On Saturday morning a memorial was unveiled on the country park at Salisbury Village by the Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust. It has been erected as a lasting tribute to Hatfield's important role in aviation development for over 60 years, starting in 1930 with the arrival of the London Aeroplane Club and Flying School. Then, three years later, the de Havilland aircraft manufacturing company arrived, an event which transformed Hatfield and led to world famous aeronautical advancements being created within the town. And, during WW2, de Havillands also played an important part in the war effort with the development and construction of the Mosquito fighter-bomber plane. The factory was also bombed during the war causing great loss of life.

The memorial, a four foot high granite block, overlooks the former runway. The stone bears the inscription:

                              In Memory of Hatfield Airfield

                    Dedicated to all units and personnel based here

 

The Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust state:

'Since 1909, the airfields of Britain have proved to be the greatest assets this country has ever seen. Phenomenally brilliant places which have benevolently revolutionised everyday life. Massive winners and achievers, endlessly fascinating and important beyond all belief...'

Indeed, the Hatfield aerodrome was one of them. 

 Among those present at the ceremony were:

Kenneth P Bannerman, Director General of Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust with Jill Brown (media director) and Tim Park (web manager).

Also Martin T O'Brien, Welfare Secretary, South Hatfield Branch, British Legion, Kyran Tibbles, Standard Bearer, South Hatfield Branch, British Legion.

F/Lt Micah Aopare, RAF Halton representative.

Reverend Richard E Pyke - St Etheldreda's Church

Ans among the crowd were members of The de Havilland Community Support group and Philip Birtles of the DHAHC.