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Airfields Index
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Opeing in 1916 Croydon was originally two airfields, Beddington and Waddon, the site was used during WW1 as a RFC Home Defence and later Training airfield. In 1920 Croydon became Londons first international airport. Imperial Airways formed here from independant airlines 1/4/24. The terminal building, the booking hall within it with its gallery balustrated in the geometrical design typical of the period, as well as the Aerodrome hotel, all were built in the Art Deco style of the 1920s and 1930s.
At the outbreak of war, the areodrome was used as a Fighter Command station remaining in military hands until March 1946.
RAF Croydon was home to a number Squadrons during the Battle of Britain, being so close to London, was bombed several times by the enemy.
In 1944, Croydon became the base of RAF Transport Command. Civil flying resumed again post-war but the runways were too short for large modern aircraft and there was no room for extensions due to housing. In 1946 Heathrow became London's new international airport
The aerodrome closed in 1959 and today the site is used for housing and offices.
Squadrons stationed at RAF Croydon
- No. 111 Squadron from 4 June 1940 to 19th Aug 1940
- No 501 Squadron from 21 June 1940
- No 401 Squadron RCAF from July 1940
- No 85 Squadron from 19 August 1940
- No 72 Squadron from 1 September 1940
- No 111 Squadron from 3 September 1940
- No 605 Squadron from 7 September 1940
- No. 607 Squadron 14 Nov 1939 to 15th Nov 1939 & 22nd May 1940 to 4th Jun 1940
- No 147 Squadron.
A cousin of my Wife's was in the Battle of Britain: Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) Henry Michael Ferriss. DFC, flew with 111 Sqdn. Royal Air Force. He Shot down 7 Messershmidts in 3 days for a total of 17 victories and was awared the Distinguished Flying Cross in June 1940.
Michael Ferriss is the one standing with the pipe in his mouth.
He was killed on 16/08/1940 aged 22. His Hurricane crashed after head on collision at Little Sheephurst Farm, Marden, Kent. Henry was buried at St. Mary's in Chiselhurst, Kent. His opponent, a Dornier D017Z-2, crashed at Moatlands, Brenchley, Paddock Wood. The crew of 4 were all killed or listed as missing.The farmer's son who owned the field where FL Ferriss crashed never forgot it and in 2000 he planted a tree as a remembrance. He also owned a thoroughbred racehorse and named it Ferriss after the Flight Lieutenant. He invited relatives to the planting ceremony.
J Huntley.
Photographs
If you have any Photographs you would like to share please get in touch.
List of those who served.
- Kenneth Barnes
- Sgt. William Browning. w/op air gnr. 147 Squadron Read his story
- Corporal Albert Cobden. Read his story
- Flight Lt. Henry Michael Ferriss. DFC. pilot. 111 Sqdn. Read his story
- Flight Sergeant Hinge.
If you have any names to add to this list, or any recollections or photos of those listed, please get in touch.
If you have a story which you would like to share, or a website dedicated to an airfield or aircrew, please get in touch.
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