Forgotten Aerodromes of World War I

Just over a decade after the Wright brothers had their first powered flight, the world found itself embroiled in its first global conflict. As the weakness of traditional weapons was exposed, the development of military hardware--including the aeroplane--soon accelerated. Initially, aircraft were seen only as a useful reconnaissance machine which could provide an extra set of eyes for the Army and Navy. But as the importance of the flying machine was fully realized, the need for pilots, observers and improved aircraft began to gather speed and flying-related establishments began to appear, often overnight, all over Britain. Initially little more than open fields, some of these sites quickly became complex vibrant stations, with complicated infrastructures built at great expense. It was at these stations that many of the RAF's most famous squadrons were born and future aces trained and, as the first aerial bombing campaign started, it was from these airfields that pilots flew into battle with the Zeppelins and Gothas trying to reach Britain's town and cities. Some of these sites grew into airfields still in use today, others saw only a few years before being closed down and forgotten. All of them played a vital role in Britain's local and aviation heritage.