In 1916 an 86-acre landing field was established to the east of Leadenham village for the use of detachments of 38 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps.

The squadron was equipped with Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2 biplane fighters which were used to defend against Zeppelin attacks.

[1] These detachments continued until May 1918 when the squadron moved to France.

90 Squadron RAF was based with a detachment of Avro 504K night fighters.

By 1918 the airfield had two sheds to protect the Avros and hutted accommodation for 51 airmen.