RAF LITTLE SNORING

RAF Little Snoring was opened in July 1943 and although it was originally intended as a satellite for RAF Foulsham, within a month it achieved full station status within No. 3 Group of Bomber Command. The first Mk II Lancasters of 115 Sqdn. arrived on August 6th and rapidly became operational, however by November Little Snoring passed into 100 Group and the Lancasters disappeared. They were replaced by the Defiants and Beaufighters of 515 Sqdn. and the Mosquitoes of 169 Sqdn.

515 Sqdn. was re-equipped with Mosquitoes and both squadrons continued to be involved in day and night intruder missions and escort duties. For a short spell, a USAF detachment equipped with Mustangs and Lightnings was based at Little Snoring to work with the RAF squadrons on night fighting operations. During this same time there was a considerable amount of testing work with early AI radar systems. In 1944 23 Sqdn arrived with Mosquitoes to replace 169 and together with 515 Sqdn continued to fly day and night intruder raids. The AI radar was proving particularly successful and both squadrons achieved a significant number of kills.

The last missions were flown on 3 & 4 May 1945, both squadrons were disbanded soon afterwards and operational flying ceased in September that year. A certain amount of RAF activity continued up until 1958 but since that time the airfield has been used by the McAully Flying Group

A role of of honour dedicated to the airmen who lost their lives while serving at RAF Little Snoring can be found in the village church at the western end of the airfield.

The original control tower is still standing and runway layout, peri-tracks and dispersal points are clearly visible. The main runway in use today is part of 07/25