Beaulieu Airfield

 Second World War 1939-1945, draw only border, former air force base

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Beaulieu Airfield was built in 1942 and opened in August with 19 Group, RAF Coastal Command. The field was used primarily as a base for anti-submarine patrol work.

In 1944 the 2 TAF (2nd Tactical Air Force) and 9th Air Force/USAAF used the airfield for the June 6th D-Day preparations and invasion.

In December 1944 the Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment (AFEE) arrived and took over the old East Boldre Airfield site as a drop zone. They were involved in experimental work with glider towing, parachute drops and other studies.

In September 1950 Beaulieu was placed on Care and Maintenance and remained inactive until April 1953 with control passed once again to the USAF. The base was upgraded but no further flying units were assigned.

In September 1955 the airfield was handed back to Air Ministry control, in whose care it remained until November 1959 when it was finally handed back to the Forestry Commission.

The runways were eventually were torn up.

A section of the 27/09 main runway remains for model aircraft enthusiasts.

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