Initially little more than open fields, some of these sites quickly became complex vibrant stations, with complicated infrastructures built at great expense. It was at these stations that many of the RAF's most famous squadrons were born and future aces trained and, as the first aerial bombing campaign started, it was from these airfields that pilots flew into battle with the Zeppelins and Gothas trying to reach Britain's town and cities.

Some of these sites grew into airfields still in use today, others saw only a few years before being closed down and forgotten. All of them played a vital role in Britain's local and aviation heritage.