RAF Exeter - A wartime history

15/10/2026

On This Day in History at RAF Exeter

On the morning of 15 October 1944, an important new tradition began at RAF Exeter. The Operations Record Book notes:

"The first of a series of Voluntary Church Services was held in the Station Church from 0830 to 0900 hours. The first working parade on Sundays now starts at 0915 hours, so that all desiring to go to church may do so."

At first glance this may seem a routine administrative change, but it represents something much deeper. As the war entered its final year, RAF Exeter paused to recognise the spiritual needs of the men and women serving on the station. By delaying the Sunday working parade until 0915 hours, personnel were given the opportunity to attend worship voluntarily before beginning their duties.

This small adjustment reflected a thoughtful balance between military discipline and personal faith. In an environment often dominated by operational demands, aircraft movements and wartime pressures, RAF Exeter's leadership ensured that those wishing to attend church could do so without conflict with their service responsibilities.

Today, more than eighty years later, this brief ORB entry serves as a reminder that behind every aircraft, every sortie and every official record were individuals seeking moments of reflection, community and comfort during uncertain times.

15 October 1944 marks the beginning of organised voluntary Sunday worship at RAF Exeter, a quiet but meaningful milestone in the station's wartime story.

Image is an oil painting by Trevor Sharpe and is credited as so.

11/10/2026

ON THIS DAY AT RAF EXETER

11 October 1941

A small but fascinating entry in the RAF Exeter Operations Record Book highlights the station's role within the local community during the Second World War.

On 11 October 1941, a signal was received from the Air Ministry requesting that the Station Commander give a formal vote of thanks to the Mayor of Exeter at the opening of an RAF Photographic Exhibition scheduled for 17 October. The signal also requested that RAF Exeter provide a Guard of Honour for the occasion.

While RAF Exeter is often remembered for its operational role during the Battle of Britain and the air defence of the South West, entries such as this remind us that the station was also closely connected to civic life in Exeter. Public exhibitions like these helped maintain morale, strengthen links between the Royal Air Force and local communities, and offered civilians an opportunity to see aspects of wartime RAF service and operations.

A brief administrative note in the ORB, perhaps, but one that provides a glimpse into the relationship between RAF Exeter and the city it served.

Source: RAF Exeter Operations Record Book, 11 October 1941.

Image is credited to the original copyright owner.

10/10/2026

A Special Unveiling at Exmouth Museum.

This morning we were honoured to attend the unveiling of a highly detailed model of a Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-1 at Exmouth Museum.
Created by our good friend Dom Pound, this authentic and meticulously researched model has been generously gifted to the museum and now forms part of its ongoing Battle of Britain display. The unveiling ceremony was once again conducted by local Vicar David Arnott, whose contribution added dignity and reflection to the occasion.
A minute's silence was observed before Dom shared the fascinating story behind the aircraft and its pilot.
The model represents the aircraft flown by Feldwebel Ernst Arnold, who was shot down during combat over London by New Zealand Flying Officer B. F. G. Carbury of 603 Squadron. Arnold was forced to land near Faversham and would remain a prisoner of war for the rest of the conflict.
The aircraft also has a remarkable connection with the City of Exeter. Following its capture, it was transported to Exeter and placed on public display to help raise funds for the Lord Mayor's Spitfire Fund. Through exhibitions such as this, communities across Britain supported the vital effort to finance the production of new fighter aircraft during the war.
The addition of this superb model ensures that both the story of the aircraft and its unique Exeter connection will continue to be shared with future generations. Our thanks go to Dom Pound for his outstanding craftsmanship and generosity in donating the model to the museum.

Lest We Forget.

09/10/2026

On This Day at RAF Exeter

9 October 1944

On this day in 1944, RAF Exeter welcomed a distinguished visitor, Major General Roy Urquhart, commander of the British 1st Airborne Division.

Born Robert Elliott Urquhart in Shepperton, Middlesex, on 28 November 1901, he would become one of the most respected British commanders of the Second World War. Urquhart is best remembered for leading the 1st Airborne Division during Operation Market Garden and the epic Battle of Arnhem in September 1944.

Despite overwhelming odds, fierce resistance, and the eventual withdrawal of surviving troops across the Rhine during Operation Berlin, Urquhart's leadership and determination earned the respect and admiration of the airborne soldiers under his command.

His visit to RAF Exeter on 9 October 1944 came at a significant moment in the war, just weeks after the conclusion of the Arnhem operation. The airfield was playing an important role in Allied preparations and operations across the Channel as the liberation of Europe continued.

