A South Essex MP has paid tribute to the wartime role of Southend Airport, during the Battle
of Britain.
Speaking in Parliament in a debate to mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, this
September, Rayleigh and Wickford MP, Mark Francois, highlighted the history of the airport,
as one of Fighter Command’s key airfields.
During the battle, the airport, known back in 1940 as RAF Rochford, was a “forward airfield”
for the several squadrons of spitfires defending the approaches to London, which were based
at RAF Hornchurch.
The iconic aircraft would often fly out to Rochford, very early in the
morning, fight from there and then return to Hornchurch the same evening.
Speaking after the debate, about the vital role played by RAF Rochford in the defence of
Britain, Mark said:
“As people jet off on holiday from Southend Airport, for their fortnight in the sun, I wonder
how many people know that, eighty-five years ago, the same airfield was absolutely vital to
Britain’s defence? As a South Essex MP, I’m determined to make people aware of the proud
heritage of our local airport, in keeping us free.”
