Monument record TR 34 NE 332 - Hawkshill Down First World War airfield (also known as Walmer Aerodrome)

AIRFIELD. SRF. Memorial, Hawkshill Camp
Recorder- J. Guy. (1)

The site of the First World War Hawkshill airfield established in 1917 and operational until summer 1919. The airfield was the base for the Walmer Defence Flight which protected shipping using The Downs anchorage as well as being involved in Home Defence engaging with enemy bombers. In 1920 a memorial was erected as a tribute to those who had served at the airfield in the First World War.
The airfield was 57 acres and initially equipped with Bessonneau hangars. These were replaced by wooden aeroplane sheds and accommodation huts as well as other requisitioned buildings.
The Walmer Defence Flight was made up of BE2Cs and Sopwith Pups and this was strengthened in autumn 1917 by the arrival of Number 3 and Number 4 (Naval) Squadrons. The Walmer Flight became part of Number 6 (Naval) Squadron and with the change over to the RAF in 1918 a number of Sopwith Camels, DH9s and Short 184s arrived. The Walmer Flight became part of Number 233 Squadron which carried on with its coastal patrols until early 1919. During the war, Number 2 Observer School unit had also used the airfield as its base and this was the last unit to leave in summer 1919 when the airfield was closed. (2)

Fleet Air Arm, 2016, Fleet Air Arm Officers Association. (Website). SKE31491.

<1> John Guy, Verbal Communication (Verbal communication). SKE15418.