RAF Windrush

RAF Windrush was a Royal Air Force station near Windrush, Gloucestershire. It was opened in 1940 and closed on 12th July 1945. Initially it was a Relief Landing Ground for RAF Chipping Norton, later coming under the control of RAF Little Rissington.
The airfield consisted of two Sommerfeld Tracking runways, a concrete perimeter track, 1 T1 building and 8 Blister Hangars. Most of this infrastructure was added in 1942. Some of the original buildings remain in situ though the site has been returned to agricultural use. The control tower has been preserved.
A memorial at the church in Windrush village describes Sgt Pilot Bruce Hancock RAFVR who died on 18th August 1940 when downing a German Heinkel bomber by ramming it with his unarmed training Avro Anson aircraft.
Following closure in 1945 the airfield remained active with a local flying club and for parachuting until 1997.
Sgt Pilot Bruce Hancock R.A.F.V.R was 26 years-old when he took off from RAF Windrush. It was dark and he was practising night flying in his Avro Anson training aircraft. Sgt Pilot Hancock had almost finished his training at RAF Little Rissington and was about to go on leave.

He was spotted by an enemy aircraft and chased by the Heinkel. The gunner opened fire and Sgt Hancock could not fire back as his plane carried no armoury. He decided his only option was a drastic one and promptly rammed the Heinkel's underside.

Both aircraft fell to the ground in flames and all crew from both aircraft were killed.

The German crew were buried at Northleach Church with full military honours, including the last post and a fly past. Sgt Pilot Bruce Hancock was buried at Hendon.

[neilfoster]

Funnily enough, the first time I ever heard "Fanfare for the common man" by Emmerson, Lake & Palmer, I was on an RAF station (RAF West Raynham in Norfolk) back in 1977. Hearing it always reminds me of that happy time.

[Reuben-wlwz]

I am not sure you are allowed to be doing that