Back on topic....
British WW1 squadrons operated from such airfields as Biggin Hill and Manston.
I own an original Log Book from a Home Defence pilot. He flew with 50 Squadron 'C' Flight. On 22nd August 1917 he wrote in his Log Book that whilst on patrol with his Be12 Flight, they attacked a formation of Gotha bombers. He fired over 70 rounds. He also flew many anti-Zeppelin night patrols.
Interestingly, Winston Churchill was responsible for the defences at an early stage.
There's a recently discovered Royal Flying Corps airfield in Essex on the approach to London. This was home to 37 Squadron whose role was the defence of London. They aided in the destruction of a Zeppelin.
The airfield is known as Stow Maries and I've been there several times.
http://www.stowmaries.com/
Best Regards,
MB_Avro.