RAF Hornchurch, located five miles to the north west of Purfleet, was one of the Royal Air Force’s most important fighter stations and played a crucial role in the defence of Britain during both World Wars. Originally established in 1915 as Suttons Farm, the airfield formed part of London’s air defence network against German airship raids. It became famous when pilots operating from the station achieved some of Britain’s earliest aerial victories, including the first, Lieutenant William Leefe Robinson’s destruction of the German airship SL11 in September 1916, for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Further success against the airships followed, and later in the conflict aircraft from Suttons Farm continued the defence of London flying against Gotha bombers.

After the First World War, the airfield was closed and returned to agricultural use, but its strategic position protecting the eastern approaches to London led to its redevelopment in the 1920s. Reopened in 1928, it was renamed RAF Hornchurch and became home to fighter squadrons equipped with increasingly modern aircraft.

RAF Hornchurch achieved its greatest fame during the Second World War. As a key sector station within RAF Fighter Command’s No. 11 Group, it was heavily involved in the Battle of Britain in 1940. Squadrons flying Spitfires from Hornchurch defended London and southeast England against Luftwaffe attacks. The station was itself bombed repeatedly because of its importance. Many distinguished fighter pilots served there, members of the famous “Few” who helped secure victory in the Battle of Britain.

Following the Battle of Britain, Hornchurch continued to support offensive fighter operations over occupied Europe and contributed aircraft to major actions such as the Dieppe Raid in 1942. As the war progressed and Allied forces advanced across Europe, the station’s frontline role gradually diminished.

After 1945, RAF Hornchurch was used mainly for reserve flying training and aircrew selection before closing in 1962.

Much of the site was later redeveloped for housing and parkland, including what is now Hornchurch Country Park.
The Hornchurch Wing Collection, displayed at the Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre since 1997, represents the most extensive collection of original photographs, uniforms and material artefacts from RAF Hornchurch, preserving the legacy of a station that was central to Britain’s air defence for nearly half a century.

The Hornchurch Wing Collection covers six bays in the Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre.

Bay 32 tells the story of RFC Suttons Farm in WW1, including a number of original artefacts from the airships shot down.

Bay 29 explores the reopened RAF Hornchurch from 1928 to 1939.

Bay 27 tells the story of the Battle of Britain, with the original 5 minute clock from the Operations Room at Hornchuch and a Daimler Benz engine from an Me110, the highlights.

Bay 28 houses the Dave Davies Collection. The former 222 (Natal) Squadron fitter was involved in the creation of the Heritage Centre and donated his original photographs to it. The bay also displays a number of uniforms and medals.

Bay 25 contains the Harry Broadhurst display including his uniform and a splendid portrait of the commanding officer of the airfield during the Battle of Britain.

Bay 26 has further collections of uniforms and relics from pilots from Hornchurch.

At the end of the South East Aisle is a collection of larger aircraft parts, including the propellor, Merlin engine and instrument panel from 222 Squadron Spitfire K9993, lost at the height of the Battle of Britain over Hanningfield, Essex.

 Other items displayed in the collection include medals and other awards connected to Hornchurch pilots, and a collection of aircraft models. Nearby are Bays 29 and 30 dedicated to the RAF Regiment and Bomber Command.