Opened on November 1st. 1942, RAF Hartfordbridge (re-named RAF Blackbushe in December 1944) assisted in the defence of the South Coast, the Southern Ports and London.
RAF Hartfordbridge, was built in order to support the requirement of the Home Defences during the Second World War, and was home to various Squadrons of Spitfire and Mosquito aircraft, but was also home to 140 Squadron, Army Co-operation Command, who were responsible for many photo- reconnaissance missions, carried out over enemy lines. 

The airfield also played host to being home to a Squadron of The Free French, Lorraine, and there were Canadian, Dutch (322 Squadron, Spitfires) and Polish (305 squadron, Bomber Command) airmen flying with the RAF, Americans flying with the USAF, & later, the Czechoslovakians. 

140 Squadron used Spitfires for daytime Ops, and Blenheims (later changing to Lockheed Venturas) for night time Ops. In June 1943, this elite squadron was absorbed into the 34 Wing 2nd Tactical Air Force, which later changed to the Mosquito Mk9 & 16.