Britain's Military Airfields 1939-45

Few people live more than 10 miles away from at least one abandoned airfield, and while to some they are an eyesore, to many others they are a fascinating piece of Britain's heritage, and there is an increasing awareness of their historical importance.
Published to complement PSL's best-selling Action Stations series, this book also stands on its own as a detailed look at the development of military airfields in Britain from the days before the First World War to 1945, when their numbers reached an all-time high. The largest airfield construction programme of our history peaked in 1942, resulting in Britain being referred to as 'a vast aircraft carrier anchored off the north-west coast of Europe' By the end of the war, some 360,000 acres of land were occupied by airfields, including 160 million square yards of concrete. As well as strategic requirements, site selection, planning and construction, the author also covers the story of the paved runway debate, Royal Naval Air Stations flying boat bases, Satellite Landing Grounds, and support functions such as bombing and firing ranges, buildings, camouflage, lighting and navigation aids. There is also a comprehensive list of airfield memorials, providing fitting tribute to the men and women who played such a vital role in Britain's defence.


by David J. Smith
Published by Patrick Stephens Ltd 1989 1st edition 249pp mint in price clipped d/j





Note:
"Long" descriptions, where shown, may have been taken from the book's dust jacket notes, and as such are relevant to the date of publication (e.g. any references to "new edition" "previously unpublished photographs" etc.) and not the present.