Hidden Military Landscapes

At the start of the 20th century, the military had the power to requisition land in the face and urgency of war. In early October 1915, after the outbreak of the First World War, the 90 acres of Sutton Farm was officially claimed for military use because of its useful location, and a new squadron- the Royal Flying Corps-were based there.

In the 2nd World War, the pilots based at RAF Hornchurch aided rescues during the Battle of Dunkirk in June 1940 and later took part in Battle of Britain in July the same year.

After the wars, RAF Hornchurch was used as a training facility for new cadets and as depot until 1962. The site was then sold to Ford Motor Company as an overflow storage facility. In the 1970s, it was landscaped and turned into Hornchurch Country Park.