Headcorn Aerodrome

Headcorn Aerodrome also known as Lashenden, is the home of General Aviation (GA), in the South East of England . The airfield owner and operator the Freeman family, host a range of aeronautical activities including helicopters, parachuting, microlights, and radio controlled model aeroplanes not to mention the numerous aerobatics displays during the summer months

The aerodrome was first used for general aviation in 1927 when the local land owner flew from here with a group of friends. In 1942 it was requisitioned by the Airfields Board and prepared for operational service in support of the war effort.

On the 6th August 1943, 127 Wing Royal Canadian Air Force comprising of 403 and 421 Squadrons, flying Spitfire IXb's under the command of Wing Commander 'Johnny Johnson' moved to Headcorn from RAF Kenley. Their stay was short lived however, and they moved on at the end of the month when the airfield was passed over to the United States 9th Air Force for upgrading.

On the 15th April 1944 , the airfield was taken over by the 100th Fighter Wing 19th Tactical Air Command 9th Air Force using Shenley Hall as its headquarters. They called Headcorn aerodrome Lashenden and the aerodrome at Egerton Headcorn, which has led to much confusion for historians ever since. On the 17th April the operational aircraft arrived in the form of the 354th Fighter Group comprising of the 353rd, 355th and 356th Fighter Squadrons flying North American P51B Mustangs. The 354th Fighter Group flew bomber escort missions as far as the Polish border from Headcorn during their stay. The 354th Fighter Group left Headcorn on 18th June when they moved to Criqueville on the French coast.

At the end of the war the airfield was closed and handed back to the owners being initially used for agriculture. However, with the resurgence of interest in civil aviation in the 1950's the airfield was re-opened as a base for general aviation.