RAF Odiham celebrates 100 years of aviation

RAF Odiham near Basingstoke is marking 100 years of aviation at the site.

In 1925 a field south of Odiham village was identified as a good location for a landing strip due to its proximity to Aldershot and Salisbury Plain. The Air Ministry purchased the land at ‘Downs Farm’ and Odiham’s aviation history began.

Nowadays RAF Odiham (which only came into existence in 1938) is a thriving RAF base, home to 1,700 military and civilian support staff. Odiham is a front line support helicopter base working within the Joint Aviation Command. The Station provides critical, rapid support for UK military operations throughout the world. Home of the UK Chinook Force, RAF Odiham operates three Chinook squadrons.

This year, RAF Odiham and Odiham village are celebrating 100 years of aviation with a series of events around the themes of Community, Legacy and Celebration.

Events (some of which have already taken place) include ODI 100 Boxing, Flags on the High street, Odiham in Bloom, High Street Box Car Racing, a march through the High Street, and the ODI 100 Families & Communities Festival in July.

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