Friends of the New Forest Airfields (FONFA) is a charity that was established to remember those who served on the twelve New Forest airfields during World War II and to preserve the heritage and their memory for future generations through the creation of an educational resource to enable students and visitors to learn about the airfields and understand their historical importance.
At the beginning of the war, there were only two active airfields in the New Forest: the seaplane base at Calshot and the civilian airport in Christchurch. However, by the time of D-Day in 1944, there were additional operational airfields at Ibsley, Hurn, Beaulieu, Holmsley South, Stoney Cross, Winkton, Lymington, Needs Oar Point, and Bisterne. These airfields were crucial to the success of the Normandy Invasion.
Whilst the airfields were operational, over 24,000 military personnel were stationed there, and a further 10,000 local civilians were engaged in various support roles; they therefore had a major impact on the local community, and we are keen that this should be understood by people of all generations.
To recognise this immense task and sacrifice, the New Forest Airfields Memorial was created, at which an annual commemoration is held to honour the people who worked and the aircrew who were lost. Contributory nations are represented by their national flags alongside the RAF Ensign, as well as representatives from national and local government, the relevant air forces and veterans groups.
This year the service was held on 5th September with over 100 people attending, and it was a very moving experience.