Today we remember Major General Roy Urquhart, a soldier whose name remains forever linked with the courage, sacrifice and endurance of the British airborne forces.

Lest We Forget.

Information of this special visit has been sourced from the RAF Exeter Operations Book (ORB)

Image is credited to the original copyright owner.

08/10/2026

On This Day at RAF Exeter

8 October 1943

The RAF Exeter Operations Record Book records an unusual occurrence on this day when fifteen Boston aircraft landed at Exeter for refuelling. Apart from two aircraft deemed unserviceable, all later departed and returned to their home base.

Original source RAF Exeter Operations Book (ORB) 8 October 1943.

Image is credited to the original copyright owner.

www.rafexeter.co.uk

06/10/2026

On This Day at RAF Exeter

6 October 1941

At 20:35 the aerodrome sirens sounded, warning personnel of an approaching enemy aircraft. Shortly afterwards, a lone German aircraft passed over the airfield, firing machine-gun bursts as it crossed the area. No bombs were dropped and it was thought the pilot may have been expending remaining am******on before making a rapid return flight across the Channel. The all-clear was given at 20:55.

Sourced from the RAF Exeter Operations Record Book (ORB).

06/10/2026

A big thank you to the ladies of Pennsylvania WI for making me so welcome at Holy Trinity Church, Beacon Heath, Exeter, last night. It was my first visit to the group and I thoroughly enjoyed sharing the story of RAF Exeter and discussing its fascinating history.

The warm welcome, great company, and lovely cup of tea were all very much appreciated. It was a pleasure to spend the evening with such an interested and enthusiastic audience.

I am delighted to say that I shall be returning next year and already look forward to seeing everyone again.

Thank you for a wonderful evening.

Lest We Forget.

Become a WI Member or WI Supporter, start your own WI or leave a legacy to support the work of the WI for generations to come.

05/10/2026

THE SEA SHALL NOT HAVE THEM

During the Battle of Britain and throughout the Second World War, thousands of Allied airmen faced a peril beyond enemy action: the cold, unforgiving waters surrounding our islands.

Standing between life and death were the dedicated crews of the RAF Air Sea Rescue Service.

Day and night, often in appalling weather and under enemy attack, rescue launch crews raced out into dangerous seas to search for downed airmen. Their mission was simple yet profound: to bring them home.

Their motto remains one of the most powerful in RAF history:

"The Sea Shall Not Have Them."

These courageous men were not seeking glory or victory in combat. Their role was to save lives, offering hope to those clinging to a dinghy in the Channel, North Sea, or Atlantic waters.

Many airmen owed their survival to the skill, determination, and bravery of these often-overlooked heroes.

Today, we remember and honour the RAF Air Sea Rescue crews whose unwavering commitment embodied the finest traditions of service, courage, and humanity.

"The Sea Shall Not Have Them".

This image is credited to the original copyright owner.

www.rafexeter.co.uk

04/10/2026

Unsung Heroes of RAF Exeter: The Ground Crews

When we picture RAF Exeter during the Battle of Britain, thoughts often turn to Hurricane pilots climbing into their cockpits and racing into the skies above Devon.

Yet behind every successful sortie stood a team of dedicated ground crew.

Armourers loaded am******on and checked guns. Fitters worked tirelessly to keep aircraft serviceable. Refuelling teams ensured precious fuel was available at a moment's notice. Many worked long hours in all weathers, often under intense pressure, knowing that a delay of just a few minutes could affect a vital interception.

While the pilots received much of the public recognition, the men on the ground played an equally important role in defending Britain's skies.

Today we remember the often overlooked ground crews of RAF Exeter, whose skill, dedication and hard work helped keep Fighter Command in the fight.

The WAAFs of RAF Exeter Women who worked in operations rooms, communications, administration, transport and intelligence.

Aircraft Fitters and Mechanics The specialists who could repair battle damage overnight and have fighters ready for action by dawn.

The Telephone Operators Passing vital messages between headquarters, operations rooms and squadrons.

The Meteorological Staff Weather forecasting was crucial to every operation and often determined whether aircraft could fly.

The Station Cooks Working at all hours to feed personnel during the most demanding periods of the war.

The Drivers Delivering personnel, equipment, fuel and supplies around the station and beyond.

Medical Orderlies Quietly caring for injured aircrew and station personnel.

The Fire Crews Always standing by when aircraft landed damaged or crashed.

All images are credited to the original copyright owners.

Do you have photographs, family memories, or stories of those who served in ground roles during the war?

www.rafexeter.co.uk