Cramlington Aerodrome

Last updated

Cramlington Aerodrome
Summary
Serves Newcastle upon Tyne
OpenedFebruary 1, 1915 (1915-02-01)
Elevation  AMSL 253 ft / 77 m
Coordinates 55°05′35.8″N01°37′20″W / 55.093278°N 1.62222°W / 55.093278; -1.62222
Map
England location map.svg
Airplane silhouette.svg
Cramlington
Location in England
Northumberland UK location map.svg
Airplane silhouette.svg
Cramlington
Cramlington (Northumberland)

Cramlington Aerodrome was a military airfield established in Northumberland during the First World War. It became a civil airfield serving the Tyneside area of north-east England and operated until 1935, when it was replaced by Woolsington Airport, now known as Newcastle International Airport.

Contents

History

Military

A B.E.2c of the RFC Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2C biplane Biplan Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2C (33217604931).jpg
A B.E.2c of the RFC

In response to German Zeppelin airship raids over the industrially vital Tyneside area in 1915, a flight of three Royal Flying Corps (RFC) B.E.2c fighters were based at a field near Cramlington in late November to defend against further raids. The aircraft arrived on 1 December 1915 and were housed in canvas hangars. The site was chosen as it was higher and thus less prone to fog than local coastal locations. [1]

The British Army and Royal Navy at first debated who should operate the field, with the army winning, and on 1 February 1916 No. 36 (Home Defence) Squadron was officially formed and three hangars were built. The airfield officially became RFC Cramlington, the first RFC airfield in the north-east of England. Extensive wooden buildings were constructed for offices, stores and accommodation, [1] mostly on the far side of the road that ran down the east side of the airfield, which was also bordered to the north by a railway line.

Training became an important function at the airfield. It was used by Reserve Squadrons 47, 52 and 61, as well as 75 Training Squadron, later renamed to 52 Training Depot Station. [2]

Operations continued at high intensity throughout the rest of the war, and a 70 ft (21 m) radio transmitter mast was erected to enable information and instructions to be sent to pilots from the ground. [1] When the RFC became the Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918 the airfield became RAF Cramlington.

In April 1918, the first flight of the Armstrong Whitworth F.M.4 Armadillo fighter took place at Cramlington because their normal field, at Town Moor Aerodrome in Newcastle, was surrounded by obstructions and too rough. The aircraft was not a success. [3]

Further land was requisitioned for the construction of a larger hangar, the building of which extended into 1919. However the RAF had no further plans for the airfield, and it was reduced to Care and Maintenance status on 22 January 1920, and the RAF left completely in March. [1]

Units

Major units based at Cramlington (in date order) [4]

  • 36 Sqn Formed at Cramlington on 1 February 1916, moved to Newcastle 12 October 1916
  • 58 Sqn Formed Cramlington 8 June 1916, to Dover 17 December 1917
  • 76 Sqn Formed Cramlington 15 September 1916, to Ripon 10 October 1916
  • 63 Sqn From Stirling 31 October 1916, to Middle East June 1917
  • 120 Sqn Formed Cramlington 1 January 1918, to Bracebridge Heath 3 August 1918
  • 252 Sqn Based Tynemouth, detachment to Cramlington May 1918, to Killingholme 31 January 1919

Civil

De Havilland DH.60 Cirrus Moths G-EBLX and G-EBLY at Cramlington Aerodrome, possibly during their naming ceremony on 26 November 1925 015825-Newcastle upon Tyne Aero Club Cramlington Aerodrome Unknown 1925.jpg
De Havilland DH.60 Cirrus Moths G-EBLX and G-EBLY at Cramlington Aerodrome, possibly during their naming ceremony on 26 November 1925

