RAF Bicester, Buckinghamshire Travel Guide

Origins and Early Development of RAF Bicester

RAF Bicester began as a Royal Flying Corps training airfield in 1916, officially opening in 1917. Initially equipped with canvas hangars and hosting units like the 118 Squadron with Bristol Fighters, it served primarily as a training depot. After a brief closure in 1920, the airfield was earmarked in 1925 for redevelopment as a bomber station under the Air Defence of Great Britain strategy, reflecting the RAF’s growing focus on offensive deterrence. This redevelopment included the construction of permanent hangars, workshops, and a control tower, establishing Bicester as a key part of the RAF’s interwar expansion.

Strategic Role During World War II

During the Second World War, RAF Bicester was a vital Operational Training Unit (OTU), preparing bomber crews from Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It hosted squadrons flying aircraft such as Bristol Blenheims, Supermarine Spitfires, and the first prototype of the Handley Page Halifax, which made its maiden flight here in 1939. The airfield’s grass flying field and 1939 boundaries remain largely intact, surrounded by bomb stores and defensive structures like pillboxes and trenches. Bicester’s role was crucial in forming and training complete bomber crews, contributing significantly to RAF Bomber Command’s efforts.

Architectural and Historic Significance

RAF Bicester is recognized as the best-preserved bomber base from the interwar period in the UK. Its layout and surviving buildings, including Type ‘A’ hangars, bomb stores, and airfield defenses, exemplify the RAF’s strategic development during the 1920s and 1930s. The site reflects the military and political pressures of the era, showcasing the philosophy of offensive deterrence championed by Sir Hugh Trenchard, the RAF’s first Chief of Staff. The airfield’s conservation has been supported by Historic England, with restoration efforts preserving its unique military landscape and architectural heritage.

Postwar Transition and Modern Use

Following its military use, RAF Bicester closed as an active airbase in 2004. Since 2013, the site has been transformed into Bicester Heritage, the UK’s first business campus dedicated to historic motoring and aviation specialists. This innovative reuse preserves over 70% of the original buildings and fosters a community of craftsmen and experts working on vintage aircraft and vehicles. The site also serves as a cultural and educational hub, promoting the preservation of aviation and automotive heritage while supporting apprenticeships and local skills development.

Visitor Experience and Atmosphere

Visitors to RAF Bicester encounter a remarkable time capsule of military aviation history set in a tranquil rural landscape. The expansive grass airfield, historic hangars, and defensive structures create a unique atmosphere of heritage and innovation. The site blends the solemnity of its wartime past with the vibrant energy of ongoing restoration and specialist craftsmanship, offering a compelling experience for history enthusiasts, aviation buffs, and those interested in heritage conservation.

Legacy and Continuing Importance

RAF Bicester stands as a testament to the RAF’s evolution as the world’s first independent air force and its strategic emphasis on bomber command. Its preservation as a Scheduled Monument ensures that this critical chapter of military and aviation history remains accessible. The ongoing work at Bicester Heritage not only honors the past but also secures the future of historic aviation and motoring skills, making RAF Bicester a living monument to British engineering excellence and military heritage.