High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Earls Colne Airfield is a former World War II airfield in Essex, England. The airfield is located approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) east-northeast of Braintree; about 40 miles (64 km) north-northeast of London. Opened in 1942, it was used by both the Royal Air Force and United States Army Air Force. During the war it was used primarily as a combat bomber airfield. After the war it was closed in 1955 after many years of being in a reserve status. Much of the airfield today is being used as a golf course. A flying club also operates from the old airfield.