RFC Brading

The Royal Flying Corps utilised an airstrip on requisitioned land at Brading Haven from June 1918 until the end of May 1919. The field was located west of Home Farm and south of the railway track connecting Bembridge and St Helens. The planes were from 253 Squadron (maybe 511Flt) at Bembridge Point. Also used by Forelands DH.6 aircraft (512 and 513 Flts).

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 ab-initio training. The top and bottom wings were cut square and interchangable.

• Airco DH.6

• RFC Brading
  
• Airfields of Britain