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

#OnThisDay1938

A detachment from No.3 School of Technical Training sent to Ypres Cathedral in France for the unveiling of a memorial to the British Army, the RAF and the memory of the late King Albert of the Belgians.

#OnThisDay1944

Ten Spitfires of No.303 Sqn left from Manston as a forward base at 0950hrs to take part in the first massed operation (Ramrod 905) against German communication and radar targets over Northern France. In total 30 aircraft lost, 9 pilots killed, 6 evading capture, 9 POW, 3 wounded, 3 escaped injury. Sgt Wiktor Kempa PAF (793627) in Spitfire VB BM565 and Stanislaw Brzeski VM, DFC in Spitfire EP461 both taken POWs.

#OnThisDay1952

'The Skyblazers' Display Team of seven USAF Republic F-84 Thunderjets displayed at Manston. One aircraft, piloted by Capt John Patrick O'Brien as one of the solo pilots crashed after an engine explosion during a low-altitude pass, killing the pilot.

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.