Hounslow Heath Aerodrome
Encyclopedia
Hounslow Heath Aerodrome was a grass airfield, operational 1914-1920. It was situated in the London borough of Hounslow
, and in 1919 was the location from which the first scheduled daily international commercial air services took place.
, 500 yards (457 metres) north of Hounslow Heath
, and it was the primary occupant and user of the heath for training exercises. Landings by aircraft were reported on the heath as early as 1909. In early 1910, a hangar was constructed, to support proposed flying training for army officers. Several landings and departures were reported through to 1914.
Hounslow
Hounslow is the principal town in the London Borough of Hounslow. It is a suburban development situated 10.6 miles west south-west of Charing Cross. It forms a post town in the TW postcode area.-Etymology:...
, and in 1919 was the location from which the first scheduled daily international commercial air services took place.
1909-1914
A British army cavalry unit had been based for over a hundred years at Hounslow BarracksCavalry Barracks, Hounslow
Cavalry Barracks is a British Army installation located north of Hounslow Heath in Hounslow, west London. The site, which has been used for more than two centuries by the British Army, is currently part of the Ministry of Defence's SLAM project to improve military accommodation...
, 500 yards (457 metres) north of Hounslow Heath
Hounslow Heath
Hounslow Heath is a public open space and local nature reserve to the west of Hounslow, a London borough. It now covers about , the residue of the historic Hounslow Heath that covered over .-History:...
, and it was the primary occupant and user of the heath for training exercises. Landings by aircraft were reported on the heath as early as 1909. In early 1910, a hangar was constructed, to support proposed flying training for army officers. Several landings and departures were reported through to 1914.
World War I
- 14 October 1914: Ten days after the outbreak of World War IWorld War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, the Royal Flying CorpsRoyal Flying CorpsThe Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
(RFC) delivered two B.E.2c aircraft by air from BrooklandsBrooklandsBrooklands was a motor racing circuit and aerodrome built near Weybridge in Surrey, England. It opened in 1907, and was the world's first purpose-built motorsport venue, as well as one of Britain's first airfields...
aerodrome to what remained of the historic heath. The RFC progressively increased its presence on the heath. - March 1915: About 200 military personnel were receiving intensive training there. From then, the aerodrome was used for home defence, primarily against the threat of ZeppelinZeppelinA Zeppelin is a type of rigid airship pioneered by the German Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin in the early 20th century. It was based on designs he had outlined in 1874 and detailed in 1893. His plans were reviewed by committee in 1894 and patented in the United States on 14 March 1899...
military airships, combined with development of pilots, aircraft and squadrons ready for transfer to battlefronts in France. - 30 March 1915: 10 SquadronNo. 10 Squadron RAFNo. 10 Squadron was a Royal Air Force squadron. The squadron served in a variety of roles over its 90 year history...
RFC moved in from Farnborough AirfieldFarnborough AirfieldFarnborough Airport or TAG London Farnborough Airport is an airport situated in Farnborough, Rushmoor, Hampshire, England...
. - May 1915: 10 Squadron RFC was replaced by 14 SquadronNo. 14 Squadron RAFNo. 14 Squadron of the Royal Air Force currently operates the Beechcraft Shadow R1 in the ISTAR role from RAF Waddington.-World War I:...
. - August 1915: 14 Squadron RFC was replaced by 15 Squadron. All three squadrons were equipped with B.E.2cs.
- 1 September 1915: 24 Squadron was formed at Hounslow Heath, commanded by Major Lanoe HawkerLanoe HawkerLanoe George Hawker VC, DSO was a British flying ace, with seven credited victories, during the First World War. He was the first British flying ace, and the third pilot to receive the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded...
VC. It was the first single-seat fighter RFC squadron, first equipped with various types such as Bristol ScoutBristol ScoutThe Bristol Scout was a simple, single seat, rotary-engined biplane originally intended as a civilian racing aircraft. Like other similar fast, light aircraft of the period - it was acquired by the RNAS and the RFC as a "scout", or fast reconnaissance type...
and Vickers F.B.5Vickers F.B.5The Vickers F.B.5 was a British two-seat pusher military biplane of the First World War...
, then it standardised on Airco D.H.2s. - February 1916: 24 Squadron departed to France.
