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The flying history of the aerodrome
at Bramham Moor opened on 18 March 1916 with the arrival of `B' Flight of 33
Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps from Kirton in Lindsey, Lincolnshire.
The site was described as having
maximum dimensions of 1450 x 800 yards and an area of 198 acres of which 40
acres were to be occupied by `Station Buildings'. The height above sea level
was given as 170 feet. The soil was clay. The surface was said to be good,
somewhat undulating, with a slope towards the south‑east. The site lay in a
hollow. Its general surroundings were said to be fairly open undulating
country and the fields `large'. There were two woods just south of the
aerodrome and 1 mile to the west.
33 Squadron, equipped with BE2c
aeroplanes, was responsible for the air defence of Leeds and Sheffield and
for some pilot training. However, by mid‑1916, the unit's responsibilities
had been increased and it moved to Beverley, re‑equipping with aircraft more
suited to its role.
Within the four years of its
existence, the aerodrome saw many changes, with a variety of squadrons
moving in and out, as the use of aircraft in the First World War developed.
During this period, the site was
expanded and six 1916 pattern aircraft hangers built, four to the north of
the landing ground to the east of Headley Hall and two more at the western
extremity of the field. Other extensive facilities were included in the
expansion. The headquarters for the aerodrome was sited at Headley Bar. The
stated complement for the aerodrome was 51 permanent staff officers, 47 NCO
above the rank of corporal, 25 corporals, 320 rank and file, a forewoman and
155 women plus 54 (household) women. There were to be 120 officers and 60
NCOs under instruction. The facilities were extensive and included wood,
metalworking, sailmaking, doping, machine, smith's and coppersmith's
workshops plus storage facilities for ammunition, fuel and oil.
Estimated completion for the site
was 31 August 1918 but, on 1 August, completion of some areas was as low as
15% though the main buildings were estimated at 98% complete.
After the Great War, with a reduced
perceived need of warplanes, the aerodrome ran down and was closed in the
second half of 1919. It was used for the storage of aircraft for a short
period but, after questions had been raised in Parliament, it was decided
that the site would not be retained by the RAF. It was then handed over to
the Disposal Board and most of the buildings dismantled. It was finally
relinquished in March 1920, though one hangar remains, as a listed building,
among the barns of University Farm.
Known Flying Accidents ‑
5 May 1917: a Maurice Farman plane
was flown into the ground after emerging from a cloud. The unidentified
pilot, who had been told NOT to fly into the clouds, was unable to get his
nose up again in time. His fate is not known but he was probably killed.
13 June 1918: Sopwith Camel C158 of
68TS. The left wing broke up at 2,000 feet; the pilot, Capt H J Hamilton,
was killed.
11 October 1918: Avro 504 flown by
Canadian C H Holcomb crashed at Ruskelf en route to Redcar 7 December 1918:
Sopwith Camel B7457, being delivered from 34TDS at Scampton in misty
weather, circled low several times then dived in. The pilot, 2/Lt David Ewan
McConnel, was killed.
10 December 1918: Sopwith Camel
E7149 from 46 '1'DS, South Carlton, was lost in fog anti crashed near
Tadcaster. The pilot, 2/Lt E F Reynolds, was killed.
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