Headley Aerodrome
Two photographs taken during the First World War showing airmen and the type of aeroplane. During the Second World War
dummy aeroplanes were left on the runway so that from the air it looked like an operational airfield.
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 he 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 at Bramham Moor/Tadcaster
5 May 1917 a Maurice Farman Short Horn A6893 was flown into the ground after emerging from a cloud.
The aircraft was flown by 2Lt. Arthur Douglas Mountstephen Merchant .
Aged 18 son of the late John & Ellen Merchant (nee Mountstephen).
He had joined the unit on 02/04/1917 after 2 months tuition elsewhere.
He had flown 7 hours at Bramham Moor and was killed on his first solo flight.
Although the accident occurred on the 5th. he died on the 13th and is buried in Fulford Cemetery, York.
Since the inquest was held at the Military Hospital at Fulford and his death is registered in the York district it suggests he died of his wounds in the military hospital.
13 June 1918 - Sopwith Camel C158 of 68TS. 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.
Sopwith Pup B4181 of 38 TDS crashed 13/11/1918.
Capt. Stearne Tighe Edwards, DSC & Bar, a Canadian ace and instructor at Bramham Moor died of his injuries on 22/11/1918
and is buried in Tadcaster Cemetery with a private headstone which was renovated some years ago.
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 TDS, South Carlton, was lost in fog and crashed near Tadcaster. The pilot, 2/Lt E F Reynolds, was killed.
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