- 5 November 1915: 27 SquadronNo. 27 Squadron RAFNo. 27 Squadron of the Royal Air Force operates the Boeing Chinook HC2 from RAF Odiham.-The Great War:27 Squadron formed at Hounslow Heath Aerodrome on 5 November 1915, soon being equipped with Martinsyde Elephant fighter aircraft, hence the use of an elephant for the squadron badge...
was formed, using Martinsyde Elephant fighters. - 15 April 1916: 39 SquadronNo. 39 Squadron RAFNo. 39 Squadron of the Royal Air Force operates the MQ-9 Reaper since 2007, operating from Creech AFB, Nevada, USA.-World War I:39 Squadron was founded at Hounslow Heath Aerodrome in April 1916 with B.E.2s and Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.12s in an attempt to defend against German Zeppelin raids on...
was formed at formed at Hounslow Heath, starting with B.E.2cs. - 15 May 1916: 52 SquadronNo. 52 Squadron RAFNo. 52 Squadron was a Royal Air Force squadron that saw service in both World War I and World War II.-First World War:No. 52 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps was formed as a Corps Reconnaissance squadron at Hounslow Heath Aerodrome on 15 May 1916. It moved to France in November that year, being...
was formed at formed at Hounslow Heath, starting with B.E.2cs. - November 1917: 85 SquadronNo. 85 Squadron RAFNo. 85 Squadron is a squadron of the Royal Air Force. It most recently served as No. 85 Squadron based at RAF Church Fenton.-In World War I:...
commanded by Billy BishopBilly BishopAir Marshal William Avery "Billy" Bishop VC, CB, DSO & Bar, MC, DFC, ED was a Canadian First World War flying ace, officially credited with 72 victories, making him the top Canadian ace, and according to some sources, the top ace of the British Empire.-Early life:Bishop was born in Owen Sound,...
was briefly based there, equipped with S.E.5As. - December 1917: 87 SquadronNo. 87 Squadron RAFNo. 87 Squadron RAF was an aircraft squadron of the Royal Air Force during the First World War and Second World War.-World War I:87 Squadron Royal Flying Corps was first formed on 1 September 1917 at Upavon from elements of the Central Flying School...
was briefly based there, equipped with S.E.5As. - 1 April 1918: The RFC and the Royal Naval Air ServiceRoyal Naval Air ServiceThe Royal Naval Air Service or RNAS was the air arm of the Royal Navy until near the end of the First World War, when it merged with the British Army's Royal Flying Corps to form a new service , the Royal Air Force...
were merged to form the Royal Air ForceRoyal Air ForceThe Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
. The buildings at Hounslow Heath included four permanent hangarHangarA hangar is a closed structure to hold aircraft or spacecraft in protective storage. Most hangars are built of metal, but other materials such as wood and concrete are also sometimes used...
s and several Bessonneau canvas hangarsBessonneau hangarThe Bessonneau hangar was a portable timber and canvas aircraft hangar used by the Royal Flying Corps during World War I.-History:In about 1908, the Bessonneau hangar was designed and manufactured by the French rope and canvas manufacturer Etablissements Bessonneau, headed by Julien Bessonneau and...
, and based aircraft included Sopwith Dolphins, Sopwith SnipeSopwith SnipeThe Sopwith 7F.1 Snipe was a British single-seat biplane fighter of the Royal Air Force . It was designed and built by the Sopwith Aviation Company during the First World War, and came into squadron service a few weeks before the end of that conflict, in late 1918.The Snipe was not a fast aircraft...
s and Avro 504Avro 504The Avro 504 was a World War I biplane aircraft made by the Avro aircraft company and under licence by others. Production during the War totalled 8,970 and continued for almost 20 years, making it the most-produced aircraft of any kind that served in World War I, in any military capacity, during...
s. Training and communications squadrons of the RAF continued to use Hounslow Heath. - 1 May 1919: The ban on non-military flying was lifted. The RAF left Hounslow Heath soon after.
- 1 June 1919: The RAF vacated the airfield, and left it entirely in civilian hands.
Civilian activities 1919-1920
- 1 May 1919: One incoming flight to Hounslow Heath from Bristol, plus one outgoing flight to Lympne AirportLympne AirportLympne Airport , , was a military and later civil airfield at Lympne, Kent, United Kingdom, which operated from 1916 to 1984. RFC Lympne was originally an acceptance point for aircraft being delivered to, and returning from, France during the First World War...
