Most of the prisoners were Italian with a few Germans. Many of the pre-war LGC members such as Lawrence Wright were to play an important role in the formation of the Glider Pilot Regiment. Post war After World War II the airfield was handed back to the LGC and gliding operations resumed. In the post-war years the airfield was expanded as neighbouring fields were purchased, and the gradual replacement of wood and fabric gliders by high performance glass fibre gliders, often constructed using advanced materials such as carbon fibre. These modern gliders required longer take-off and landing areas, and large areas of the airfield were levelled. Bungee launching from the crest of the Downs became less frequent as the aerotow became more viable, and as winch launches were able to achieve greater height. The club training fleet was modernised, and is constantly kept up to date. As increased performance by modern gliders enabled flights of long distances (up to 1000 km), the London Gliding Club gradually grew in membership throughout these years, and continues to do so. Many UK speed and distance records are held by pilots flying from Dunstable, and the London Gliding Club regularly hosts regional and national competitions. Current club fleet Gliders 7 x Schleicher ASK 21 3 x Schleicher ASK 23 Schleicher ASK 13 Schempp-Hirth Duo Discus Schleicher ASW 19 Schleicher ASW 24 Pilatus B4 Rotax Falke SF 25c Motor Glider Tow planes Piper Super Cub 4 DR400 Robins 1 DR300 Robins There is also a Munster Van Gelder Winch with six drums References External links London Gliding Club British Gliding Association 'Take Up Slack - The History of London Gliding Club 1930-2000' Sports organisations in London Gliding in England Flying clubs Gliderports in the United Kingdom 1930 establishments in England