Monument record TQ 84 NE 127 - Headcorn Advanced Landing Ground

Headcorn Advanced Landing Ground, Kent, TQ 874 460. Opened 1943, closed (derequisitioned by December) 1944. A sketch map accompanying the source shows the landing ground to have been situated to the west of Egerton Forstal. Landing areas at the site were laid out using American produced steel planking and matting, and hard standings for aircraft were made from Sommerfeld Track, a type of steel mesh matting. There was no hangarage at Headcorn, and the only accomodation was a tented camp. Site use in 1985 given as "agricultre". (1)

Headcorn Avanced Landing Ground (ALG). The ALGs were established for the Allied invasion of Occupied Europe (D-Day). A perimeter track was added at Headcorn later in 1943. The runways and hard standings had to be relaid in March and May 1944. In Summer of 1943 the site was used by 403 and 421 (Spitfire) Squadrons of the Royal Air Force. In summer 1944 their place was taken by 362 Fighter Group of the 9th United States Army Air Force, flying P47 (Thunderbolt) aircraft. It is likely that these units used other winter quarters. (2)

Davies work on ALGs provides an Additional source for Headcorn. (3)

<1> Kent County Council, 1987-, Kent County Council: holding record (Miscellaneous Material). SKE59004.