RAF Exeter 1940-1945
Delve into our meticulously researched collection honoring the brave squadrons and individuals who contributed to RAF Exeter’s vital role in the war effort.
RAF Exeter 1940-1945 Website Last Updated 28 April 2026
RAF Exeter was a key wartime airfield during the Second World War. This site preserves the history of RAF operations, the Exeter Blitz, air raid sirens, fire warden diaries, and the stories of those who served.
This website is best viewed on PC or Tablet
Foreword
This archive was created to preserve the story of Exeter Airport and the people who shaped its wartime years. It brings together operations, squadrons, memories, and the changing landscape of the airfield, presented with clarity and respect for those who served here.
Every page has been arranged to follow the natural flow of the airport’s history — from its early development, through the pressures of war, to the memories and community that remain. It is not a dramatic retelling, but a steady, factual record built from research, documents, and the voices of those who lived through these events.
My hope is that readers will move through this archive at their own pace, finding a sense of connection to the city, the airfield, and the people whose stories might otherwise fade. This is a place for remembrance, understanding, and quiet reflection.
✨ Explore the Archive
This website preserves the history of Exeter Airport — from its early years and wartime role to its development in the decades that followed.
You can explore:
The squadrons and operations based at Exeter during the war
The airfield’s wider story, including its origins and post‑war evolution
Fire warden diaries and civilian accounts of the Exeter Blitz
Local documents, photographs, and research connected to the airport and the city
Each section is presented clearly and respectfully, allowing you to move through the history at your own pace.
The RAF Exeter Station Crest
Blazon: Issuant from a triangular Castle with three Towers Or two winged Arrows one Sable in bend and one Argent in bend sinister.
Link: The castle comes from the Arms of the City of Exeter whilst the arrows represent the unit’s night and day operations.
Motto: Latin: Ex aeterna vigilanta vires – From everlasting watchfulness (comes) strength.
Awarded: March 1945
Sponsored by Ivon Nigel Moore and dedicated to all who served at RAF Station Exeter.
RAF Station and Squadron badges can be found at the RAF Heraldry Trust which is registered charity: 1057097. The RAF Heraldry Trust aims to catalogue the heraldic badges for every RAF unit (squadrons, stations, regiments, etc.) both past and present. The website link is here
High-quality restorations of historical images bringing wartime moments and machinery back to life.
For my ongoing research I have memberships with -
1.
Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation
This website is the culmination of years of interest and research by the author in the history of the Royal Air Force and its forebears the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service.
2.
Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust
Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust is registered in England and Wales. Registered Office: Suite 1, 7th Floor 50 Broadway, London, England, SW1H 0BL
3.
Airfields Research Group
Airfield Research Group Ltd was incorporated in 2014 and gained charitable status in the same year with the object ‘To advance the education of the general public by carrying out research into, and maintaining records of, military and civilian airfields and related infrastructure, both current and historic, anywhere in the world’.
4.
B-17 Preservation Ltd
(Sally B)
B-17 Flying Fortress G-BEDF Sally B is the last remaining airworthy B-17 in Europe. She is based in the UK from where she flies regularly at air shows, memorial flypasts and commemorative events as a memorial to the USAAF in Europe.
5.
Battle of Britain Historical Society - Area Manager Devon
To perpetuate the memory of the Battle of Britain. Now and for future generations.
6.
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Official Club
Club members receive some great benefits and the chance to see what happens behind the scenes at the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Join from just £35 and learn about the World War Two aircraft that are still flying today.
7.
Bournemouth Red Arrows Association
Bournemouth Red Arrows Association (BRAA) was formed in October 1994 by six avid supporters of The Red Arrows, - our founder Chairman, Dr Julian Tawn, Doug Wilson who was then the Managing Director of Bournemouth International Airport.
8.
British Air Display Association
To encourage, promote and advance Safety and Standards in British Air Displays’
9.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission's Strategy is our main strategic planning document. It provides a framework for the delivery of the obligations described in our Royal Charter. It is a clear statement of our vision, strategic aims and priorities towards 2039.
10.
Friends of the Few
The National Memorial to the Few
At the heart of the Memorial is the National Memorial to the few, dedicated to the heroic and selfless deeds of the men who won the Battle of Britain,10 July to 31 October, 1940.
The Memorial was unveiled by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother on 9 July 1993.
11.
12.
Navy Wings
The development of Britain’s great naval aviation heritage is one of the most remarkable stories of the past hundred years.
13.
Royal Air Force Association
For over 90 years, the RAF Association has championed a simple belief – that no member of the RAF community should ever be left without the help that they need.
14.
Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund
We are the longest-standing Royal Air Force charity, dedicated to supporting serving and former RAF personnel, and their families.
15.
South West Heritage Trust Archives and Local Studies
We care for the written evidence of Somerset and Devon history and hold millions of documents and printed sources dating from the 8th century to the present day.
16.
Volunteer at Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter
Volunteering is a great way to get involved with Exeter’s world class museum – you can share your knowledge, learn new skills and meet new people.
More than 200 volunteers add value to museum life throughout the year, contributing to a range of activities and projects.
Please support this event if you can
Emma Munford at Air First
Please support our good friend Emma Munford and all at Air First in the 2026 challenge - read below.
Every take off tells a story and this one is about legacy..
Over the last couple of years, I with several of our fantastic flight instructors have undertaken airfield challenges, not for records or recognition but for something far more important - Remembrance.
On the 17th & 18th June we’re going “Beyond the Record” to unofficially challenge the Guinness World Record for the most airfields in 24hrs, which currently is 118. With 130 airfields planned, this will push us right to the edge of what’s possible..
But this isn’t just about numbers..
It’s about men and women who took to the skies before us - often in far more dangerous circumstances, who never had the luxury of calling their flights “challenges”. It’s about a generation whose courage shaped the world we live in today..
We’re supporting the same 3 extremely worthy aviation charities we have in previous years;
The Kent Battle of Britain Museum is situated on the former RAF Hawkinge site near Folkestone in Kent and is home to the largest collection of Battle of Britain artifacts and memorabilia in the world. Operated & run by Dave and his team of volunteers, money donated will continue the conservation and preservation of our World War 2 history.
The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, is situated at East Kirkby airfield in Lincolnshire and is home to a number of historic aircraft including Avro Lancaster NX611 “Just Jane”. Andrew and his team are currently in the midst of a 10yr restoration project to return “Just Jane” to airworthy condition. Monies raised would help continue the vital work for the restoration of this incredibly historic aircraft..
Stow Maries is the largest and most intact Great War Aerodrome in Europe. Situated in the heart of the Essex countryside between Chelmsford and Maldon, this historic gem has a captivating history spanning over a century. Ian and his team constantly face the threat of closure due to much needed funds to keep this incredibly important and historic site open..
The charities we’re supporting don’t just preserve old aircraft - they preserve stories, sacrifices and history that must never be forgotten. They keep alive the spirit of aviations greatest era and ensure generations understand what was given for our freedoms we enjoy today..
Every airfield we land at will represent a step through that history. A quiet tribute, a promise that we won’t let those stories fade..
We’ll be flying against the clock, weather and logistics - but none of that compares to what those before us endured…
This is our way of giving back..
Every penny makes such a difference to these incredible places. Please donate if you can - link below or simply share this page. Help keep our aviation history alive - one landing at a time..
Because some legacies deserve to fly forever.
Thank you xx
Get in touch
E-mail: chrisrafexeter@gmail.com
Address: Pinhoe, Exeter