In the early 1920s the airfield, then known as "Cramlington Aerodrome", or sometimes "Newcastle Airport", saw little use, and the buildings received little maintenance. However in July 1925 The Newcastle upon Tyne Light Aeroplane Club, later renamed the Newcastle on Tyne Aero Club, was formed. It was commonly called the "Newcastle Aero Club". The members funded the building of a new hangar and with a grant from the Air Ministry [upper-alpha 1] bought two de Havilland DH.60 Cirrus Moths, [6] G-EBLX, named 'Novocastria', and G-EBLY, named 'Bernicia', soon followed by two more. The club remained a loyal Moth operator with at least another six acquired over the following years. [7]

Avro 548 G-EBPO of the Newcastle on Tyne Aero Club at Cramlington Aerodrome c.1928 Newcastle upon Tyne Aero Club Avro 548 G-EBPO Cramlington Aerodrome.jpg
Avro 548 G-EBPO of the Newcastle on Tyne Aero Club at Cramlington Aerodrome c.1928

A small company named Pleasure Flying Services Ltd. operated pleasure flights from early 1929 using Avro 548 G-EBPO, [8] which they acquired from the Aero Club. It was a three-seat conversion of the two-seat Avro 504. [upper-alpha 2] Later that year they expanded, acquiring Simmonds Spartan two-seater G-AAGV and three-seater G-AAHV. 'GV crashed in September 1930 and was rebuilt as a three-seater re-registered as G-ABXO. [10]

One of the earliest pupils of the Aero Club was Constance "Connie" Leathart, a young socialite who, despite crashing on her first solo flight, 24 February 1926, went on to become an accomplished pilot. [11] With her great friend, Walter Leslie Runciman, 2nd Viscount Runciman of Doxford, they formed Cramlington Aircraft Ltd, and took over the aircraft and business of Pleasure Flying Services on 30 October 1929. The company managed the aerodrome [12] and ran a maintenance and repair operation. It also built gliders from scratch including a Zögling type designed by Mr Alec Bell, [13] and in 1930 designed and built three examples of the Cramlington Cramcraft primary glider. [14]

A president of the Newcastle Aero Club, Sam Smith, [15] was the founder of Ringtons Tea. In 1931 [16] he was a founder member of Newcastle Gliding Club at Cramlington, which mainly used winch-launching for take-offs. [17] The club's president was Walter Leslie Runciman, and they used a Cramlington Cramcraft as a basic trainer. [18]

Scheduled services

George Nicholson started an experimental service, trading as "Northern Airways", from his base at Cramlington to the Isle of Man (Hall Caine Airport) via Carlisle (Kingstown Municipal Airport) in his De Havilland DH.84 Dragon G-ACFG, running from 1 August 1934 to 30 September. He went on to start Northern & Scottish Airways in Glasgow later that year. [19]

In April 1935 North Eastern Airways started a service to link Edinburgh (Turnhouse) with London (Heston Airport) via Newcastle (Cramlington) and Leeds (Yeadon). [20] The Edinburgh leg was delayed until 27 May. There was little demand, and the service stopped on 27 June. [21]

Events

The Newcastle Aero Club held its opening ceremony on 26 November 1925, at which its first two Moths were named. It organised its first Annual Flying Meeting on 4 September 1926 in which the Fleet Air Arm took part, with 406 Flight sending a large number of Fairey Flycatchers. [22]

On 7 July 1929, Alan Cobham visited Cramlington on his Municipal Aerodrome Campaign. He judged that the airfield at Newcastle's Town Moor, from which he had operated the previous day, was too rough and dangerous for his de Havilland DH.61 Giant Moth (registered G-AEEV and named Youth of Britain) and had relocated to Cramlington. The engine cut out and he landed, demolishing a tent and running into a wire fence, tearing off a wing, and stopping a few yards from the clubhouse. No one was harmed, and the aircraft was quickly repaired. [23]

On 5 October 1929 three significant air races were held during an Air Pageant; the Air League Challenge Cup, the Grosvenor Challenge Cup, and the SBAC Challenge Cup. They were all won by members of the Newcastle Aero Club in its DH.60 Moth G-EBPT. [24]

Winifred Brown, winner of the 1930 King's Cup. Winifred Sawley Brown who became Winifred Adams.png
Winifred Brown, winner of the 1930 King's Cup.

