and then DH4s before moving to France in 1917. 84 and 73 Squadrons were later based at Lilbourne and flew Sopwith Camels before moving on to France in 1918. In the later stages of the war Lilbourne was used for training units. The Midland Area Flying Instructors School formed at the airfield in July 1918. This used various aircraft including Avro 504s, DH9s and Snipes. The final training unit left Lilbourne in 1919 and the airfield was disposed of in the early 1920s.

{1} The field at Lilbourne was first used in the British Army manoeuvres in September 1913 being the main base for the 'White' army force's aeroplanes. Used as a grass surfaced airfield used from 1916-19. Airfield with hangars and workshops located on the west side of the A5 Watling Street and the administration and living quarters located a short distance to the north, on the east side of the A5. Used by Training and fighter squadrons and latterly by the Midland Area Flying Instructors' School. Whilst most stations re-opened in the 25 years following WW1, Lilbourne was the exception, as the General Post Office constructed a Wireless Telegraphy Station on the site. Airfield now occupied by radio masts.

{2} 'You may be interested to know that the hangers were moved to the BTH (GEC) site in Rugby, one of which still survives, with its Belfast Truss roof, complete, and in good condition. Part of the site, a farm, was sold some 5 years ago, the new owner setting fire to the remaining wooden billets, clearing the site for his Stud Farm. …. A visit to the churchyard in Clifton-on-Dunsmore may be worthwhile (the newer one on the road to the north of Clifton), as it contains the graves of several WW1 pilots. I have a friend who is currently writing a book on RAF Lilbourne. He has several interesting photographs …'

{3} From September 1913 the site was used for British Army manoeuvres, it being the main base for their aeroplanes. During 1916-19 it was used as a grass airfield which included hangars and workshops just to the west of Watling Street, while living and administration quarters were located to the north-east, close to the northern aspect of the site. It was also used during this period by Training and Fighter squadrons and later by the Midland Area Flying School.

{4} Just before the First World War (1913) a temporary airfield for training purposes was created within the north-eastern part of the study site. Initially this was little more than a field used for landing and taking off but subsequently hangers and workshops were built on the northern edge of the airfield. The site was known as Lilbourne Airfield because the accommodation and messing facilities lay east of the A5 within Lilbourne parish. The base closed in 1919 and the majority of buildings were demolished. However earthwork remains of the hangers and workshops are visible and two derelict structures are thought to be associated with this airfield.

<1> Gibson M.L., 1982, Aviation In Northamptonshire: An Illustrated History, p.266-267 (unchecked) (Book). SNN100276.

<2> HOWETT B., 1997, Correspondence, (unchecked) (Letter). SNN39640.

<3> Williams S., 2010, Night Owl Truck Stop, Watling Street, Rugby: Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment, p.6 (checked) (Report). SNN109621.

<4> Dicks S.; Morse D.; Chadwick P., 2011, Heritage Assessment: Rugby Sustainable Urban Extension, p.12 (checked) (Report). SNN109401.

<5> Delve, K, 2007, The Military Airfields of Britain. Wales and West Midlands: Cheshire, Hereford and Worcester, Northamptonshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Wales, p. 347-348 (Book). SNN112162.

Record last edited

Nov 2 2020 1:39PM