, both charters, became the first UK commercial flying journeys between 'Appointed' aerodromes. - 1919: During that first year of civilian operations, several thousand passengers were carried on 'joy flights'. Those flights often employed de-mobbed and modified Avro 504s, operated in military markings but with the name of the owners, e.g. Avro, added in large lettering. Two of the former RFC permanent hangars were used to house civilian aircraft. The third one, closest to the entrance road from Staines Road, was converted into a customs hall, with prominent external lettering 'Douane' and 'Customs' visible to air and ground visitors.
- 14 July 1919: The first international commercial flight arrived in the form of a CaudronCaudronThe Caudron Airplane Company was a French aircraft company founded in 1909 by brothers Gaston Caudron and René Caudron . It was one of the earliest aircraft manufacturers in France and produced planes for the military in both World War I and World War II...
aircraft piloted by Etienne Poulet, carrying photos from Paris – Le Bourget AirportParis – Le Bourget AirportParis – Le Bourget Airport is an airport located in Le Bourget, Bonneuil-en-France, and Dugny, north-northeast of Paris, France. It is now used only for general aviation as well as air shows...
, in accordance with inter-government agreements celebrating the Treaty of VersaillesTreaty of VersaillesThe Treaty of Versailles was one of the peace treaties at the end of World War I. It ended the state of war between Germany and the Allied Powers. It was signed on 28 June 1919, exactly five years after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The other Central Powers on the German side of...
. At that time, Hounslow Heath was the only approved aerodrome in the London area with customs facilities. In the following five weeks, various proving flights took place, sometimes without customs clearances or passports. - 25 August 1919: Several flights inaugurated scheduled international commercial flights. The first was by an Airco DH.4A (G-EAJC) owned by Aircraft Transport and TravelAircraft Transport and TravelAircraft Transport and Travel Limited was a British airline formed during the First World War, a subsidiary of Airco. It was the first airline to operate a regular international flight .-History:...
(AT&T) and piloted by E.H. 'Bill' Lawford. That flight carried journalists, newspapers and various goods to Le Bourget. The same day, incoming and outgoing proving flights were operated by Handley Page, typically using O/400Handley Page Type OThe Handley Page Type O was an early biplane bomber used by Britain during the First World War. At the time, it was the largest aircraft that had been built in the UK and one of the largest in the world...
aircraft. The first daily international service departed later in the day to Le Bourget, with an Airco DH.16Airco DH.16-See also:...
(K-130) of AT&T, piloted by Cyril Patterson. - 30 September 1919: North Sea Aerial Navigation Co Ltd started a regular passenger service between Roundhay Park (Leeds) and Hounslow Heath, using Blackburn KangarooBlackburn Kangaroo|-See also:-References:NotesBibliography...
s. Services were later extended to Amsterdam. - Afterwards::Handley Page continued to operate London-Paris passenger services from its private Cricklewood Aerodrome, in competition with AT&T from Hounslow Heath. Handley Page had to land its aircraft at Hounslow Heath to embark or disembark passengers for customs clearance, until:-
- 17 February 1920: Customs facilities were provided at Cricklewood.
- 7 October 1919: British Aerial TransportBritish Aerial TransportBritish Aerial Transport Company Limited was a British aircraft manufacturer from its formation in 1917 to its closure in 1919. The company was based at Willesden, London.-History:...
Company (BAT) started a Hendon-Hounslow-Amsterdam service using BAT F.K.26BAT F.K.26-External links:** Contemporary technical description with drawings.-See also:...
s, then on 13 October Instone Air LineInstone Air LineInstone Air Line was an early British airline from 1919 to 1924. Along with other private airlines of the time, it was absorbed into Imperial Airways.-History:...
started a Cardiff-Hounslow-Paris service, using Airco DH.4s. Services were also operated by Compagnie des Messageries AériennesCompagnie des Messageries AériennesCompagnie des Messageries Aériennes was a pioneering French airline which was in operation form 1919 - 23, when it was merged with Grands Express Aériens to form Air Union.-History:...
(CMA) and Compagnie Générale Transaériennes (CGT) using Breguet 14.A2Breguet 14-See also:-References:*Tomasz J. Kowalski, Samolot Breguet 14, TBiU no.197, Warsaw 2002, ISBN 83-11-09461-6...
s.
England to Australia flight
In 1919 the Australian government offered a prize of £A10,000 for the first Australians in a British aircraft to fly from Great Britain to Australia.- On 21 October 1919, Sopwith Wallaby (G-EAKS), piloted by Captain George Campbell Matthews AFC as pilot, and Sergeant Thomas D. Kay as mechanic, took off from Hounslow Heath. After many problems and delays, the Wallaby crashed on landing on BaliBaliBali is an Indonesian island located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east...
on 17 April 1920. - On 12 November 1919, Vickers VimyVickers VimyThe Vickers Vimy was a British heavy bomber aircraft of the First World War and post-First World War era. It achieved success as both a military and civil aircraft, setting several notable records in long-distance flights in the interwar period, the most celebrated of which was the first non-stop...
