History of Manston Airfield 100 years of flight

Because of some of the detail for the daily posts, you can see today’s events on our timeline page

#OnThisDay1943

More No.617 crews head to Kent to carry out bouncing bomb trials, including Sqn Ldr Henry Maudsley in ED-939 'AJ-Z' which suffers worse damage than Munro's the day before. Their aircraft would not be repaired in time for the mission. In between the Squadron's runs, the pilots from Vickers would continue their own test runs.

'Shorty' Longbottom flew out to sea and dropped a live Upkeep filled with Torpex from 75 feet, flying in a South West to North East direction, five miles off Broadstairs. This was the first drop of a Live Upkeep and was observed by Guy Gibson in a second Lancaster. The Upkeep bounced seven times for about 800 yards without deviation, then sank. A moment later the explosion from about 33 feet down, sent a plume of water nearly 800 feet into the air. It was a complete success.

#OnThisDay1980

A Handley Page Herald with seventeen passengers lands successfully on Manston's foam carpet.

The History of Manston Airfield site is dedicated to the history of Manston Airfield, in Kent from its first official usage back in 1916.

It is intended to bring together the various sources of information at events, squadrons, aircraft and personnel that have been involved in the site.

The site and social media pages are currently all non-profit making. Obviously we do incur costs so any contributions via donations or online sales are appreciated to ensure this project continues.

We are not directly connected with either of the two museums currently at Manston, but may work alongside them.

Due to the amount of history, it is likely that this site will be continually updated and extended and is not intended to be a complete historical record for some time to come.