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

#OnThisDay1932

The Thanet Air Race, postponed from July, due to be held today, but postponed to the next day due to bad weather.

#OnThisDay1939

No.3 Sqn returns to Croydon.

#OnThisDay1940

No.41 Sqn's FO J.G.Boyle's Spitfire hit by gunfire from a Messerschmitt Bf 109 over Manston, and had to return to Hornchurch.

No.41 Sqn's PO H.C.Baker had to make a forced landing at Stelling Minnis after he took a hit while in combat with Messerschmitt Bf 109s over Manston.

#OnThisDay1943

No.3 Sqn Typhoon JP724 piloted bt FL G.L Sinclair, destroyed in night landing accident at Manston. Pilot safe.

#OnThisDay1944

56 Albemarle tugs take off with their gliders to form part of 1st Allied Airborne Army's major operation in Holland, including Arnhem as part of Operation Market Garden.

The Manston Tempest Wing led by Wng Cdr Wray attack flak positions and armed barges in the Dutch Islands, Walcheren and Schouwen, in support of the Airborne attack.

No.80 Sqn Tempest EJ519 piloted by W/O Peter Leopold Godfrey (1318229) hit by flak and seen to crash into the sea with no bale out. Pilot killed.

No.80 Sqn Tempest V EJ657 piloted by F/L E.E.O. Irish was abandoned near Manston after being hit by flak. Pilot parachuted.

Remainder of No.80 Sqn return to Manston to re-arm and refuel before leaving again at 1825hrs for an armed recce on Hague, Wassener and Leiden, hitting 3 harges and other targets.

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.