Marwell estate was home to secret Second World War airfield

Marwell, today a beloved zoological park, once served as a vital but clandestine component of Britain's wartime machinery. 

Its transformation from a peaceful countryside estate into a bustling airfield is a testament to the extraordinary measures undertaken to secure victory.

The Second World War witnessed an unprecedented industrial mobilisation, and Southampton, with its proximity to the English Channel, became a key hub for the war effort.

The Airacobra

The Cunliffe Owen Aircraft factory, located in the city, was at the forefront of this industrial surge.

Specialising in aircraft modification, the factory transformed land-based Spitfires into the carrier-borne Seafires, essential for naval operations.

Moreover, it was responsible for assembling American-made fighters, such as the Tomahawk and Airacobra, which arrived in crates from across the Atlantic.

However, the factory’s rapid expansion brought with it a series of challenges.

Southampton was heavily defended, encircled by a ring of anti-aircraft guns and barrage balloons. This made testing and transporting aircraft a perilous undertaking. Each flight required specific authorisation, creating a bottleneck that hampered production and placed immense strain on both pilots and factory personnel.

Aerial of former Cunliffe Owen aircraft factory bought by Ford in 1953. (Image: Echo)

A fortuitous solution emerged from an unexpected source. Rex Hoyes, the managing director of Cunliffe Owen, was also the owner of Marwell Hall, a substantial country house nestled amid expansive grounds.

With an eye for strategic advantage, Hoyes proposed a radical idea - to transform the estate into a secret airfield.

The plan was audacious but necessary.

By removing hedges and combining fields, a sizable grass runway was created.

The surrounding woodland provided excellent camouflage, making the airfield almost invisible from the air.

The Air Ministry, recognising the potential benefits, approved the plan. In 1941, Marwell was born as a clandestine aviation hub.

The Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA), a civilian organisation tasked with ferrying aircraft, played a pivotal role in Marwell's operations.

Among their ranks were over a hundred women, who defied societal norms to become pioneering aviators.

The Halifax Bomber.

These extraordinary women, known as the ATA Ferry Pilots, demonstrated exceptional skill and courage as they piloted a wide range of aircraft, from the nimble Spitfire to the colossal four-engined Halifax.

Their contributions were invaluable, ensuring that aircraft reached their destinations on time and in optimal condition.

Marwell became a hive of activity throughout 1943.

Aircraft arrived and departed with regularity, their engines punctuating the otherwise tranquil countryside.

The airfield was a crucial link in the supply chain, supporting the relentless pace of the war effort. Yet, its existence remained a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few.

By March 1944, the strategic landscape had shifted, and the need for Marwell as an airfield diminished.

Cunliffe Owen relinquished control, and the site was subsequently used by Air Service Training for aircraft design work.

After the war, Willmot and Manser Experimental Aircraft briefly occupied the grounds before the land reverted to agricultural use.

Today, as visitors explore the enchanting world of Marwell Zoo, little remains of its wartime past.  The hangars and runways have vanished, replaced by animal enclosures and lush greenery. Yet, the legacy of this remarkable place endures.

Marwell's transformation from a secret airfield to a beloved zoo is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit. It is a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made during the Second World War, and the enduring power of hope and renewal