Monument record 2855/0/0 - RAF Hooton Park Airfield

<1> John Woodside, Various, Bones Aviation Page, X4HP - 29/11/2013 (Web Site). SCH4445.

Vauxhall factory built on part of the airfield. Some hangars still remain. Civil aircraft were impounded here at the start of WWII and many (some say those not usable by the military) were lost in a tragic hangar fire in December 1940.

<2> Cheshire County Council, 1995, Wartime Cheshire 1939-1945, p.19 (Book). SCH4444.

Hooton Park Airfield had a varied history during WWII. It served first as a base for Coastal Patrol Aircraft (No.3 CPF), whose task was to spot U Boats and warn of any danger of attack from the sea. This was replaced by the School of General Reconnaissance, the by an Anti Aircraft Calibration unit (which enabled AckAck units to check their accuracy by providing practice targets). Later No. 11 Radio School was based here. Some aircraft construction was also carried out, mainly by Martin Hearn Ltd, whose hangers once stool on the eastern section of the airfield.

<3> English Heritage, 2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, 441793 (Digital Archive). SCH4666.

Hooton Park, the site of a demolished house whose park was partly laid out as a racecourse in the late 19th century, was requisitioned by the army in 1914. It was developed in 1917 as a Training Depot Station, the need for training pilots destined for the Western Front supplanting its intended use as a re-assembly plant for imported American-built aircraft coming through Liverpool docks: the hangars were begun in late 1916 and completed in 1917.

Hooton Park, through its location close to the port of Liverpool, relates to an internationally-significant group of sites and buildings associated with the development of communications (from coastal to trans-Atlantic shipping, railways and finally aviation). It was originally intended to function as an Aircraft Acceptance Park for the reception and manufacture of American-built aircraft, the need to train fighter pilots destined for service in France leading to its formation, in September 1917, as a training depot station for Canadian and American pilots. After closure in 1919, its training functions were moved to RAF Shotwick (Sealand), across the Dee in Clywd. Hooton's role in civil aviation is important, for after its selection in 1927 as one of a small number of Air Ministry-subsidised flying clubs (following a meeting in Liverpool Town Hall supported by Sir Sefton Branckner, the Director of Civil Aviation), and the formation of the Comper Aircraft Company on the site in 1930, it served as Liverpool's municipal airport from 1930 until its replacement by Speke in 1933.

610 'County of Chester' Squadron, had been formed at Hooton in February 1936, and went on to play a key role in the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain. From early 1940, No 7 Aircraft Assembly Unit assembled some 9000 aircraft brought into Merseyside's ports from North America, and the 'Civilian Repair Organisation' headed by Martin Hearn made a significant contribution towards the war effort through the inspection and overhaul of aircraft, especially the Mosquito. Hooton's role in the Battle of the Atlantic is another important factor, and one that is linked to its position close to the key port of Liverpool. The station's Operations Record Books show that Hooton played a vital support role in keeping the shipping lanes into Liverpool open, through the flying of 'Scarecrow Patrols'. It formed one of Coastal Command's Coastal Patrol Flights, whose aircraft were sent to look for and deter submarines: the Lysanders of 13 Squadron took over this function in 1940. No. 206 Squadron flew Avro Reconnaissance bombers from Hooton Park, later replaced by American Hudsons and the Whitley bombers of 502 Squadron, the latter fitted with radar equipment that proved to be an effective weapon in the U-boat war. No 11 Radio School and its associated units, which occupied the hangars from 1942-44, played an important role as the only school set up for the purpose of training Coastal Command's airborne radar operators for submarine detection.

The hangars were built by Holland, Hannan and Cubitt Ltd to a type design by the Royal Engineers, with 80ft spans and 25ft clear heights. The 'Belfast' roof trusses were manufactured by D Anderson and Co., Belfast. The doors slid into brick gantries, which have been subject to removal and alteration on the 'Vauxhall' hangar. The repair hangar has been demolished (circa 1920), as is the case with all First World War training and operational airfields with the exception of Old Sarum in Wiltshire. Of the 66 stations of this type operational in November 1918 Hooton Park shares with Duxford in Cambridgeshire the distinction of being the only site to have retained its original complement of 3 paired hangars. This is a rare survival of significance within the context of early powered flight within both a British and European context, enhanced by Hooton's later historic associations. Two runways were laid in 1941. The three paired hangars at Hooton and across the Dee at RAF North Shotwick (Sealand, Clywd) were built for the same Wing, and operated together as a pair: the survival of both related groups is unique.

