During World War II hundreds of airmen from all over the globe touched down at Harrowbeer Airfield in Devon.

Despite its proud history, the long disused airfield six miles south of Tavistock is in danger of being forgotten.

Now a group of enthusiasts with a shared interest in its history have joined forces to actively search out old photographs, maps and news stories.

The airfield was created following the devastating Luftwaffe air raids on Plymouth during March and April 1941.

'M' Flight, 276 ASR Squadron in April 1943. Photo: kind permission of Stephen Fryer

Planes based there would provide protection to the city in case of further air attacks.

Many local people believe that rubble from those air raids formed the foundations of the new runways and helped create one of the most influential airfields in the South West.

The Harrowbeer Interest Group aims to make sure memories of the airfield are recorded and kept for future generations.

They are especially keen to hear from any airfield ground staff or air crew who flew from Harrowbeer.

"The main thing is to try and get down as much local knowledge as possible," said group member Stephen Fryer.

"We're desperately trying to catch the life of the airfield before it disappears, it's a time capsule."

Before helping to form the group six months ago, Stephen had driven along the road across the airfield on endless occasions, but had never considered its history.

"It started with two or three of us chatting over a pint and then we decided to expand it a bit," he said.

"We're just a group of people who all had an interest in the airfield."

A terrific 'pilot's eye' view of the airfield looking South. Photo: D Keeling

The group has already put together a comprehensive website with photos, history and information, collected from both local sources and ex-flyers.

They have also run a number of guided walks around the site with assistance from former RAF personnel. These double as fact finding missions for gathering new information.

"It's amazing what people know about the site," said Stephen. "No-one has the same bits of information.

"On two airfield walks we've done we've had ex-RAF personnel and they were able to say how it worked and how things were done.

"To see how big the airfield was and to see how spread out it was is amazing."