Marske

Location : South-East of Redcar
OS Ref : NZ 624 230

Map showing where the Marske Aerodrome was located.

Marske was established as a RFC / RAF school in late 1917. The aerodrome measured 1000 x 900 yards and included seventeen temporary canvas Bessonneau hangars which were erected on the western boundary. Permanent hangarage was provided on the southern boundary by four coupled 1917 pattern GS sheds measuring 170 x 200 feet complete with folding, wooden Esavian doors. An air to ground firing range was set-up at the east of the aerodrome where targets were set out on the cliffs.

After the Armistice there was no longer a need for the school and the station was earmarked for closure which occurred during May 1920. However the hangars survived until the 1990's when, despite the fact that they could have been declared listed buildings, demolition took place in preparation for the creation of a new housing estate.

Captain W.E. Johns, the author of the famous Biggles books was a trainee at Markse before being posted to 55Sqn.

Based units

Unit Arrived From Arrival Date Dept Date Departed To Aircraft
4(Aux) School of Aerial Gunnery (Formed) 01/11/1917 06/05/1918 (Disbanded into 2 School of Aerial Fighting & Gunnery) Airco DH.4, Bristol M.1C / F.2B, Sopwith Pup, Sopwith Camel, Avro 504A / J, Airco DH.9
2 School of Aerial Fighting Eastburn 06/05/1918 06/05/1918 (Disbanded into 2 School of Aerial Fighting & Gunnery) Various
2 School of Aerial Fighting & Gunnery (Formed ex 4 (Aux) SAG & 2 SAF) 06/05/1918 29/05/1918 (Re-designated 2 Fighting School) Various
2 Fighting School (Formed ex 2 SAF & G) 29/05/1918 10/1919 (Disbanded) Various