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

#OnThisDay1943

F/O R Van Lierde of No.609 Sqn in Typhoon R8838 PR-N claims 1 Fw190 south of Dover.

A Typhoon from No.609 Sqn on its landing approach back to Manston shortly before 1300hrs was mistaken by Spitfires scrambled whilst the airfield was under attack. The pilot lowered his undercarriage just in time to avoid being shot down.

Sqn Ldr Beaumont of No.609 Sqn had taken off to defend Manston, but was attacked by Spitfires who fortunately missed him.

F/O Raw of No.609 in a Typhoon claims 1 Fw190 damaged.

F/L J.A. Atkinson of No.609 Sqn in Typhoon R8810 PR-R claims 1 Fw190 15 miles SE of Dover.

No.609 Sqn Flt Lt the Baron Jean de Selys Longchamps in Typhoon DN305 PR-M and Flt Sgt Andre Blanco in Typhoons attacked enemy trains and straffed Gestapo headquarters in Brussels. F/L de Selys claims 1 locomotive and F/S Blanc claimed two.

No.609 Sqn Typhoon DN360 PR-A piloted by F/O J.R. Baldwin and Typhoon of F/O Creteur intercept eight Messerschmitt Bf 109s east of Manston. Four destroyed (three by F/O Baldwin), one damaged. The Typhoon of F/O Baldwin sustains Cat A damage but pilot unhurt.

F/O R.A. Lallemand of No.609 Sqn in Typhoon R7855 PR-D claims 1 Fw190 off the coast near Dymchurch.

#OnThisDay1944

No.198 Sqn Typhoon 1b JR361 piloted by F/Lt R.O. Curtis was hit by flak and crashed near St-Omer. Pilot 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.