Page 10 - Walter Scott

Walter and the crew’s pilot Alan Bodger were posted to RAF Peplow after the crew were screened
th
from further air operations having completed their 30 ops tour. Alan is seen here second row, 6
from right.

Royal Air Force station Peplow opened in 1941 and closed in 1949. The wartime airfield was
initially called Childs Ercall but was renamed Peplow in 1943 (perhaps to avoid confusion with
High Ercall Airfield, also in Shropshire). This airfield was equipped with three concrete runways
and aircraft hangars of Type T2 and Type B1 designs. It had temporary accommodation for
personnel: in December 1944 these numbered 1691 men and 354 women. The airfield was used
for training purposes, including by 83 Operational Training Unit (RAF Bomber Command) and by a
Heavy Glider Conversion Unit (Training Command). By 1985 the site was used for
agricultural purposes.

Peplow began life as a small grass Relief Landing Ground known as Child's Ercall, for the Miles
Masters of No 5 (P) AFU from TAF Tern Hill. It was then transferred for use by Airspeed Oxford's
of No 11 SFTS, Shawbury, but they complained that it was too small. The airfield was then
completely rebuilt with three paved runways and renamed Peplow, to serve as a Bomber
Operational Training Unit, with No 83 OTU,'s Wellingtons. As D-Day approached Peplow became
a glider towing airfield, with No 23 Heavy Glider Conversion Unit with Albemarle tugs and Horsa
gliders. At end of the war the RAF left Peplow and the Navy, close neighbours at Hinstick, quickly
took their place, the station being renamed Royal Naval Air Station Peplow.