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When the R.A.F entered into the 'Expansion Scheme'
 in 1935 because of events developing in  Germany,
 numerous permanent aerodromes were built in the U.K,
 one of which was on Thorney Island.
 It was intended primarily for housing Coastal Command squadrons defending our southern approaches and
 the English Channel. 

The station was built during 1936/7  and a huge
 grass airfield was prepared with a brick built campsite and its six ‘C’ type concrete hangars located on the western side.
 Its official opening day was the 3rd of February 1938 when it became part of No.16 Group of Coastal Command.

From the start of the Second World War to
 March 1944 the station served chiefly as a base for Coastal Command squadrons engaged in anti submarine and anti shipping duties.

The aircraft used by Coastal Command at Thorney Island started off with Ansons in 1939/40, Blenheims and Beauforts in 1940/41, Hudsons and Hampdens and Whitleys and Wellingtons in 1942/3, and the large Liberators in 1943.
 The airfield had been provided with three concrete runways and encircling taxi track during early 1942, and the village of West Thorney had to be evacuated
 because it became isolated.

After the war years, the station passed through coastal command, fighter command housing some of the early jets, and later to training command.

After lying unused for some years, it is now home to a British Army artillery unit.

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