The History behind the Duxford Sprint.
- Militex Watches
- May 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 23
Duxford: Home to the Brave and the Duxford Sprint
Duxford Aerodrome, located in Cambridgeshire, England, boasts a rich and storied history spanning over a century. Built during the First World War, Duxford was one of the earliest Royal Air Force (RAF) stations. In 1917, as the Royal Flying Corps expanded, Duxford became one of many new airfields established to train aircrew. After the war, it transitioned into a training school and, from 1924, served as a fighter station—a role it performed with distinction for 37 years.
By 1938, RAF Duxford’s No. 19 Squadron had earned such a reputation that it became the first squadron to re-equip with the new Supermarine Spitfire. The first Spitfire arrived at RAF Duxford in August 1938, marking a significant milestone in aviation history.
World War II
In June 1940, following the fall of Belgium, Holland, and France to German forces, Britain became Germany’s next target. RAF Duxford was placed on high alert. The ensuing period of intense air combat, now known as the Battle of Britain, saw the station play a crucial role in the nation’s air defense. On 15 September 1940—known as “Battle of Britain Day”—No. 19 Squadron, under the command of the legendary Group Captain Douglas Bader, and No. 242 Squadron took to the skies twice to repel Luftwaffe attacks aimed at London.
By April 1943, RAF Duxford (soon designated ‘Station 357’ by the Americans) became home to the 78th Fighter Group of the US Eighth Air Force. Their primary mission was to escort vast fleets of American bombers on their perilous daylight raids over Germany. On D-Day, 6 June 1944, every available 78th Fighter Group Thunderbolt supported the Allied invasion of occupied Europe by attacking targets behind the Normandy beachheads.
After the war, Duxford continued to serve as an RAF station, fulfilling various roles, including training and aircraft storage. However, in 1961, the RAF decommissioned Duxford as an active airfield due to defense budget cuts and the increasing use of jet aircraft, which required longer runways than Duxford could provide.
A New Era of Brave Men (and Women): The Duxford Sprint
During the 1960's and 1970's, Duxford entered a new chapter with the advent of the Duxford Sprint events. These races were part of a broader tradition of repurposing disused airfields for motorsport in the UK. After World War II, many former RAF bases, including Duxford, became popular venues for racing due to their large, flat surfaces, which were ideal for creating temporary circuits. Duxford joined the ranks of iconic locations like Goodwood and Silverstone (which also began as an airfield).
The Sprint events were organized by various motorsport clubs, including the Cambridge University Automobile Club (CUAC), the National Sprint Association (NSA), and the British Hot Rod Association.
These events attracted a diverse mix of amateur and semi-professional drivers, as well as car and bike enthusiasts with modified or race-prepared vehicles. The course, typically set up on the airfield’s runways and taxiways, featured a challenging layout with tight corners, chicanes, and long straights. Duxford’s lengthy runways also made it an ideal venue for drag racing, offering ample space for the strip and a safe shutdown area.
Spectators were treated to a wide array of vehicles, from vintage cars and drag bikes to modern high-performance machines. Brave men and women raced their vehicles down the abandoned runways, chasing the elusive quarter-mile speed record—a pursuit that gave the event its name: the “Duxford Sprint.”
The historic setting of Duxford Aerodrome added a unique charm to these thrilling competitions.
Despite their popularity, changes in regulations, safety standards, and land use led to the decline of such events at Duxford. In 1977, the aerodrome became part of the Imperial War Museum, and today it stands as one of Europe’s most significant aviation heritage sites.
A Legacy Continues
The legacy of the Duxford Sprint lives on in the memories of participants and spectators, as well as in the broader history of British motorsport. The events were a testament to the creativity and passion of the UK’s motorsport community, showcasing how historic sites like Duxford could be repurposed for thrilling competitions.
Today, “The Officers’ Mess” at Duxford has been transformed into a successful business center, where Militex maintains an office within the original building.
We are proud, honored, and inspired to be based at this historic location and to name our watch “The Duxford Sprint” in tribute to the bravery and innovation that define Duxford’s legacy.
MILITEX
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