Cranwell

[broadtown]

Looking at Cranwell accounts suggest that the site of aerodrome was chosen for its location. My understanding is that it was far enough away (at the time) from the coast to make it less of a target, had no major geographical landmarks that could be used as a way point for aerial attack, also an overspill for Wormwood Scrubs and later Kingsnorth for training. Is this right?

Best wishes

and seasons greetings to all

Bob

[MikeW]

I have also seen it stated that the fact that there were no after-hours sources of entertainment was considered to be a great advantage No distractions and no embarrasing social diseases.

As far as RNAS pilot training went when Cranwell got going, new pilots initially attended a disciplinary course at Crystal Palace - this involved lots of PE, lectures on basic subjects - engines, guns, rigging, etc. and getting shouted at a lot. They then moved on to basic flight training, usually Chingford or Eastchurch, sometimes Eastbourne or Redcar (and later, Vendome), then on to Cranwell when they were considered proficient. Cranwell provided a more advanced and specialised flying and written exams as well. I think it would be at Cranwell when they finally got sorted into "Fast Scout", 2-seater, or Seaplane pilots. Frieston was a "annexe" to Cranwell and pilots usually got a week's bombing practice there.

If they were going overseas, they spent a week or so at Dover where the CO seems to have ignored all of Cranwell's recommendations and rated everyone again! Most pilots then went to whichever Wing they were posted to, however when No.12 Squadron came on-line they usally went there for specific instruction on the type they were destined to fly - Pup, Triplane, Camel and sometimes D.H.4.

Later, towards the end of 1917, it was realised that the training they were getting at Cranwell wasn't good enough to keep up with current fighter tactics and the Manston War School was set up to bring them up to speed towards the end of their training.

Kite ballonatics and Lighter-than-air personnel might well have gone to Wormwood Scrubs before Cranwell came on-line. This could be where your reference to "overflow" comes in.

Mike

[Rob B]

I noticed on my Grandfathers personal records he did his basis RNAS training prior to going on to DH9s at Cranwell and on the bases was a a road called "Lighter than air road" which suggests a good balloon base with a lack of high ground to get snagged on! and then it evolved from there.

Cheers,

Rob

[broadtown]

They then moved on to basic flight training, usually Chingford or Eastchurch, sometimes Eastbourne or Redcar (and later, Vendome), then on to Cranwell when they were considered proficient.

Now that is interesting. I am getting the impression that the country must have been coated with aerodromes by the end of the war.

The station you refer to at Redcar, was this Kirkleatham also the one used by the RNAS as a sub-station for Howden?

I'm up to Scarborough for a few days so might take a look that way if the weather is fine!!

Happy New Year to all

Bob

[MikeW]

Don't know anything about about Kirkleatham.

RNAS Redcar was right alongside the racecourse. It opened as a home defence and training station on 4/7/15.

Mike

[broadtown]

RNAS Redcar was right alongside the racecourse.

Mike,

This seems to be a common point, presumably due to the layout.

On this subject, the racecourse at Scarborough was used as a flying field, I think the site is now occupied by GCHQ, however there are conflicting reports of a field at West Ayton, a few miles in land of this. Now my uncle has a farm in West Ayton and recons it was on his land as the drainage is messed up due to it. Is this WWI or more likely one of those annoying Auster/Piper strips that get everywhere from WWII?

Bob

[Barnsey]

Dept. Useless Information:

I seem to remember (I stayed at Cranwell as an Air Cadet) that it is the only RAF base with a lighthouse. I may (and frequently am) be wrong!

[mickdavis]

There were two aerodromes at Scarborough, as well as the Scalby Mills seaplane station. Riggs Head racecourse (grid ref TA 012870) was the original site, used by the RNAS for HD duty from August 1915 to November 1916 and had a single wooden hangar. It flew the usual miscellany of BE2c, Avro 504C, Bleriot XI and came under RNAS Redcar in the RNAS North East Air Defences. The site had seen pre-war use by Henri Salmet on the 1912 'Daily Mail' tour and by 2 Sqn RFC on its return to Montrose from the June 1914 Concentration Camp.

West Ayton (SE 988822) was opened for Marine Operations in August 1918, with the arrival of 505 Flt of 251 Sqn from Greenland Top. The unit had an establishment of six DH6. It was joined by the similarly equipped 510 Flt from Redcar during October, which transferred from 252 to 251 Sqn. Both flights were run down during January 1919. The aerodrome occupied 100 acres and had maximum runs of 840 x 650 yards. It was at 75 feet amsl and was only provided with canvas Bessoneau hangars.

[max7474]

Dept. Useless Information:

I seem to remember (I stayed at Cranwell as an Air Cadet) that it is the only RAF base with a lighthouse. I may (and frequently am) be wrong!

RAF Akrotiri (Cyprus) has one within its perimeter as it is on a peninsula.

[Barnsey]

D'oh!

Should have remembered that (been there too). Thanks for setting me straight.