The King's Cup Air Race took place on 5 July 1930, and Cramlington was the third of four stops on the circular route which started and finished in Hanworth Air Park in London. With 88 starters, this was to be the largest field in the history of the race, and the 71 aircraft which survived as far as Cramlington all arrived in the space of just over an hour, causing considerable chaos but only two minor accidents. [25]

On 31 August 1930 an Air Fete was held which included a race. [26] The Grosvenor Challenge Cup race was held again on 22 August 1931. [27]

A London to Newcastle Air Race was instituted by the Aero Club, flying from Heston to Cramlington on 30 May 1931. It was repeated, starting from Brooklands in 1932, 1933 and 1934, and the last ones were to Woolsington in 1935 and 36. [28]

Alan Cobham's National Aviation Day "Flying Circus" displays visited Cramlington on the following dates: 2 and 3 July 1932, 1 and 2 July 1933 (No. 2 Tour), 8 September 1934 and 26 and 27 July 1935 (Astra Show). [upper-alpha 3] [29]

The British Hospitals Air Pageant visited on 12 August 1933. [30] Among the displays was the unique Miles M.1 Satyr G-ABVG and the De Havilland DH.60M Moth VH-UQA in which C. W. A. Scott made his record-breaking return flights from Australia to Britain. [7]

Demise

On 26 July 1935, Woolsington Aerodrome opened, about 5 miles (8.0 km) to the south-west, as a great improvement on Cramlington (it would become Newcastle International Airport later). Almost all of Cramlington's users and residents had moved there by May 1936 in which month Cramlington Aircraft ceased trading, [10] and the airfield was left almost deserted. An exception was the Gliding Club, which remained until the outbreak of World War II in September 1939. [17] Cramlington Aircraft Ltd entered voluntary liquidation in January 1939. [31]

During World War II the airfield was unused. After the war, attempts were made to restart some aviation activity, but the airfield was soon abandoned. [17] Little of the old aerodrome remains. The landing ground is now open grassland encroached upon by the Shotton open-cast coal mine. and the buildings area is now the Bassington Industrial Estate.

Airship station

Painting of an RNAS SST on patrol Watching for Prey, Frank Willis, Luftschiff SST 1914-1918.jpg
Painting of an RNAS SST on patrol

Construction of a Royal Naval Airship Station, RNAS Cramlington, started in 1918 [32] at Nelson Village, about half a mile (0.8 km) to the east of the existing aerodrome. It was planned that four Submarine Scout Twin (SST) airships would be based here, but construction of the large airship shed to house them was not finished until 1919. However the planned airships did operate from here for a short period, along with a complement of twenty officers and around 280 men. [33]

The site was soon abandoned, but the huge airship shed was taken over by British Airships Ltd which later changed its name to the Airship Development Company. Here they assembled what was claimed to be Britain's first private airship, the AD.1. This had been designed principally by Reginald Foster Dagnall, who had designed previous airships [upper-alpha 4] and founded the RFD company. The airship was built in Guildford, Surrey, but as most airship sheds in Britain had been demolished, it was brought to Cramlington for inflation and testing.

Registered G-FAAX, its first flight was on 18 September 1929 and after several test flights [upper-alpha 5] was deflated for modifications. Flying again the following May, [35] it performed its intended role in aerial advertising, with large banners attached to its sides. Business was hard to come by, however, and the airship had to travel far to get work. [36] On a commission in Belgium for a cigarette company, it was destroyed in a storm on 5 October 1930. The remains were returned to Britain and auctioned, and the company was liquidated the next year. [33]

The shed was little used until after World War II, but in later years was used for the production of concrete lamp posts, [33] It survived until 1967 when it was demolished. The site is now the South Nelson Industrial Estate. [32]

Accidents and incidents

In media

The Aerodrome is mentioned in The Black Peril, a Biggles novel by W.E. Johns published in 1935. [45]

