Tangmere RAF Base: 1917-1970 - From 1917 until 1970 Tangmere changed its role to become a defence base for the South coast. It began by training RFC personnel, and then was intended to train American air force crews. The Americans did not arrive until September 1918 and the war ended in November. 25 men from Tangmere served in armed services – seven killed on active service.
In 1925 the station re-opened to serve the Fleet Air Arm, and went operational in 1926 with No 43 Squadron equipped with bi-plane Gloster Gamecocks. (There is now Gamecock Terrace by the Museum main entrance).
Mains electricity came to village - 1934
War clouds: 1935 - As war threatened in the thirties, the fighters became faster - Hawker Furies, Gloster Gladiators, and the Hawker Hurricanes powered by the famous Merlin engines. The RAF commandeered the majority of houses in the centre of the village – only six to eight families were allowed to stay.
Tangmere's only hotel and some homes were demolished to enlarge airfield.
War Service: Defence and attack - In August 1940 the first squadron of Spitfires (602) was based at the satellite airfield at Westhampnett, as the Battle of Britain began. Villagers had mainly been evacuated, with extensive ranges of RAF buildings covering the former farmland.
The Bombs Fall - The first and worst raid came on 16th August 1940 when 100 Junkers Stuka dive bombers and fighters crossed the coast and most headed for Tangmere. There was extensive damage to aircraft on the ground and buildings. 14 service people and six civilians were killed. The station was kept in service and brought back into full operation
As the RAF turned from defence to attack, the legendary Group Captain Douglas Bader – the legless fighter ace – commanded the Tangmere wing of Fighter Command. He was shot down and taken prisoner. Today he is commemorated in the Bader Arms, in Malcolm Road.
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