What we do

As its name suggests, Airfield Research Group has been carrying out and publishing research into primarily airfield related historical items since 1973. Although airfields have traditionally been the main focus, because of the members’ wider interests, these activities have extended into many other related areas.

We now have research assets on such broad topics as airfield and flying support infrastructure, including command and control facilities such as Fighter Command HQ at Bentley Priory; radar; bombing ranges and targets; airfield logistics such as rail links and ground vehicles; airfield construction companies; civil defence; and Goverment and public documents such as Acts of Parliament, Defence Estimates etc.

Research Sources

Airfield Research Group Ltd maintains a very comprehensive library of primary source material such as original maps and contemporary photographs, documents, leaflets etc.

When undertaking research, members also draw upon other archives, principally but by far from exclusively The National Archives at Kew (formerly known as the Public Record Office) as there are also many other sources across the country, both public (libraries etc) and records held by special interest groups as well as the general public. Research studies have also included physically recording buildings and land surveys and participating in archaeological activity from crashed aircraft digs to 'lost' airfield defence structures.

Who carries out work

Quite simply, interested members.

What happens to the completed studies

Articles and completed studies are published in the Group's quarterly members' magazine “Airfield Review”.

Work has also been carried out on behalf of various organisations including local government departments and building contractors to support their activities in planning and managing building development. Our reports follow guidelines published by Historic England for recording buildings as well as the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. Also associated with building activity, we have been instrumental in getting various, historically important, buildings and structures listed on the National Heritage List.

Help for you

Our activities have resulted in our developing an internationally recognised expertise base that continues to build and record the knowledge for future generations to ensure it isn't lost

Airfield Research Group Ltd members have full access to our extensive archives (by appointment please), back issues of Airfield Review and previous ARG Research Notes to assist them conduct their own research. We are always happy to help, guide or provide advice so please contact us.

If you have a particular requirement for a project you are working on either personally, professionally or for your studies, we can produce fully customised reports to your specifications. Please see our Professional Research Services Web page.