Join us at one of Kent’s most historic wartime airfields to celebrate Armed Forces Day 2026 (27 June) and the surrounding weekend. This unique site, still family-owned and operated since 1927, honors the service of RAF, RCAF, USAAF personnel, and all who have defended our skies—past and present.
A Wartime Legacy of Courage and Sacrifice
Lashenden (Headcorn) Aerodrome has served the nation three times across its history.
• First World War (1914–1918): Shenley Farm was selected as a Royal Flying Corps training site, launching pilots into the skies over the Western Front.
• Second World War (1942–1945): Requisitioned by the RAF, the airfield was upgraded with hardcore from London Blitz rubble. In August 1943, 127 Wing Royal Canadian Air Force arrived with Spitfire IXbs under legendary Wing Commander “Johnnie” Johnson. It then transferred to the US 9th Air Force’s 354th “Pioneer Mustang” Fighter Group (353rd, 355th, 356th Squadrons), flying P-51D Mustangs from here in support of D-Day and beyond. Shenley House served as headquarters, with over 3,000 ground crew and 70 aircraft consuming thousands of gallons of Avgas per sortie.
The airfield closed in June 1945, but its role in the liberation of Europe endures through the Lashenden Air Warfare Museum (est. 1970), preserving artifacts and stories from those heroic days.
Post-War Revival and Continued Service
Returned to the Freeman family, flying resumed in the 1960s thanks to Diana Freeman (a Canadian-trained pilot) and Chris Freeman. They rebuilt hangars, flew modified Austers, hosted aerobatic teams, parachuting clubs (including Met Police), crop-spraying ops, and visiting legends like Neil Williams and Sheila Scott.
Today, the aerodrome thrives with flight training, helicopter operations, aircraft engineering, and events that keep military aviation alive. Sheep still graze parts of the field—helping preserve its status during past public inquiries!
Celebrating Armed Forces Day 2026 at Headcorn
This June, experience the site’s living history:
• Vintage and modern aircraft displays (ground and air).
• Remembrance services and tributes to WWII veterans and all who serve.
• Family-friendly activities, stalls, and the Air Warfare Museum (free entry on event days).
• Alignment with the Headcorn International Airshow / Battle of Britain Airshow (27–28 June), featuring Spitfires, Mustangs, and era aircraft—perfect for honoring the Battle of Britain and D-Day heroes.
Whether you’re a serving member, veteran, cadet, family, or supporter, Headcorn offers a heartfelt way to say thank you to our Armed Forces community.
We look to the future with optimism—solar-powered facilities ready for electric aircraft—while never forgetting those who flew from these fields to defend freedom.
Thank you to all who support Headcorn Aerodrome. Come visit, remember, and celebrate.
Jamie Freeman
Headcorn Aerodrome