# Redcar Aerodrome

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First World War military aerodrome in North Yorkshire, England

Redcar Aerodrome RNAS Redcar, RAF Redcar Redcar, North Yorkshire in England West Dyke Road, Redcar; site of the base Site information Type Aerodrome Owner Air Ministry Operator RNAS RAF Location Redcar Aerodrome Coordinates 54°36′07″N 1°04′08″W / 54.602°N 1.069°W / 54.602; -1.069 Grid reference NZ601234 Area 140 acres (57 ha) Site history Built 1915 (1915) In use July 1915 – December 1919 (1919-12) Fate Used for housing

**Redcar Aerodrome** is a former [First World War](/source/First_World_War) airfield located in [Redcar](/source/Redcar), [North Yorkshire](/source/North_Yorkshire), England. The site hosted an elementary flying school for newly entered pilots into the [Royal Naval Air Service](/source/Royal_Naval_Air_Service), though some offensive and defensive operations were flown from Redcar as well. The base was created as part of chain of new air stations after the [German](/source/German_Navy) naval bombardment of east coast towns in December 1914. The base had a brief operational lifespan between July 1915 and December 1919, after which it was decided not to retain Redcar as an active station, and much of the site has been re-used for housing.

## History

The aerodrome was opened in the early part of the [First World War](/source/First_World_War), though its first unit did not form until July 1915.[1] Redcar was developed along with many other sites in response to the [raid on Scarborough, Hartlepool and Whitby](/source/Raid_on_Scarborough%2C_Hartlepool_and_Whitby), a German naval bombardment in which over 100 civilians were killed.[2] This task fell to the Royal Naval Air Service as opposed to the [Royal Flying Corps](/source/Royal_Flying_Corps), who on the outbreak of the war, were largely sent to the Front.[3] Rather than using the existing grassed area of [Redcar Racecourse](/source/Redcar_Racecourse), the site was immediately to the west and was initially used for flying training only.[4] Redcar was one of four (RNAS) sites used to train pilots on their elementary flying training (the others being [Chingford](/source/Chingford), [Eastchurch](/source/RAF_Eastchurch) and [Vendome](/source/Vendome), although [Eastbourne](/source/RAF_Eastbourne) and [Manston](/source/RAF_Manston) were also used).[5][6] Records show that Redcar was also used to train existing pilots in instructor duties, so most of those transiting through, would already be familiar to flying.[7] Other Flying Instructors School(s) (FIS), were located at [Ayr](/source/RAF_Ayr), [Curragh](/source/Curragh), [Gosport](/source/RAF_Gosport), [Lilbourne](/source/RAF_Lilbourne) and [Shoreham](/source/RAF_Shoreham).[8]

Redcar covered over 140 acres (57 ha) and grew to have four aircraft sheds, three measuring 180 feet (55 m) by 60 feet (18 m), and the fourth, 200 feet (61 m) by 100 feet (30 m).[7] However, the station wasn't equipped with an officers' mess, and trainee pilots were hosted in the local village, requiring them to walk to and from the aerodrome four times a day.[9]

On the night of 8/9 August 1916, the aerodrome was attacked by a [Zeppelin](/source/Zeppelin). No lasting damage or injuries occurred, but the electricity supply to the camp was severed.[10] It was recognised that the aircraft of the RNAS were quite ineffective at night combat against Zeppelins, and an admiralty report stated that aircraft were not reliable enough to be launched from land, and advocated using seaplanes and the closure of aerodromes at [Scarborough](/source/Scarborough%2C_North_Yorkshire), [Whitley Bay](/source/Whitley_Bay), [Hornsea](/source/Hornsea) and Redcar in favour of seaplane stations.[11]

Although designated as a training airfield, and used mostly as that, some defensive and offensive operations were launched from Redcar, most notable from 1917 when it became a Temporary Marine Operations (Aeroplane) station.[12] In September 1917, four [Handley Page 0/100](/source/Handley_Page_0%2F100) aircraft were detached from 7 (Naval) Squadron (later [No. 207 Squadron](/source/No._207_Squadron_RAF)), to engage in [Anti-Submarine Warfare](/source/Anti-Submarine_Warfare) (ASW).[13][14][15] This task was also undertaken in 1918 by detachments of [Bristol Scouts](/source/Bristol_Scout) from [No. 273 Squadron](/source/No._273_Squadron_RAF), which was based at [Burgh Castle](/source/Burgh_Castle) at the time.[16][17]

"Map of Air Routes and Landing Places in Great Britain, published in 1919, showing Redcar as a "civil station"

In April 1918, the North Eastern Flying Instructors School formed at the base, and in October of the same year, No. 63 Training Squadron arrived from [RAF Joyce Green](/source/RAF_Joyce_Green).[18]

