Exeter Skypark Devon RGF Clearance and Landscaping - Historic Building Record

Wessex Archaeology

Exeter RAF Station, during World War Two, saw action from the early years of the war and the threat of German invasion, to the preparation and transport of airborne troops on D-Day and beyond to the Japanese theatre. A study of existing archive and historical material, including aerial photographs from the 1940’s, and after, has assisted in creating a detailed understanding of the surviving structures at Exeter. This, together with an accurate GPS survey of the structures, as well as high resolution digital photographs, has also created a lasting record of the remains prior to their demolition.

Historical images have shown the development of the airfield during the war and, in particular, how the buildings worked in relation to one another. The standard dispersal pattern of fighter aircraft relates directly with the defensive structures for a fighter base of the time. Important research work was also carried out at Exeter by the Gunnery Research Unit (GRU). This included important development of a gyroscopic gun-sight for heavy bombers. By 1944 the airfield was occupied by the American Air force who prepared the runways and perimeter track with ‘looped’ hard-standings in preparation for the arrival of the transport aircraft carrying paratroops to northern France. It is understood that at least one of the surviving structures from this time, a twin-engined fighter pen, complete with earthen embankments, hard-standing and shelters will be preserved as a memorial to those who served at Exeter throughout the war. It is also hoped that this record of the other buildings and structures serves also to inform those interested in Exeter Airport’s history.