The former site of RNAS Manston dating from 1915. Site has been plotted on HER as a monument point as the exact location within the present airport is unknown. A reference to this site appears at the National Archive Ref. ADM137/4680. In 1915/16 early seaplanes started to use the open fields in Manston as an emergency landing place in preference to their base at St. Mildreds Bay and the RNAS station was established. (1)

The UK government Treasury purchased about 20 acres of land from Manston Court Farm in 1916 with a view to replacing RNAS Westgate (St Mildred's Bay) in response to safety concerns about the older station. A temporary airfield was established with three grass runways in a triangular pattern on ground to the west of the future location of the civilian passenger terminal (MKE98028). The station became fully operational on 29 May 1916 and was gradually developed. It became RAF Manston on 1 April 1918 with the merger of the Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Flying Corp to form the Royal Air Force. As described by authority (1), the location is marked by a monument point record in lieu of more detailed information confirming the extent of the station in 1916. (2)

<1> Oxford Archaeological South, 2016, First World War Wireless Stations in England. (Bibliographic reference). SKE31551.

<2> Joe Bamford, John Williams, 2013, A Detailed History of RAF Manston, 1916-1930. The Men Who Made Manston (Bibliographic reference). SKE58346.