<4> C S Dobinson, 2000, Twentieth Century Fortifications in England. Volume X. Airfield Defences in WWII, p.69 (Report). SCH4450.

Priority IX for the Pickett-Hamilton forts programme. Hooton id classified as a Class I Parent airfield and the fort/s were due for installation on the 28th Feb 1941. Three such forts are known to have been constructed at Hooton.

<5> Hooton Park Trust, Various, Hooton Park Trust, 29/11/2013 (Web Site). SCH4462.

Developed as an aerodrome in 1917 for the Royal Flying Corps pilot training unit who remained until disbanded in 1919. In 1936, No 610 (County of Chester) Squadron was formed at Hooton as a light bomber unit in the Auxiliary Air Force taking possession of one of the Belfast hangars to house its Avro Tutors and Hawker Harts when flying commenced in the May. In 1939 the Squadron re-mustered as a fighter unit but retained Hawker Hinds until the beginning of the war when it received Fairey Battles and then Hurricanes. These were soon given up in favour of Spitfires. During WWII the station was used by Coastal Command, operating patrol flights over the Irish Sea from South Wales to Cumbria. An important function of Hooton's war effort was the assembly and repair of RAF aircraft, undertaken by Messrs Martin Hearn Ltd. During the retreat from Dunkirk, many types of aircraft landed at Hooton Park and as soon as they touched down, each aircraft was pulled off the runway to a parking position freeing up the runway for the next aircraft to land. Examples of all type of machine were in evidence, the list including Gloster Gladiators, Walruses, Douglas C-47s (DC3s or 'Dakotas'), Bostons, Blenheims and Swordfish. In June 1946, No 610 Squadron reformed with Supermarine Spitfire XIVs, giving way to Spitfire 22s, then moving over to the Meteor 4 jets. 663 Squadron formed at Hooton Park in 1949 with Tiger Moths and Auster 5s. These were later replaced by De Havilland Chipmunks, and Auster 6s and 7s. Aircraft assembly and repair continued until the mid 1950s, with work being undertaken on aircraft for both civil and military operators. In its final years three Auxiliary Air Force Squadrons operated from Hooton including the reformed No 610 - by this time flying the Gloster Meteor jet fighter. Hooton Park finally shut its gates as an aerodrome in 1957.

<6> Royal Air Force, 1944-1947, 1940s RAF Aerial Photographs from Operation Review (Aerial Photograph). SCH8041.

The airfield is clearly depicted. There are two runways: the longer c.1.4km long, is orientated north-west to south-east; the shorter, orientated as almost 90 degrees to the longer runway, is c.1km long. They are surrounded by a perimeter track, but there are no dispersal bays. Buildings are largely resticted to the south-western side, in the vicinity of the 1917 hangers. There is a small cluster of hanger-like buldings to the east of the south-eastern end of the longer runway. There are many aeroplanes shown of the airfield, grouped in rows, often tail to tail. Some seem to be being dismantled.

<6> The GeoInformation Group, 2005, 1940s RAF Aerial Photographs from Operation Review (Aerial Photograph). SCH4608.

The airfield is clearly depicted. There are two runways: the longer c.1.4km long, is orientated north-west to south-east; the shorter, orientated as almost 90 degrees to the longer runway, is c.1km long. They are surrounded by a perimeter track, but there are no dispersal bays. Buildings are largely resticted to the south-western side, in the vicinity of the 1917 hangers. There is a small cluster of hanger-like buldings to the east of the south-eastern end of the longer runway. There are many aeroplanes shown of the airfield, grouped in rows, often tail to tail. Some seem to be being dismanted.

<6> Various, Written Communication to the HER, Thomas, R 29/11/2013 (Written Communication). SCH3756.

Regarding the aircraft visible to the north-east of the long runway: The apparent variation in nose length and wing shape is due to two issues, there are different Marks of aircraft in the photo, and the angle of the sun. The Halifax Mk. I - II did have a squared tip to the wings, but those after the Mk.II series had lengthened and rounded wing tips similar to the Lancaster's rounded tip. I suspect that most of the aircraft in the photo are Halifax B Mk.III and later, as most of the earlier aircraft would have been lost or scrapped by the end of the war. The three twin engined aircraft on the peri-track are either Vickers Wellingtons or Warwicks, they have a similar out-line to a Mosqueto when viewd from above, but the wing shape is the identifying feature, as it isn't squared off inside of the engine nacelles like the Mosquito, the cockpit area appears to be to long and the outer wing is to long for a Mosquito. The two aircraft just off the perimeter track are being dismantled, and the outer wings have been taken off and are laying on the ground.

