Forelands Airfield

In order to offer improved air protection for the island, the RFC established an airstrip at Forelands in June 1918. Temporary Bessoneau hangars and a dozen DH were built.There were 6 aircraft stationed there, operated by 512 and 513 Flights. When the Royal Air Force was formed, these were assigned to 253 Squadron.

The DH.6 was especially developed as a military trainer at a period when outmoded service types were commonly utilised in this capacity.Geoffrey de Havilland appears to have been guided by two design requirements. It should be inexpensive and simple to construct, as well as simple to fix following the inevitable errors that occur during training. The top and bottom wings were replaceable and square cut.

The station was decommissioned after World War I, and the site was sold in 1920. There is no record of its previous use.

• Airco_DH.6

• Airco_DH.6