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

#OnThisDay1918

Sopwith Camel B6588 of the Pilot Pool, crashes killing 18 year old Second Lieutenant Howard Raymond Gillett. He is buried in Hamstead Cemetery.

#OnThisDay1943

No.609 Sqn Typhoon DN416 PR-P piloted by Sgt Van Zuylen van Nyevelt on the return back to Manston encountered engine failure, seen to make a 'perfect' ditch off Deal 1200hrs, but wasn't seen to get out. Pilot killed. Cheval maintains that he was given a ropey aircraft which had known engine problems, and worse, when he called the section leader - Remy ' Mony' Van Lierde - he was not told to bale out. Cheval has never forgiven Van Lierde as Etienne was a very good friend.

#OnThisDay1945

No.310 Sqn Spitfire IX MA845 NN-N 'Borough of Edmonton' piloted by Sgt Stanislav Zoul (788557) swung off the runway whilst landing at Manston. The aircraft hit the FIDO burners and overturned, seriously injuring 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.