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With the end of the 1stWW flying returned to Blackpool in 1919 with the use of the sands at south shore by the Avro transport company, around 17000 people flew down the coast to Norbreck. The golden eagle aviation company opened an air station at blowing sands on marton moss and gave the towns first flying lessons. In 1919 the hospital closed and later became a rehab centre in 1920 for the treatment and training of disabled soldiers. When the hospital was closed in 1924 the site was handed back to the Clifton estate and became the home of the Lancashire school of aviation.
Activities around the airfield
Map of Aerodrome around the late 1920's
Eventually the WW1 hospital and huts were demolished to create open space for the aerodrome.
1930 Railway bridge built on Squires Gate lane
Some stables are still visible in the centre of the map possibly from the race course days?
1930 Railway bridge built at the end of Division Lane on the sand hills/camp
South Shore
Sand Hills Area
The Avro 504 which was designed as a fighter bomber (for WW1) was used for pleasure flights up and down the coast
1921 work started on a poor childrens holiday camp (now Pontins site) it featured a cafe in the sand hills and was officially opened on the 17th April 1923.
A Bristol Scout seen over the skies of Blackpool flying from Bidston during the 1920's
Whilst the RAF had no interest in Lancashire they were still constructing airfields in the south of England, which included Biggin HIll and Tangmere. In 1927 Blackpool Borough Council decided to build a municipal aerodrome at Stanley park on land owned by henry Bickerstaff, with a cost of £39000 they drained and flattened the land. The two aerodromes would run side by side for the next 15 years.
Squires Gate
In 1928 the AVRO 566 avanger was displayed at an RAf flying show (air pageant) organised by blackpool corporation and the lancashire aroe club at squires gate.
1932 everyone was preffering Squires gate, including imperial airways. Blackpool and west coast air services began passenger service to liverpool and the isle of man Bbc purchased more land off the clifton estate in 1934 for £175000.
1936 the RAF began looking at all airfields in the UK and started to implement expansion schemes A-M. Burtonwood was chosen first followed by Speke and then Squires Gate.
1937 the ministry of transport suggest Squires Gate has x3 5000ft runways built.
Important dates
1934 The government started the alphabet (aerodrome) expansion scheme.
1936 M.G. firing range opened on Squires Gate close to division lane
1936 The Air Defence of Great Britain was scrapped and Bomber, fighter and Coastal Commands created. Building money ran out for the expansion scheme however, aircraft production accelerated.
1938 Aircraft Storage Units were implemented to to disperse aircraft around the UK
Stanley Park
Stanley park had four grass landing strips between 1200 and 2000 feet. The council also built a belfast truss hanger and club house. The aerodrome was operational by 1929 and was officially opened in 1931. Stanley park held the first air pageant on the 13th July 1931.
Stanley parks lease was ending in 1937 and the ministry of transport had recommended Squires Gate for major expansion.
While squires gate was being redeveloped all avaiation moved to Stanley park which staged the empire air day a few months before the outbreak of war.
The need for more aerodromes for WW2 saved Stanley Park from closure. Five new bellman hangers were built and became operational in Oct 1941 with reinforced runways. The aircraft could only takeoff safely and were finished off at squires gate. After the war Stanley park was used to scrap aircraft, a gliding school was located there and a royal lancashire show, all flying ceased in 1947 before being used for the Zoo.
1937 saw construction of three runways at 60deg apart with 4 bellman hangers which were possibly used to hide pre-manufactured aircraft from the Luftwaffe. In 1938 the RAF volunteer reserve took over Squires Gate on Nov 1st with more buildings being constructed.
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