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The RFC used the Ramsgate site for emergency landings during
December 1914, but it was not developed until the 1930s when
Ramsgate councillors proposed an airport be established, and flying
commenced in June 1935. Popularity was increased by Sir Alan
Cobham's National Aviation Day which was held on 1 August 1935, and
a Flying Flea Rally took place in 1936. Crilly and Hillman Airways
moved in, but suspended services very soon afterwards. The airfield
was extended in 1936, and Flying Holidays took place. On 3 July
1937, Ramsgate Airport Ltd reopened the airport, and the following
year the Royal Auxiliary Air Force held summer camps there. Thanet
Aero Club joined the Civil Air Guard scheme, and Southern Airways
operated a service across the Thames Estuary during the summer, but
this all came to a close when war was declared on 3 September 1939.
The airfield reopened in 1940 for military use and during the
Battle of Britain, Ramsgate, along with nearby RAF Manston, was
bombed on 24 August 1940. Following this, and with invasion fears
at their height, the airport was obstructed, not reopening until 27
June 1953. Air Kruise Ltd operated on a lease from Ramsgate
Cooperation, flying to Europe, and Skyphotos and Skyflights 1950s
took over until the summer of 1958. Chrisair started joyriding in
1960, and following their departure in 1963 little happened until
East Kent Air Services formed in 1967, but they were not
commercially successful and Ramsgate Airport finally closed during
1968. Developers took over and the Art Deco Terminal/Clubhouse was
demolished. This book is witness to Ramsgate Airport, now sadly
gone.
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