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

His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent drove himself from opening new buildings at King's School in Canterbury to Manston, then boarded his private plane and flew off.

#OnThisDay1943

More No.617 crews head to Kent, again landing at Manston before their runs including F/L Shannon in ED-929 'AJ-L'. His bomb aimer, F/Sgt Len Sumpter misjudges and drops the bomb too early. F/L Les Munro flies in too low and the spray from the Upkeep knocks a piece of fairing from the bomb bay. Their Lancaster would be repaired in time for their part in the Sorpe dam attack.

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.