In December 1919, an order was released stating that Redcar was not to be used as it was in the process of closing down.[19] The western edge of the base, which hosted the technical site, has been re-used for housing.[20] The base was left alone after 1919 and not broken up until 1923, when explosives were used to dislodge the hardcore. This was then re-used in a local road to [Eston](/source/Eston).[21]

## Crashes

It was estimated that at least 8,000 aircrew died in training accidents during the First World War.[22] Just like many other First World War aerodromes, the attrition rate for pilots at Redcar was high, especially among the training cadre. Over 130 crashes involving aircraft which had RNAS/RAF Redcar as a home base between July 1915 and April 1918 have been recorded.[23] Probationary officer Francis Titcomb crashed his aircraft near [Egton](/source/Egton) on his first solo flight in April 1917. Whilst he survived the crash, he succumbed to his wounds in a nearby farmhouse. A [grade II listed](/source/Grade_II_listed) cross marks the site of the crash.[24]

On 2 April 1918, Charles Edward Pattison crashed his [Sopwith Camel](/source/Sopwith_Camel) aircraft at Redcar after hitting overhead wires. Pattison died from his injuries becoming one of the first casualties of the newly-formed [Royal Air Force](/source/Royal_Air_Force).[25][26]

## Based units

Between 1915 and 1919, the following units were based at Redcar:[27]

Units at RNAS/RAF Redcar Unit Dates Details Ref 7 Squadron RNAS September 1917 – October 1917 Detached from Coedekerque, left for Manston [28] C Flight (No. 510 Special Duty Flight) June 1918 – November 1918 This detachment used Dh6 aircraft on convoy escort duties. Later became part of No. 251 Squadron RAF and No. 252 Squadron RAF; No 510 Flight was moved to West Ayton. [29][18][30] Northeastern Area Flying Instructors School July 1918 – May 1919 Absorbed by Northwestern Area Flying Instructors School [31] Northwestern Area Flying Instructors' School January 1918 – June 1919 Posted in from RAF Ayr, disbanded in June 1919 [32] School of Special Flying April 1918 – July 1918 Disbanded to become Northeastern Area Flying Instructors School [33] No. 63 Training Squadron October 1918 – September 1919 Moved to Redcar from Joyce Green, No. 63 TS disbanded at Redcar in September 1919 [34]

## Notable personnel

Some pilots have erroneously been recorded as having postings to Redcar, when in fact they were sent to [Marske Aerodrome](/source/Marske_Aerodrome),[35] some 1.2 miles (2 km) to the east.[36] Due to the proximity of both aerodromes, and as the postal town for Marske was Redcar, some errors have crept in.

- [Raymond Collishaw](/source/Raymond_Collishaw), trained at the base between February and July 1916[37]

- [Richard Bell Davies](/source/Richard_Bell_Davies), made commanding officer of Redcar in January 1916 (along with Killingholme, Whitley Bay and Scarborough air stations)[38]

- [Bruno De Roeper](/source/Bruno_De_Roeper), flew defensive patrols from the base[39]

- [Pruett Mullens Dennett](/source/Pruett_Mullens_Dennett)[40]

- [Thomas Gerrard](/source/Thomas_Gerrard_(RAF_officer))[41]

- [Walter G. R. Hinchliffe](/source/Walter_G._R._Hinchliffe)[42][43]

- [Oliver LeBoutillier](/source/Oliver_LeBoutillier), student at Redcar in 1917[44]

- [Edwin Swale](/source/Edwin_Swale), trained at Redcar[45]

