History
RAF Fairwood Common was built on what was originally common land during World War II. The aerodrome was opened on 15 June 1941, after taking nearly a year to develop. It was originally built to be a fighter station. The airport became a sector station within months of opening, taking on the responsibility of the air defence for the whole of South Wales.
On 23 January 1942, 615 Squadron (County of Surrey Squadron) Auxiliary Air Force, arrived from Angle aerodrome, equipped with Hawker Hurricane aircraft. They operated until 17 March when the squadron moved by train to Liverpool Docks and boarded the Johan van Oldenbarnevelt. On 20 March the ship moved to the Clyde and then, filled with Army and RAF personnel, on 23 March it sailed in convoy to India.
The airfield fulfilled a variety of military roles during World War II, following which it was decommissioned by the RAF in 1946. It was not until 1956 that the RAF released the airport land to Swansea Corporation to allow the airport to be developed for commercial usage.
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