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Croydon
Aerodrome |
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The
London Terminal Aerodrome |
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1928 - 1939 |
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A new complex of buildings
was constructed adjoining Purley Way, including the first purpose
designed 'Air Terminal', the 'Aerodrome Hotel', and extensive
hangers. The development cost 267,000 British Pounds (approx
15 million in today's money). Plough Lane was closed permanently
to enable heavier airliners to land and take off easier. The
old buildings and area of the original aerodrome along Plough
Lane was completely demolished and cleared. The buildings and
layout began operations on the 20th of January 1928, with it's
official opening on the 2nd of May 1928. An oddity of the development
of the area as a major air operations field was the fact that
a 75ft water tower (in existance before and during it's whole
time of operation), laid close to and direct in line with the
main usable flight path. |
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(below)
Instcription from the
back of a 1928 postcard |
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(above and below) two pictures taken of the new aerodrome
just before the official opening in May 1928. Top is
an Imperial HP W8F. Bottom pic is an Imperial HP42W. |
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The
Closing of the Waddon aerodrome in 1927-1928 and the building
of the new one alongside Purley Way. Pictures below show the
two aerodromes together alongside before completion and
removal of the old. |
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(above) An 'Instone Airline' Argosy 'City of Newcastle',
flying over the new hangers under construction during the aerodrome
rebuild alongside Purley Way in late 1927. Note the construction
of the Terminal building has not begun yet. |
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(above) preparing the new extended aerodrome
layout. |
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The
new aerodrome under construction in the pictures below, with
the remnants of the old only visible by the well used damaged
ground surface. |
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(above) about 1928. Note the 'Aerodrome
Hotel' under construction. |
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(above and below) Between 1928 and 1930 most of the new construction
was completed |
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(below) front cover of a 1929 official 'Guide To Croydon
Aerodrome'. Click HERE to see the contents
of the guide. |
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(below) Waddon railway station with 'Croydon Airport'
named on it. |
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(above) Airport arial on Mitcham Common. |
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(above) the new radio directional beacon
1932 |
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(below) 1930. New night guide being installed. |
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(above) an original aerodrome hangar key. |
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(below) running up. 1935. |
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(below) Airport fuel tanker lorry. 1936 |
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(below) Waitress's loading food for onboard service on
Continental flights. |
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(above) a map of the area in 1928. (below)
1930 map |
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An assortment of Air
Views of the airport over time in the pictures below |
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(below) 1943 |
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(below) 1949 |
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(below) 1929 |
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(below) 1931 |
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(above) an arial view of the aerodrome
January 1939. The 'Waddon Housing Estate', built between the
end of the 20's and the end of the30's can be clearly seen, as
well as the 'Purley Pool' which was opened in 1935 opposite the
aerodrome on the other side of 'Purley Way'. |
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(below) September 1959 |
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(above) newly constructed probably late 1928 |
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(below) 1929 |
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(above)
a Surrey Flying Services arial view. postcard. |
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(below) 1931 |
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(above) picture about 1932. Six 'Air Union'
aircraft by their hangar. Four 'KLM' in a line, and two 'Imperial'
in front of the Terminal. |
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Imperial Airways 'HP 42' by the
Terminal (above and
below pictures). Note
the gardens now laid out front and back of the 'Terminal' building. |
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(below) 1935 |
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