- [Ronald Sykes](/source/Ronald_Sykes), trained at Redcar[46]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Delve, Ken (2006). *Northern England : Co. Durham, Cumbria, Isle of Man, Lancashire, Merseyside, Manchester, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Yorkshire*. Ramsbury: Crowood. p. 302. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-86126-809-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-86126-809-2).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Hartlepool bombing: British Navy 'did not rule the waves'"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-30296381). *BBC News*. 16 December 2014. Retrieved 2 March 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Sotheran, Peter (1993). *Redcar in old picture postcards*. Zaltbommel: European Library. 70. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-90-288-5599-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-90-288-5599-1).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHalpenny1982155_4-0)** [Halpenny 1982](#CITEREFHalpenny1982), p. 155.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEJones200764_5-0)** [Jones 2007](#CITEREFJones2007), p. 64.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Goulter, Christina J. M. (1995). *A forgotten offensive : Royal Air Force Coastal Command's anti-shipping campaign, 1940-1945*. Portland, Or.: Frank Cass. p. 22. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-7146-4147-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7146-4147-2).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEChorlton2014169_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEChorlton2014169_7-1) [Chorlton 2014](#CITEREFChorlton2014), p. 169.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Cooksley, Peter G. (2014). *The Royal Flying Corps 1914-18*. Stroud: The History Press. p. 204. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780750960052](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780750960052).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Gunn, Roger (2013). *Raymond Collishaw and the Black Flight*. Toronto: Dundurn Press. p. 33. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781459706606](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781459706606).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Redcar Aerodrome"](https://www.nelsam.org.uk/NEAR/Airfields/Histories/Redcar.htm). *nelsam.org.uk*. Retrieved 14 February 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEJones200765_11-0)** [Jones 2007](#CITEREFJones2007), p. 65.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEChorlton2014169–170_12-0)** [Chorlton 2014](#CITEREFChorlton2014), pp. 169–170.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Taylor, Anne; Taylor, Roger (Autumn 2020). "Frank Thomas Digby, DSC, DSO, CdeG, RNAS & RAF Service Career". *Cross and Cockade*. **51** (3). Wetherby: C&C: 164. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [1360-9009](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/1360-9009).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["207 Squadron RAF History - 7 Squadron RNAS - HP O/100s - 1917"](http://www.207squadron.rafinfo.org.uk/ww1/hpo100.htm). *www.207squadron.rafinfo.org.uk*. Retrieved 2 March 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Smith, Peter C. (1974). *Royal Air Force squadron badges*. St. Ives: Balfour Publications. p. 44. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0859440125](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0859440125).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELake1999252_16-0)** [Lake 1999](#CITEREFLake1999), p. 252.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Philpott, Ian (2013). *The birth of the Royal Air Force*. Barnsley: Pen & Sword. p. 271. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-78159-333-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-78159-333-2).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPhilpott2005245_18-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPhilpott2005245_18-1) [Philpott 2005](#CITEREFPhilpott2005), p. 245.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPhilpott2005212_19-0)** [Philpott 2005](#CITEREFPhilpott2005), p. 212.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHalpenny1982157_20-0)** [Halpenny 1982](#CITEREFHalpenny1982), p. 157.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Sotheran, Peter (1993). *Redcar in old picture postcards*. Zaltbommel: European Library. 74. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-90-288-5599-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-90-288-5599-1).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["War Memorials to Airmen Listed to Mark Centenary of the Royal Air Force | Historic England"](https://historicengland.org.uk/whats-new/news/war-memorials-to-airmen-listed-to-mark-centenary-of-raf/). *Historic England*. 28 March 2018. Retrieved 14 February 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["Aircraft accidents in Yorkshire"](http://www.yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk/aircraft/yorkshire/yorksother/ww1yorkshire.html). *www.yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk*. Retrieved 3 March 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** [Historic England](/source/Historic_England). ["Memorial cross for Probationary Flight Officer Francis Titcomb (the Swinsty Cross) (Grade II) (1453942)"](https://HistoricEngland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1453942?section=official-list-entry). *[National Heritage List for England](/source/National_Heritage_List_for_England)*. Retrieved 14 February 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Ranter, Harro. ["Accident Sopwith Camel B5720, 02 Apr 1918"](https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/145123). *aviation-safety.net*. Retrieved 3 March 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Ashworth, Chris (1989). *Encyclopaedia of modern Royal Air Force squadrons*. Wellingborough: Stephens. pp. 6–7. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-85260-013-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-85260-013-6).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["Redcar - Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust UK"](https://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/airfield-finder/redcar/). *abct.org.uk*. Retrieved 14 February 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEChorlton2014171_28-0)** [Chorlton 2014](#CITEREFChorlton2014), p. 171.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELake199979,_248_29-0)** [Lake 1999](#CITEREFLake1999), pp. 79, 248.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEChorlton2014170_30-0)** [Chorlton 2014](#CITEREFChorlton2014), p. 170.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELake1999141_31-0)** [Lake 1999](#CITEREFLake1999), p. 141.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPhilpott2005247_32-0)** [Philpott 2005](#CITEREFPhilpott2005), p. 247.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELake1999183_33-0)** [Lake 1999](#CITEREFLake1999), p. 183.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEChorlton2014170–171_34-0)** [Chorlton 2014](#CITEREFChorlton2014), pp. 170–171.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** Halliday, Hugh A (23 September 2015). ["Air Force: The fighter pilot who hated killing"](https://legionmagazine.com/en/2015/09/air-force-the-fighter-pilot-who-hated-killing/). *legionmagazine.com*. Retrieved 4 March 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** "306" (Map). *Middlesbrough & Hartlepool*. 1:25,000. Explorer. Ordnance Survey. 2015. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-319-24558-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-319-24558-3).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** Gunn, Roger (2013). *Raymond Collishaw and the Black Flight*. Toronto: Dundurn Press. pp. 34–37. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781459706606](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781459706606).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-38)** Bowyer, Chaz (2002). *For valour : the air VCs*. London: Caxton Editions. p. 60. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1840672404](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1840672404).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-39)** Shores, Christopher F. (1990). *Above the trenches : a complete record of the fighter aces and units of the British Empire Air Forces 1915-1920*. Ontario: Fortress. p. 139. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-948817-19-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-948817-19-9).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-40)** ["Walmer Airfield Memorial"](http://www.kentfallen.com/PDF%20REPORTS/WALMER%20AIRFIELD.pdf) (PDF). *kentfallen.com*. p. 30. Retrieved 4 March 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-41)** ["Aircraft accidents in Yorkshire -Caudron GIII 3868 at Redcar aerodrome"](http://www.yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk/aircraft/yorkshire/yorksother/3868b.html). *www.yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk*. Retrieved 2 March 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-42)** *Sopwith Camel aces of World War I*. Oxford: Osprey. 2003. p. 47. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-84176-534-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-84176-534-1).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-43)** [Walter George Raymond Hinchliffe Dfc](https://livesofthefirstworldwar.iwm.org.uk/lifestory/6855068) on [Lives of the First World War](/source/Lives_of_the_First_World_War)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-44)** Mortimer, Gavin (2014). *The first eagles : the Fearless American aces who flew with the RAF in World War I*. Minneapolis: Zenith Press. p. 77. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780760346396](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780760346396).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-45)** Marsden, Barry M. (2016). *Camel Combat Ace : the Great War Flying Career of Edwin Swale CBE OBE DFC**. Barnsley: Pen and Sword. p. 5. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781473866867](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781473866867).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-46)** ["Sykes, Ronald (Oral history)"](https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/80000300). *iwm.org.uk*. Retrieved 3 March 2021.

