The Royal Navy have started work but it is still incomplete.
Navy runways are 30 feet wide so they have to be widened to the RAF standard 50 feet and there are acute labor shortages in the Orkney islands which also slow down progress.
Posts from May 1940
Yellow Alert at Hawkinge
Yellow Alert at 04:10, all leave cancelled as Germany invades Belgium and Holland.
Air Ministry issues warning about paratroopers
The Air Ministry sends an "urgent" message to the Admiralty, the War Office and the Ministry of Home Defence.
According to information received from Norway, German paratroopers hold both hands above their head during a descent, just as if they were surrendering. However, in each hand they conceal a grenade which they throw at anyone who tries to oppose them when landing. In order to counter this trick, paratroopers numbering more than six should be regarded as hostile and shot in the air if at all possible.
Notably, six is the largest British bomber crew.
25 and 601 Sqn arrive at Hawkinge
25 Sqn (Blenheims) and 601 Sqn (Hurricanes) arrive at Hawkinge.
RAF suggest Skeabrae no longer needed
A directive is sent to the Admiralty to the effect that Skaebrae is no longer needed since Castletown in Caithness is now operational.
Call for men to enrol in the Local Defence Volunteers
Anthony Eden makes a speech asking for men between the ages of 17 and 45 to come forward to enrol in a military force to be called the Local Defence Volunteers. In Kent it is estimated that 10,000 enrolled in the first 24 hours - many more volunteered by post.
Volunteers are requested to register with their local constabulary however, the constabulary were not informed and had to improvise registration forms.
Entire sixth form of Kings School Canterbury registers for the LDV
LDV area organisers are appointed
Brigadier General H.S. Frankin, CMG, CBE, DSO, is asked by Sir Aukland Geddes, Regional Commissioner for South-East England, to organise the LDV in Kent. General Sir Cecil Romer, GCB, KBE, CMG, is appointed Area Organiser. The Area includes the Kent Zone, Sussex and a part of Surrey.
Kent area organiser arranges an LDV meeting
A meeting is arranged in Ashford by the Kent Organiser. Major General A.L. Forster, CB accepts the appointment as Group Organiser for East Kent, and Lieutenant Colonel J.C. Pethrick, MC, is appointed Group Organiser for West Kent. Brigadier General H.A. Verson, DSO, joins as Staff Officer (G) to the Zone Organiser. Admiral Sir Studholme Brownrigg, KBE, CB, DSO, accepts an invitation to organise the North Kent Group which includes the Chatham Military Area.
R.A.F. Wyton station intelligence officer issues photos of He 113 for squadron files
Secret.
From:- R.A.F.Sation,Wyton(Intelligence)
To:-
O.C. 15 Squadron.
O.C. 40 Squadron.
Date:- 16th May 1940.
Ref:- WS/S.476S/S/Int.
for group Captain, Commanding,
R.A.F.Station,Wyton,Humbs.
15. SQUADRON
ROYAL AIR FORCE
5 16 May 1940
Ref:- 1054/PHOTO.
Photographs - German Aircraft.
Herewith 5 copies each of three photographs of the Heinkel 113 for including in your dossier of aircraft photographs.
C????????S/Ldr.ROYAL AIR FORCE
5 16 May 1940
Ref:- 1054/PHOTO.
for group Captain, Commanding,
R.A.F.Station,Wyton,Humbs.
(AIR 27/260/1)