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Thanks to subsidies organised by the Director of Civil Aviation, Sir Sefton Brancker, five new flying clubs were formed, all receiving two of the earliest production Moths in the summer of 1925. The other clubs were Lancashire Aero Club, London Aeroplane Club, Midland Aero Club and Yorkshire Aeroplane Club. [5]
  2. ↑ There is film of this aircraft in Pleasure Flying Services markings giving joy rides from the beach at St Andrews, Scotland in 1929. [9]
  3. ↑ In 1933 there were two simultaneous tours throughout the season, named Number 1 and Number 2. In 1935 there again were two, but only from 1 July, named Astra and Ferry.
  4. ↑ Dagnall was the designer of Willows airships in the early 1900s.
  5. ↑ There is film of an early flight from Cramlington. [34]
  6. ↑ Some sources say the date was 18 June. [40]

Related Research Articles

de Havilland DH.60 Moth 1925 utility aircraft family

The de Havilland DH.60 Moth is a 1920s British two-seat touring and training aircraft that was developed into a series of aircraft by the de Havilland Aircraft Company.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hucknall Aerodrome</span> Aerodrome near Nottingham, England

Hucknall Aerodrome was a former general aviation and RAF aerodrome located 5 nmi north north-west of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England and west of Hucknall town. The aerodrome had been operated by the Merlin Flying Club since 1971 and then by Rolls-Royce Group plc. Before its closure, it was owned and operated by ITP Aero.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Netherthorpe Airfield</span> Airport in Worksop

Netherthorpe Aerodrome is located 2 NM west by north of Worksop, Nottinghamshire, England. The aerodrome is in the Metropolitan Borough of Rotherham close to the village of Thorpe Salvin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heston Aerodrome</span> Airport

Heston Aerodrome was an airfield located to the west of London, England, operational between 1929 and 1947. It was situated on the border of the Heston and Cranford areas of Hounslow, Middlesex. In September 1938, the British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, flew from Heston to Germany three times in two weeks for talks with Adolf Hitler, and returned to Heston from the Munich Conference with the paper referred to in his later "Peace for our time" speech from 10 Downing Street.

The Lancashire Aero Club is the oldest established flying club in the United Kingdom, it was founded in 1909 to organise the Blackpool Aviation Week, Britain's first officially recognised air show.

Lympne Airport was a military and later civil airfield, at Lympne, Kent, United Kingdom, which operated from 1916 to 1984. During the First World War RFC Lympne was originally an acceptance point for aircraft being delivered to, and returning from, France but was later designated as a First Class Landing Ground, RAF Lympne. It became a civil airfield in 1919 and saw the operation of early air mail services after the 1918 armistice. It was one of the first four airfields in the United Kingdom with customs facilities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Penshurst Airfield</span> Airfield in Leigh, UK

Penshurst Airfield was an airfield in operation between 1916–36 and 1940–46. Initially a military airfield, after the First World War it was used as an alternate destination to Croydon Airport, with some civil flying taking place. The airfield closed following the crash of a Flying Flea at an air display in 1936, and was converted to a polo ground.

Ramsgate Airport was a civil airfield at Ramsgate, Kent, United Kingdom which opened in July 1935. It was briefly taken over by the Royal Air Force in the Second World War, becoming RAF Ramsgate. The airfield was then closed and obstructed to prevent its use. It reopened in 1953 and served until final closure in 1968. The site has now been redeveloped as an industrial estate.

Allied Airways was a UK airline based at Aberdeen, Scotland. Formed in 1934 as Aberdeen Airways it was taken over by British European Airways in 1947.

Constance Ruth Leathart was a British female pilot who flew Royal Air Force aircraft on transit flights in World War Two in the Air Transport Auxiliary.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bekesbourne Aerodrome</span> Defunct British airfield (1916–1940)

Bekesbourne Aerodrome was an airport located at the southeast edge of the village of Bekesbourne, southeast of Canterbury, Kent. It operated from 1916 until 1940, and had both military and civil roles.

