NHER 6689 (Monument record) - RAF Matlaske World War Two airfield

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Summary

Matlaske Airfield was used by the RAF between November 1940 and April 1945. It was originally a satellite airfield for RAF Coltishall. For at least some of the time it housed anti-aircraft artillery. Most of the airfield is now used for agriculture. The perimeter road, two dispersal huts, several air raid shelters and a rare base headquarters building remain on the site. The base headquarters probably date to 1943.

Protected Status/Designation

None recorded

Location

Map sheet	TG13SE
Civil Parish	LITTLE BARNINGHAM, NORTH NORFOLK, NORFOLK
Civil Parish	MATLASK, NORTH NORFOLK, NORFOLK
Civil Parish	WICKMERE, NORTH NORFOLK, NORFOLK

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Full Description

May 1978. Visit.
In use November 1940 to April 1945. Originally satellite for Coltishall. Now under crop: perimeter road remains; two dispersal huts (used as pigsties), two brick shelters, concrete pillar, large air raid shelter on south above old chalk pit.
E. Rose (NAU), 11 May 1978.

On east side and in centre two or more dug out shelters. Good shooting butts on south.
E. Rose (NAU), 22 May 1980.

World War Two anti-aircraft artillery.
See(S1) in file.
D. Gurney (NLA), 28 January 1997.

Base Headquarters, date 1943? On old RAF field. Rare, partially demolished.
See (S2).
D. Walker (NLA) July 1996.

For further information on the operational history of the airfield and photographs of remaining buildings, see (S3).
A. Cattermole (NLA), 13 January 010.

Associated Sources (6)

--- SNF57722 Record Card: NAU Staff. 1974-1988. Norfolk Archaeological Index Primary Record Card.
--- SNF8804 Secondary File: Secondary File.
--- SNF101966 Website: 2023-. Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust. https://www.abct.org.uk/. 17 January 2023. Matlaske [accessed 17 January 2023].
<S1> SNF5755 Serial: Dobinson, C.S.. 1996. Twentieth Century Fortifications in England.. Vol I.4, p 550.
<S2> SNF57927 Recording Form: [various]. Norfolk Defensive Structures Survey Recording Form. Norfolk Defensive Structures Survey.
<S3> SNF72780 Monograph: McKenzie, R.. 2004. Ghost Fields of Norfolk. pp 64-66.

Site and Feature Types and Periods (4)

Object Types (0)

Related NHER Records (0)

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Record last edited

Feb 24 2026 8:26AM