Detailed History of RAF Manston 1931-40
Regular price
€23.99
Air Commodore Pink chose RAF Manston as his final resting place and a number of aces from the First World War such as Squadron Leader Bartlett served there. After the uncertainty of the 1920s, RAF Manston grew rapidly during the 1930s to become one of the busiest airfields in the country. The School of Technical Training was at the forefront of the RAF where thousands of airmen trained each year and it was an integral part of the service's expansion scheme. Empire Air Days and air races became regular events during the 1930s and when Ramsgate Municipal Airport opened, RAF Manston had to compete with it to stage them. 48 Squadron was formed at Manston in 1936 with the Avro Anson and it was the RAF's first monoplane to have a retractable undercarriage. On the outbreak of war, various fighter squadrons operated from Manston and being the airfield closest to France, its squadrons proudly played a leading role in the evacuation of Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain.
Joe Bamford served in the RAF from 1968 to 1974. He later went into full-time education and gained a degree from Warwick University. His first book, The Salford Lancaster, was followed by Tales from the Control Tower and The History of RAF Manston 1916-1930. With his partner, Janice, he has lived in North Yorkshire for thirty years. John Williams is a 71-year-old army veteran from Yorkshire who now lives in Margate. His main interests are aviation and aviation history and he is involved with many local organisations including Margate's St John's Cemetery where he gives guided tours.