Western Airways was an airline based in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England between 1932 and 1978. Before World War II, for a short period, it was the world's busiest airline. It survived WWII by using its aircraft engineering expertise.

Haldon Aerodrome was the first airfield in Devon. Established in the 1920s as a private flying field, it developed into an airport with scheduled airline service, and was used by the Navy during World War II. The airport has also been known as Teignmouth Airport, Little Haldon Airfield and, in its military days, RNAS Haldon and HMS Heron II.

Highland Airways Limited was established in Inverness, Scotland, by Ted Fresson in 1933 to provide passenger and freight air services between the Scottish mainland and the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland, and between their islands. The airline was taken over by Scottish Airways, absorbed by British European Airways in 1947.

Northern & Scottish Airways was a regional airline established in Glasgow in 1934. It was taken over in 1937, eventually becoming part of British European Airways.

Midland & Scottish Air Ferries was Scotland's first airline, operating from 1933 to 1934. It is particularly noted for pioneering flights to the Inner Hebrides

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lancashire Aircraft Corporation</span> Defunct British charter and scheduled airline and engineering company

Lancashire Aircraft Corporation was a major British charter airline after World War II. Its founding father was Eric Rylands. It played an important role in the Berlin Airlift. It also flew scheduled routes and was important in the development of Coach-air services, leading to the founding of Skyways Coach Air and the start of the Inclusive Tour (IT) industry. Its major subsidiary, Samlesbury Engineering, supported its operations and converted many military aircraft for commercial use, also founding Lancashire Aircraft Company.

North Eastern Airways (NEA) was a British airline which operated from 1935 until the outbreak of World War II in 1939. Based initially in Newcastle upon Tyne, it operated routes from Scotland to London in competition with the railways, retaining its independence to the end.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Flying Services</span> Defunct British aviation company

National Flying Services Ltd was a company aiming to create and manage a large number of airfields and flying clubs around Britain. It relied on government subsidy, and it collapsed when the subsidy was withdrawn in 1934, because the aims had not been achieved.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Winifred Brown</span> Sportswoman, aviator, author, first woman to win Kings Cup Air Race (1930)

