MYSTERY SOLVED! ‘Missing’ RAF Hornchurch Plaque Returned To Sopwith Way.

14th August 202614th August 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Elm Park, Plaque, RAF Hornchurch, WWII min read

A plaque thought to have been stolen from a historic Second World War monument in Hornchurch has been returned after the truth behind its disappearance was revealed.

Councillor Barry Mugglestone was disappointed when he discovered that the plaque attached to the dragon’s tooth in Sopwith Way was missing.

Writing in the FOCUS magazine, Councillor Mugglestone suggested that a “toerag” must have taken it.

However, it turns out the plaque had not been stolen at all.

Terry, a member of the RAF Hornchurch Heritage Centre, had noticed that the plaque was becoming loose and had removed it to keep it safe.

The good news was quickly shared with Councillor Mugglestone, who was delighted to discover what had actually happened.

The plaque was donated by the RAF Hornchurch Heritage Centre and has now been replaced.

Tony Philpott, Chairman of the Trust, said:

“I am very grateful to Terry for replacing the plaque, it is important to preserve the history of Hornchurch Airfield for future generations.”

The dragon’s tooth itself is an important reminder of the area’s wartime history.

Dragon’s teeth are pyramid-shaped reinforced concrete anti-tank obstacles that were first used during the Second World War to slow down the movement of tanks and mechanised infantry.

For residents passing through Sopwith Way, the seemingly ordinary concrete structure therefore carries a significant piece of local history.

Councillor Mugglestone is also encouraging residents to discover more of that history by visiting the RAF Hornchurch Heritage Centre.

He said:

“Why not go and visit the RAF Hornchurch Heritage Centre: Located at 119-121 Suttons Lane, it is open Saturdays and Sundays between 11am and 4pm. It is well worth a visit to see the history of RAF Hornchurch, make sure you allow time to see all the exhibits on show and enjoy some refreshments in the tea room. I will guarantee you will be amazed at how much is on show – it really is a tardis.”

So what initially appeared to be a case of local history being stolen has ended with a much happier outcome.