RAF Drem started life in 1916 as a home defence landing ground originally known as West Fenton. In 1939 the airfield became home to No.13 Flying Training School, then in October 1939 Drem received its first fighters in the form of Spitfires with 609 squadron from Acklington as well as becoming the home of 72 squadron as the airfield was transferred to Fighter Command.

Drem, situated some twenty miles east of Edinburgh, may not be as famous as other Battle of Britain airfields but deserves recognition for its contribution to aviation history. ‘Drem’ became known throughout the Royal Air Force as the standard RAF lighting system designed to assist night landings and whose development took place at Drem.  Drem’s grass airstrip may have reverted back to farming land but many of buildings around the airfield survive including hangers and the Battle Command Building. A well documented and informative read.