The land for RAF Defford was requisitioned from the Earl of Coventry's Croome Court estate in 1940. Originally the airfield was a satellite to 230 Operational Training unit at nearby RAF Pershore but in 1942 became home to the Telecommunications Flying Unit, a specialist unit tasked with carrying out flight trials for Telecommunications research Establishment at Malvern. The Radar development and trials work carried out at Defford was of immense national importance and operational significance, making a vital contribution to the Allied war effort. By the end of the war some 25000 servicemen and women were based at Defford and more than 100 aircraft operating in top secret trials. These trials included air interdiction radio direction Finding for night fighters, blind landing systems and terrain following radar.
The Defford Airfield History Group was set up in 2010 and has built an interesting museum housed in original airfield buildings within the National Trust property of Croome Court.
For current visiting hours, please contact the museum.
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