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.9 Sqn Lancaster III LM432 WS-O piloted by P/O K.L. Porter and with Cpl Wilfred Linley RAFVR as passenger (other crew not confirmed) left Manston at 1900hrs for transit, but crashed at Fir Grove Farm near Horncastle, Lincolnshire in very poor weather with limited visibility. Both crew killed.

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.