‘A’ Site Site ‘A’ was located east of Site ‘E’ alongside the northern perimeter fence. The entrance gate was situated off Wright’s Lane, with the gatehouse located on the left as you entered the site. On the site plan, the gatehouse was numbered 6.

Two ‘K’ type hangars were constructed according to Air Ministry Drawing No. 3084/39, and were marked as hangars 1 and 7 on the site plan. These hangars were made from a steel lattice frame with a curved roof, all covered by 1/4 inch steel plate. The sides of each hangar featured brick annexes that ran the full length of both sides.

These annexes supported reinforced concrete flat roofs. The hangar doors themselves were filled with gravel or sand, designed to absorb enemy gunfire. The dimensions of the hangars were substantial: the door openings were 150 feet wide and 30 feet high, while the length of the hangar was 300 feet, comprising 18 bays.

Each bay measured 16 feet 8 inches in depth, giving a total coverage area of 46,206 square feet. This type of hangar was not unique to this site but was also built at other aircraft service units throughout the country. The ‘K’ type hangars were designed for storing and maintaining aircraft, with the annexes serving as storage spaces.

A similar hangar was also constructed across the airfield on the Technical site. Although ‘A’ Site was not fully constructed until February 1st, 1941, it was initially known as ‘No. 4 Storage Site’. In 1941, the 37 Maintenance Unit (MU) moved to ‘A’ Site.

On July 15th, 1942, the site was taken over by the USAAF and used for the maintenance and modification of various aircraft types. Flight testing also took place at ‘A’ Site before being moved to the Technical Site in early 1944. In 1943, the USAAF expanded the aircraft hard standings by laying down 5,300 yards of concrete.

At the conclusion of World War II, control of ‘A’ Site returned to the RAF. However, in September 1948, the USAF returned. The Americans vacated the site in the late 1950s, and control was once again handed back to the RAF on June 18th, 1965. ‘A’ Site was ultimately demolished in November 2008.

The area has since been redeveloped into an industrial estate. A new approach road now leads to both ‘A’ and ‘E’ Sites from Burtonwood Road, and this road has been named Lockheed Road, in honor of the famous P-38 Lockheed Lightning aircraft. WW2 Aerial Image of ‘A’ Site Showing Numerous B-17’s Parked up.

Note the Camouflage Netting Between Number 1 & 7 Hangars to Hide the Line of the Hangars. The Guard House (Building Number 6) is in the Middle of the Photo at the Bottom.