RAF Chigwell

Balloon Operators

When pilots were bravely defending the skies, other parts of the air service were playing their part defending Britain elsewhere. Barrage balloons were successfully deployed to protect London against enemy bombers. German pilots feared flying near the balloons and had to avoid steel cables and netting held in the air. The responsibility for the anti-aircraft defences fell on the Auxiliary Air Force.

When war loomed plans were made to build a training centre for 700 balloon operators. During 1937, contractors commenced working on the grounds where Chigwell's original manor house stood in the 17th century. They immediately set about filling in the moat that surrounded the old property.

The Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) was established on 28th June 1939 after the Government decided that a separate women's air service was needed. The WAAF wasn't completely integrated with the RAF, but was set up with the intent of substituting women for RAF personnel where possible. Within a year thousands of women volunteers joined up. The WAAF became part of the Armed Forces of the Crown in 1941. RAF Chigwell made and serviced barrage balloons.