War-time village airfield near Horsham where 15 airmen died faces new battle

But this time – nearly 80 years on – the fight is to save the historic airfield at Coolham from development.

Plans have been put forward to demolish a barn on the airfield site and build two houses – but there is huge local opposition. Many say the area should be preserved as a permanent memorial.

And now there are calls for Coolham Airfield to be recognised as a ‘community asset’ – as the Coolham D-Day Airfield Memorial Park – to protect its future and historic past.