RAF Exeter 1940-1945

I’ve lived in Exeter, Devon, since 1960, and from a very young age, aviation captured my imagination. I was fortunate to attend local air shows—Exeter, RNAS Yeovilton, and RAF Chivenor among them—which only deepened my fascination. Over time, I connected with others who shared the same passion. A small group of us would regularly cycle the four-mile journey to Exeter Airport, often spending entire weekends plane spotting from various vantage points around the airfield.

We were fearless and curious, sometimes pushing boundaries—literally. On occasion, we’d hop the perimeter fence, only to be chased off by the airport fire service. Our favourite hideouts were the old pillboxes scattered around the site. Sitting inside those relics sparked a deeper interest in the airport’s wartime history and its role in the broader story of aviation.

“Early lessons in air safety”

As a teenager, I joined Air Cadet Squadron No. 2350 at my high school, which opened up new opportunities. I flew in Chipmunk aircraft with No. 4 Air Experience Flight (AEF) and was soon entrusted with delivering safety briefings to fellow cadets. These briefings covered emergency procedures—how to exit the aircraft in the unlikely event of an incident—and practical instructions like how to approach the aircraft, strap in securely, and use the radio intercom to communicate with the pilot. And yes, I always made sure they knew where to find the sick bag!

Before heading out to the aircraft, each cadet was strapped into a parachute in the briefing room. The bulky harness forced us into a slightly hunched, duck-like waddle as we made our way across the tarmac. Climbing onto the black safety strip along the inner wing of the Chipmunk was no easy task in that posture— it demanded careful coordination and close supervision.

The engine would be gently ticking over as one cadet exited the cockpit on one side, while the next was guided in from the opposite. Timing was critical: the entire handover had to be completed in under a minute. It was a well-rehearsed ballet of precision and teamwork, carried out under the watchful eyes of instructors and ground crew.

Most of my close friends went on to join the armed forces after school. I had every intention of following them into the Royal Air Force, driven by a lifelong passion for aviation. Sadly, during the medical assessment, I was diagnosed with slight colour blindness—enough to disqualify me from pursuing an air operations role. It was a bitter disappointment at the time, but it never dimmed my love for aircraft or the skies they soared through.

"The Ambulance Service opened new doors"

In April 1979, I joined the Devon Ambulance Service, working full-time shifts as an emergency call handler. The demanding schedule meant I could no longer commit to attending Air Cadets twice a week, so I reluctantly stepped away from Squadron 2350 later that year. Though it was a difficult decision, the Ambulance Service opened new doors—one of the most memorable being my appointment as the first Flight Controller for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust when it launched in 1992.

Little did I know that this path would lead to a fulfilling career spanning nearly four decades. I served in various roles within the NHS Ambulance Service until my retirement in June 2018. It was a journey marked by purpose, resilience, and a deep sense of service.

"When you pursue what you love"

Flying has always been my lifelong passion, and when you pursue what you love, extraordinary opportunities tend to follow. One of the greatest highlights of my life came on 23 September 2017, when I flew in a two-seat Mark 9 Spitfire out of Biggin Hill. It was more than just a flight—it was a dream fulfilled under extraordinary circumstances.

At the time, I had been diagnosed with Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension, a serious condition that threatened my life. Doctors warned I might not live beyond 2019 unless I underwent major open-chest surgery at the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire—a procedure with only a 50/50 chance of survival. Faced with that uncertainty, I made a decision: if I wasn’t going to make it through the surgery, I would at least experience the thrill of flying in a Spitfire. That flight became my inspiration—a defiant, beautiful moment that reminded me of everything I loved about aviation and life itself.

"That life-changing moment"

My surgery took place just after Christmas, on 27 December 2017. Thanks to the extraordinary team at Royal Papworth Hospital, I’m still here—and doing well. That life-changing moment became a catalyst: it reminded me that life is too short to delay dreams. From that point forward, I resolved to pursue every aviation experience I could.

Historic flights continued, including a remarkable trip in a Hurricane IIC out of Biggin Hill on 15 September 2021—Battle of Britain Day—with the brilliant Anna Walker as my pilot. Flying with her was not only a privilege, but a tribute to the legacy of those who served.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to fly in several iconic aircraft: the Tiger Moth, the de Havilland Rapide, and the Harvard, each offering its own unique connection to aviation’s golden age. Then came the unforgettable experiences with the Blades Aerobatic Team, flying alongside former frontline fighter and Red Arrows pilots. Their precision and camaraderie were awe-inspiring.

One flight stands out above the rest: soaring over Kent from Biggin Hill on Battle of Britain Day, formatting up with a Spitfire and a Hurricane. To be in the sky with those legendary aircraft, on such a historic date, was simply breathtaking—a moment of pure magic that I’ll carry with me forever.

"My first solo flight"

I did, in the end, chase my dream of becoming a pilot—though it came with a fair share of expense and determination. I trained in a PA-28 Warrior, beginning with my first proper lesson on 19 February 2019. That journey reached a thrilling milestone on 9 July 2019, when I completed my first solo flight. From start to finish, I logged around 78 hours of flight training, including just over six hours solo. Flying alone was an unforgettable achievement—one of those moments that stays with you forever.

Unfortunately, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with other life challenges, meant I was unable to complete the final steps toward earning my licence. In my case, it would have been a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL), as medical restrictions ruled out the full PPL route. Still, the experience of flying—especially solo—was a dream fulfilled in its own right.

"The joy of retirement"

These days, my main retirement passion is sharing the wartime history of RAF Exeter, covering the years 1937 to 1945. I give talks using a PowerPoint presentation, and while I don’t charge for my time, I do encourage donations to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund (RAFBF)—a cause close to my heart. The research is time-consuming but endlessly fascinating, and I’m fortunate to work alongside my good friend Jerry Bird. Like me, Jerry has spent his life in and around Exeter Airport, and together we’re committed to preserving and sharing its remarkable legacy.

On 6 November 2019, after two years of persistent applications and careful negotiation, I succeeded in having a memorial plaque installed on the interior wall of Clyst Honiton Church. The process was slow and challenging, but the outcome was deeply rewarding. I’m proud to say that there is now a permanent tribute honouring all those who served at RAF Exeter between 1940 and 1945—a recognition long overdue.

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In 2025 I joined the Battle of Britain Historical Society and soon realised that Devon — despite its deep wartime heritage — had no area manager. I raised this with the Society’s chairman, and shortly afterwards I was appointed Area Manager for Devon, a role that allows me to support and preserve the county’s aviation history.

This website serves as a central hub for everything I’ve learned over the years about RAF Exeter. It’s designed as a one-stop resource for exploring the wartime activities, sacrifices, and victories of the men and women who served—primarily during the pivotal years of 1940 to 1945. 

I hope you find the content informative and inspiring, and I warmly invite you to get in touch if you have any stories, photographs, or information to share on this important chapter of history.

Email: chrisrafexeter@gmail.com