(G-EAOU), piloted by Captain Ross Macpherson SmithRoss Macpherson SmithSir Ross Macpherson Smith KBE, MC & Bar, DFC & Two Bars, AFC was an Australian aviator, who, along with his brother, Sir Keith Macpherson Smith, became the first pilots to fly from England to Australia, ....
and his brother Lieutenant Keith Macpherson SmithKeith Macpherson SmithSir Keith Macpherson Smith KBE, was an Australian aviator, who, along with his brother, Sir Ross Macpherson Smith and two other men, became the first people to fly from England to Australia....
, plus two mechanics, took off from Hounslow Heath. On 10 December, the Vimy arrived at DarwinDarwin, Northern TerritoryDarwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory, Australia. Situated on the Timor Sea, Darwin has a population of 127,500, making it by far the largest and most populated city in the sparsely populated Northern Territory, but the least populous of all Australia's capital cities...
, and consequently won the crew the £A10,000 prize. - On 13 November 1919, Alliance P.2 Seabird (G-EAOX) named 'Endeavour', piloted by Captain Roger M. Douglas and Lieutenant J.S.L. Ross, took off from Hounslow Heath, but it crashed at SurbitonSurbitonSurbiton, a suburban area of London in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, is situated next to the River Thames, with a mixture of Art-Deco courts, more recent residential blocks and grand, spacious 19th century townhouses blending into a sea of semi-detached 20th century housing estates...
with the loss of both pilots. - On 21 November 1919, Blackburn Kangaroo (G-EAOW), piloted by Lieutenant Valdemar Rendle and Lieutenant D.R. Williams, plus Captain Hubert Wilkins and Lieutenant G. St. C. Potts, took off from Hounslow Heath, but on 8 December the Kangaroo crashed on landing at Suda Bay, CreteCreteCrete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and one of the thirteen administrative regions of Greece. It forms a significant part of the economy and cultural heritage of Greece while retaining its own local cultural traits...
. - On 5 December 1919, MartinsydeMartinsydeMartinsyde was a British aircraft and motorcycle manufacturer between 1908 and 1922, when they were forced into liquidation by a factory fire.-History:...
Type A Mk.I (G-EAMR), piloted by Captain Cedric E. HowellCedric HowellCedric Ernest "Spike" Howell DSO, MC, DFC was an Australian fighter pilot and flying ace of the First World War. Born in Adelaide, South Australia, he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1916 for service in the First World War and was posted to the 46th Battalion on the Western Front...
and Lieutenant George Fraser, took off from Hounslow Heath. On 9 December, the Martinsyde disappeared near CorfuCorfuCorfu is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is the second largest of the Ionian Islands, and, including its small satellite islands, forms the edge of the northwestern frontier of Greece. The island is part of the Corfu regional unit, and is administered as a single municipality. The...
; the wreckage and Howell's body were found offshore, but Fraser's body was never found. - On 8 January 1920, Airco DH.9Airco DH.9The Airco DH.9 - also known after 1920 as the de Havilland DH.9 - was a British bomber used in the First World War...
(G-EAQM), piloted by Lieutenant Ray ParerRay ParerRaymond John Paul Parer AFC , was an Australian aviator.Parer was born in Melbourne, and developed an interest in aviation at an early age. He enlisted in the Australian Flying Corps in 1916, initially as a mechanic, but was soon accepted to train as a pilot. His initial training was conducted at...
and Lieutenant John C. McIntosh, took off from Hounslow Heath, and on 2 August 1920 the DH.9 finally arrived at Darwin.
Decline
- 27 March 1920: The last commercial flights took place at the heath, and AT&T moved its operations to Croydon AirportCroydon AirportCroydon Airport was an airport in South London which straddled the boundary between what are now the London boroughs of Croydon and Sutton. It was the main airport for London before it was replaced by Northolt Aerodrome, London Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport...
. - 28 March 1920: Croydon Airport supplanted Hounslow Heath to become the approved airport serving London. The army then repossessed the land for use as a repair depot and training school.
- A few aircraft demonstrations and occasional landings took place on the heath into the mid-1930s