Smeatharpe
The Smeatharpe Airfield - also known as Upottery Airfield - Opened in 1944. It was used by the Royal Air force, United States Army Air Forces and the United States Navy. During the war it was used primarily as a transport airfield and for antisubmarine patrols. After the war it was closed in 1948.
The runway was built for the D-Day landings in 1942-43. They needed an airfield close to the south coast so that the planes and gliders would not have to travel so far. Most of the planes used at Smeatharpe were called Dakotas. These were generally used for towing gliders, at a maximum of 3 per flight.
The runway was built for the D-Day landings in 1942-43. They needed an airfield close to the south coast so that the planes and gliders would not have to travel so far. Most of the planes used at Smeatharpe were called Dakotas. These were generally used for towing gliders, at a maximum of 3 per flight.