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

Stirling LJ 622 including FO Burkby and FO Browne were badly damaged by flak and force landed at Manston.

No.3 Sqn finally leave Manston after being stuck there by bad weather.

Two Dakotas from No.233 Sqn took petrol tanks to B56 (Brussels/Evere) from Manston as part of the 7th lift for 'Market Garden'.

No.504 Sqn escort Dakotas and Stirlings dropping supplies to the encircled airborne forces at Arnhem.

No. 166 Sqn Lancaster III PB242 AS-E crewed by Sgt. F.W. Cridge, F/O C.T. Edwards, Sgt. R.T. Hallet, F/O H.L. Howling, Sgt. D. Sergeant, Sqn Ldr T.W. Rippingale and Sgt. R.C. Taylor left Kirmington at 1840hrs for mission over Neuss. They were attacked by a Ju88 possibly that of Oblt. Lothar Jarsch of 4./NJG2, resulting in one crew member being killed (not yet known). Later crash landed back at Manston. Sqn Ldr Rippingdale received the DSO and Sgt Cridge the CGM.

No.166 Sqn Lancaster III PB242 AS-E piloted by F/O H.L. Howling took off from Kirmington at 1840hrs for mission over Neuss and crash landed on return at Manston.

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.