### Sources

- Chorlton, Martyn (2014). *Forgotten airfields of World War I*. Manchester: Crécy. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780859791816](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780859791816).

- Halpenny, Bruce Barrymore (1982). *Action stations 4; Military Airfields of Yorkshire*. Cambridge: Stephens. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-85059-532-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-85059-532-0).

- Jones, Benjamin (2007). Ashore, Afloat and Airborne : the Logistics of British Naval Airpower, 1914-1945 (Report). London: University of London. [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [1006036927](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/1006036927).

- Lake, Alan (1999). *Flying units of the RAF : the ancestry, formation and disbandment of all flying units from 1912*. Shrewsbury: Airlife. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-84037-086-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-84037-086-6).

- Philpott, I. M. (2005). *The Royal Air Force : an encyclopedia of the inter-war years*. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Aviation. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1844151549](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1844151549).

## External links

- [BBC Sounds interview with pieces about Redcar Aerdrome](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p02304vl)

v t e Royal Navy locations in Yorkshire Seaplane Stations Hornsea Mere Aerodromes Atwick Owthorne Redcar West Ayton Balloon sites Barlow Howden Kirkleatham Lowthorpe Shore establishments Ceres1 Forest Moor Notes 1: Only active base

v t e Royal Air Force stations in Yorkshire Flying stations Active Leeming Topcliffe1 Former Acaster Malbis Bellasize Beverley Bircotes Bramham Breighton2 Burn2 Carnaby Catfoss Catterick Church Fenton2 Clifton Coal Aston Cottam Croft Dalton Dishforth Doncaster Driffield East Moor Elvington Finningley2 Firbeck Full Sutton Hedon Helperby Holme-on-Spalding Moor Hornsea Mere Howden Hutton Cranswick Leconfield Lindholme Linton-on-Ouse Lissett Manywells Height Marske Marston Moor Melbourne Pocklington Redcar Riccall Ripon Rufforth2 Scorton Sherburn-in-Elmet2 Skipton-on-Swale Snaith Tholthorpe Thornaby Wombleton Yeadon2 Non-flying stations Active Fylingdales3 Menwith Hill3 Staxton Wold3 Former Bawtry Bempton3 Bent Rigg3 Bowes Moor Bridlington Cowden Danby Beacon3 Goldsborough3 Harrogate Holmpton3 Hunmanby Moor Misson Northallerton4 Norton Oxenhope Moor3 Patrington3 Shipton3 Sutton on Hull Notes 1: used for only for RAF gliders 2: now used for civilian aviation 3: communications or radar sites 4: RAF hospital

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Redcar Aerodrome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redcar_Aerodrome) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redcar_Aerodrome?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.