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

#OnThisDay1944

No.420 Sqn Halifax III MZ903 ZL-Y crewed by F/O L.J. Ayres RCAF, F/Sgt D.J. Bennett RCAF, Sgt. J.S. Grant RCAF, Sgt. R. Harle RCAF, Sgt. G.F. Kinnear RCAF, F/O J.H. Nichol and Sgt. E.F. O'Keefe took off from Leeming at 1814hrs for mssion over Koln. The aircraft suffered an engine fire and later made a forced landing at Manston. Crew uninjured.

No.420 Sqn Halifax III LW388 PT-D 'Dusty Duke' crewed by F/O E.T.L Cantell RCAF, F/Sgt. J.H. Fitzpatrick RNZAF, P/O W.H.K. Macdonald RCAF, WO1 C.A. Minary RCAF, Sgt. R.W. Shepherd, F/Sgt. W.J. Sherrin RCAF and F/Sgt. G.W. Wilkins RCAF left Tholthorpe at 1704hrs for mission over Koln. Later crash landed at Manston on return.

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.