Publications
Shoreham Airport: An Illustrated History, by Peter C. Brown, published 19 December 2014 (160 pp., Stroud: Amberley Publishing, ISBN-10: 1445633442 & ISBN-13: 9781445633442) accessible at: West Sussex Libraries
Abstract:Shoreham is the oldest airport in the UK, aviator Harold Piffard first flying from there in 1910, although the aerodrome only officially opened on 20 June 1911. It served as a base for Alliott Verdon Roe (founder of Avro) and John Alcock (one of the first men to fly the Atlantic). At the start of the First World War, the first flight of British military aircraft left from Shoreham to join the fighting in France. In the 1930s the airfield became an airport for Brighton, Hove and Worthing and a new terminal building in the art deco style was opened in 1936. This building is still in use today and is now Grade II listed.
During the Second World War, Shoreham again served as a military airfield, coming under attack several times. The airfield is still operational today and is used by light aircraft and flying schools and as a venue for an air show and a filming location. In this book, aviation historian Peter C. Brown takes us through the history of this key centre in early British aviation.
Review by Patrick Clinton in Sussex Past & Present no. 134, December 2014:During the Second World War, Shoreham again served as a military airfield, coming under attack several times. The airfield is still operational today and is used by light aircraft and flying schools and as a venue for an air show and a filming location. In this book, aviation historian Peter C. Brown takes us through the history of this key centre in early British aviation.
For anyone interested in Shoreham Airport and its unique place in Aviation history, this is for you. The publication, comprising 160 pages with 178 illustrations, has a sensible balance of text to photographs. The book is structured chronologically, from "Those Magnificent Men" (pre 1914), 1914-1918, 1919-1939 etc. There is some wonderful narrative of people and events from 1911 onwards, starting with the first landing of a Bleriot monoplane arriving from Brighton. A number of key events, including the regular financial challenges faced by the Airport, are covered succinctly. Although the pictures are black and white this adds to the evocative feel of the Airport through every period covered.
A more balanced selection of photographs would have been beneficial as the majority of photographs are post-1960; although more than 50 years of history had elapsed since the earliest flights, less than 20 pictures are from that period.
The final chapter covers the role and invaluable work of the Shoreham Airport Rescue and Firefighting Service, who have been a key service for over 90 years.
The publication price represents good value for what is a reasonably comprehensive narrative of a unique Sussex treasure.
A more balanced selection of photographs would have been beneficial as the majority of photographs are post-1960; although more than 50 years of history had elapsed since the earliest flights, less than 20 pictures are from that period.
The final chapter covers the role and invaluable work of the Shoreham Airport Rescue and Firefighting Service, who have been a key service for over 90 years.
The publication price represents good value for what is a reasonably comprehensive narrative of a unique Sussex treasure.