Redhill Close

Built as part of the post-war redevelopment of Plymouth, Redhill Close, like its contemporary neighbours in Ernesettle, takes its name in commemoration of an important RAF airfield used in World War Two and the battle of Britain.

RAF Redhill was located in Surrey, just south of London and about six miles due north of Gatwick. A member of 11 Group Fighter Command, it was mainly used for night operations, as it housed predominantly the Blenheim bombers of 219 Squadron. They however left at the start of August, and there was no single squadron at Redhill until 600 brought their Beaufighters at the end of September.

The name Redhill comes from the Old English words rede and helde and means simply ‘red slope’.

EH 27 January 2007