Early History
Everleigh Satellite Landing Ground opened in 1940 as a Relief Landing Ground for the Central Flying School at RAF Upavon. The site was specifically chosen for its challenging characteristics – a flat area surrounded by trees – making it ideal for forced landing practice and general flight training[^1].
Development and Operations
In November 1941, the facility was taken over by 15 Maintenance Unit and designated as 31 Satellite Landing Ground (SLG). The airfield featured grass runways oriented northeast/southwest, with concrete taxiways and aircraft dispersals hidden among the trees[^2].
Notable Events
A significant event occurred on April 16, 1942, when the landing ground hosted an airborne exercise for the 38 Wing and 1st Airborne Division. Prime Minister Winston Churchill and other high-ranking Allied officials attended. The demonstration, involving Whitley aircraft and Hotspur gliders, encountered several difficulties, including one fatal accident[^3].
Expansion and Peak Operations
- By 1942, the facility could accommodate 37 different aircraft types, including Spitfires, Hurricanes, Lysanders, Blenheims, Oxfords, Wellingtons, and Hotspurs
- In early 1943, a Super Robin hangar was constructed for all-weather maintenance
- The site was later approved for four-engine aircraft operations, beginning with Short Stirlings
- Aircraft numbers peaked in July 1944 with 87 aircraft on site during the D-Day period[^4]
Closure and Modern Usage
The facility closed in November 1945 after the war’s end. Today, while most original structures are gone, some remnants persist:
- The Super Robin hangar remains the most visible historical structure
- Several former Picket Posts and HQ facilities are still present
- The area continues its aviation connection as the Everleigh Drop Zone, used by modern military aircraft[^5]
Current Military Activity
The site’s legacy continues through:
- Regular training exercises by Army Air Corps, RAF, and Fleet Air Arm
- Helicopter operations from various military bases
- Drop zone operations for transport aircraft including C-130 Hercules and A400M Atlas
- Proximity to MoD Boscombe Down’s approach patterns[^6]
References
[^1]: Ashworth, Chris. “Action Stations No 5 – Military Airfields Of The South West”
[^2]: Berryman, David. “Wiltshire Airfields In The Second World War”
[^3]: Cummings, Colin. “Though Without Anger”
[^4]: Hall, Richard. “Everleigh Satellite Landing Ground and Maintenance Unit” (Airshows Present)
[^5]: Original text from airshowspresent.com
[^6]: Current military documentation and observations
Note: This summary is based on the original article by Richard Hall from airshowspresent.com, with additional context from cited sources.