Winifred Sawley Brown was an English sportswoman, aviator and author. She was the first woman to win the King's Cup air race. The race has been running annually since 1922.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Davis, Mick. "Cramlington Aerodrome". North East Aviation Research. North East Aircraft Museum. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  2. ↑ Smith, David J. (1989). Action Stations 7: Military Airfields of Scotland, the North-East and Northern Ireland. Wellingborough, UK: Patrick Stephens Ltd. p. 73. ISBN   1-85260-309-7.
  3. ↑ Tapper, Oliver (1988). Armstrong Whitworth Aircraft since 1913 (2nd ed.). London: Putnam. p. 82. ISBN   0-85177-826-7.
  4. ↑ Jefford, C.G. (2001). RAF Squadrons (2nd ed.). Shrewsbury, UK: Airlife Publishing Ltd. p. 147. ISBN   1-84037-141-2.
  5. ↑ Jackson, A. J. (1962). De Havilland Aircraft since 1915. London: Putnam. p. 194.
  6. ↑ "Cramlington". Abandoned Forgotten & Little Known Airfields in Europe. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  7. 1 2 3 Fillmore, Malcolm (September 2018). "De Havilland DH60 File" (PDF). Air-Britain. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  8. ↑ Jackson, A.J.; Jackson, R.T. (1990). Avro Aircraft since 1908 (2nd ed.). London: Putnam Aeronautical Books. p. 192. ISBN   0-85177-834-8.
  9. ↑ "Penniwells and St Andrews". Moving Image Archive. National Library of Scotland. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  10. 1 2 "Simmonds Spartan Aircraft". Isle of Wight Aviation. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  11. ↑ "Constance Leathart: A Life in the Clouds". Northumberland Archives. Northumberland County Council. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  12. ↑ "Constance Leathart". hyperleap. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  13. ↑ "Gliding Gossip and News". MotorSport: 36. May 1930. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  14. ↑ "A North-Country Glider". The Sailplane and Glider. 5 (1): 35, 36. 3 October 1930.
  15. ↑ Andrews, Arthur. "Heaton fliers: the Smith family and Newcastle Aero Club". Heaton History Group. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  16. ↑ "Carlton Moor Gliding Club". Hidden Teesside. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  17. 1 2 3 "Cramlington (Airfield) (Newcastle)". Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  18. ↑ Gliding Yearbook 1931 (PDF). Dorset Gliding Club. 1931. p. 78. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  19. ↑ Davies, R. E. G. (2005). British Airways: An airline and its aircraft Volume 1: 1919 - 1939. McLean, Virginia, USA: Paladwr Press. p. 66. ISBN   1-888962-24-0.
  20. ↑ "North Eastern Airways April 1935". Airline Timetable Images. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  21. ↑ Davies, R. E. G. (2005). British Airways: An airline and its aircraft Volume 1: 1919 - 1939. McLean, Virginia, USA: Paladwr Press. p. 73. ISBN   1-888962-24-0.
  22. ↑ "Cramlington Flying Sites". UK Airfields & Airports. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  23. ↑ "Ten Passengers in 'Plane Smash". Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer. 8 July 1929. Retrieved 23 February 2022.
  24. ↑ Lewis, Peter (1970). British Racing and Record-Breaking Aircraft. London: Putnam. p. 204. ISBN   0-370-00067-6.
  25. ↑ Boughton, Terence (1963). The Story of the British Light Aeroplane. London: John Murray. pp. 174, 177.
  26. ↑ Lewis, Peter (1970). British Racing and Record-Breaking Aircraft. London: Putnam. p. 214. ISBN   0-370-00067-6.
  27. ↑ Lewis, Peter (1970). British Racing and Record-Breaking Aircraft. London: Putnam. p. 228. ISBN   0-370-00067-6.
  28. ↑ "London to Newcastle Air Races". North East Aviation Research. North East Aircraft Museum. Retrieved 12 February 2022..
  29. ↑ Cobham, Sir Alan (1978). A Time to Fly. London, UK: Shepheard-Walwyn (Publishers). pp. 205–214. ISBN   0-85683-037-2.
  30. ↑ "ACA News Reel Events of 1933". North East Film Archive. Yorkshire/North East Film Archive. at 7.40. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
  31. ↑ "No. 34589". The London Gazette . 13 January 1939. p. 340.
  32. 1 2 "Cramlington (Airship)". Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  33. 1 2 3 "United Kingdom - Cramlington". Airship Heritage Trust. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  34. ↑ "Aviation: Airship On Its First Flight From Cramlington, Yorkshire (sic) 1929". British Pathé. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
  35. ↑ "Lighter–than–Air Register" (PDF). Air-Britain. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  36. ↑ "Ill-fated history of Britain's first private airship". BBC News. 5 January 2014. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  37. ↑ "ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 218965". Aviation Safety Network. Flight Safety Foundation. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  38. ↑ "ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 220345". Aviation Safety Network. Flight Safety Foundation. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  39. ↑ "ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 220752". Aviation Safety Network. Flight Safety Foundation. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  40. ↑ Ord-Hume, Arthur W.J.G. (2000). British Light Aeroplanes. Peterborough, UK: GMS Enterprises. p. 365. ISBN   1-870384-76-8.
  41. ↑ "ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 211683". Aviation Safety Network. Flight Safety Foundation. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  42. ↑ "ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 121139". Aviation Safety Network. Flight Safety Foundation. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  43. ↑ "ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 24940". Aviation Safety Network. Flight Safety Foundation. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  44. ↑ "ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 25096". Aviation Safety Network. Flight Safety Foundation. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  45. ↑ Johns, W. E. (1935). Biggles and the Black Peril (2004 ed.). London: Red Fox Books, Random House Children's Books. pp. 1, 46–48, 70, 71. ISBN   0-09-997760-5 . Retrieved 17 February 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.