RNAS Howden - The Airfield Research Group

Part 1: Methodology & Notes on Sources
This desk-based study has been commissioned by CGMS to provide baseline information in order to
compile a record of the buildings and structures that were once part of the First World War Howden
Airship Station.
The report has taken the central part of the 1916 requisitioned land for its main study area; it includes the
aerodrome and an 80 acre plot which was once occupied by the station buildings but which has since
been demolished. The area that has been studied is largely covered by the Ordnance Survey grid
kilometre square SE 74 32. This report is largely based on primary sources located at The National
Archives (TNA), Kew, and includes a large and very important collection of contemporary photographs
showing the construction of the station between 1916 and 1919. The presence of such a large collection
of images from WWI showing a military air station being built is quite remarkable. Although the originals
are generally quite poor in quality, as a result of bad storage (many have deteriorated over time), they
have been copied and then enhanced digitally. The results are a considerable improvement on the
originals and these have been transferred to a CD in support of this report.
Another photographic source is the Airfield Research Group archives which include images taken in the
early 1980s, plus a few more recent ones – these have also been added to the CD.
A search was made of surviving Air Ministry records at the TNA. Relevant files at the TNA mainly consist
of documents relating to the post-WWI period, with the majority of files concerned with the problems
associated with the twin shed and the construction of the R100.
A key source is the HMSO publication CB 819: Royal Naval Air Service State of Development of the
Airship Service, of 1 January 1918. This booklet gives an excellent description of the operational side of
all airship patrol stations.
Paul Francis, AIFA. Trading as ARP
9 Milton Road, Ware,
Herts SG12 0QA
Tel: 01920 420452
E-Mail: paul.francis30@ntlworld.com
Plate 1: MT Garage 13-09-17
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