<8> GeoInformation Group, 1940, Luftwaffe Aerial Photographs (Aerial Photograph). SCH5167.

The 1917 hangers are clearly visible, but the WWII airfield is clearly under construction.

<9> Ferguson, Aldon, 2008, Cheshire Airfields in the Second World War, p.95-119 (Book). SCH7173.

In 1917 the decision was made to construct an aerodrome at Hooton, which had previously been used by the army (from 1914) as a training ground (the Liverpool Pals trained here). Three general service double Belfast hangers, an Aeroplane Repair Section hanger (demolished c.1930s) and ancillary buildings were constructed by Cubitt Ltd (see CHER 2855/0/1, /2 and /3). The total area was c.200 acres, of which 70 acres were occupied by buildings. The flying field was 1250ft by 100ft and located within the former racecourse. The officers’ mess was at Hooton Hall and a women’s rest room and hostel was on the aerodrome site. It was occupied from 1917 and construction was finally completed in 1918.

Hooton Park was initially intended to be a Training Depot Station, for No.4 TDS, for the training of American and Canadian pilots. It was originally planned to have three training wings comprising 36 Sopwith dolphins and 36 Avro 504s, but by 1918 there were only 36 aircraft stationed here. In 1918 No.4 TDS moved to Shotwick, but one squadron continued to be stationed here. The Royal Airforce formally abandoned the site in 1919 and the aerodrome reverted to farmland with the buildings used for industrial purposes.

From 1927 the site was acquired by George Davidson with the intention of turning Hooton Park into a recreation centre and airport. Two aero clubs were based here as were the Comper Aircraft Co. And Pobjoy Airmotors Ltd. From the late 30s all servicing of RAF Avro Ansons north of Birmingham was undertaken here by Martin Hearn Ltd. As the war progressed contracts for other aircraft work were won, including maintenance and test flying of the de Havilland Mosquitos. In 1940 North East Airways Ltd was contracted to manage No.7 Aircraft Assembly Unit; unpacking and assembling American built aircraft such as Harvards, Lockheed Lightenings, Douglas Bostons and Canadian built Hanley Page Hampdens and Hurricanes shipped across the Atlantic. This initially took place in one of the 1917 Belfast hangers, but was subsequently moved to a purpose built factory in the south-east corner of the aerodrome.

The RAF returned in 1936 with the formation of No.610 'County of Chester' Squadron, Auxiliary Airforce, which was based in one of the 1917 Belfast hangers. It was a light bomber unit initially equipped with Avro Tutors and Hawker Harts and subsequently with Hawker Hinds in 1938. In 1938 it became a fighter squadron, initially equipped with Hurricanes and then Spitfires. In 1939 the RAF took full control of Hooton erecting new buildings and refurbishing existing ones, though some civilian industries remained. A timber control tower was constructed adjacent to hangers 3 and 4; also squadron offices and HQ, AML trainer, Turret trainer and from 1941 runways, perimeter track, BI type hanger and Operations Room. The hanger and remains of the OR survive. A mobile pill box was constructed atop a lorry chassis. At first use it became stuck in soft ground and, after two aircraft crashed into it, it was removed using explosives.

From late 1939 Hooton was briefly the base for No.206 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron equipped with Avro Ansons. They were succeeded by A flight of No.502 (Ulster) Squadron, equipped with Bothas, Ansons and Whitleys, who stayed till mid 1941. No.3 and No.4 Coastal Patrol Flights was also based at Hooton from 1939 and were initially equipped with antiquated Tiger Moths. They were disbanded in 1941 and replaced by the reformed No.13 Squadron recently evacuated from France. Equipped with Westland Lysanders, they continued coastal patrol duties. In 1940 No.48 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron transferred its HQ to Hooton until mid 1941 and continued coastal patrol duties. 1941 In 1941 No.701 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm was based here with Supermarine Walrus aircraft. In 1946 No.610 'County of Chester' Squadron was re-established at Hooton, utilising the BI hanger. Intially it was equipped with MK14 Spitfires, later replaced by MK22s. In 1951 its aircraft were replaced with the Gloster Meteor F4; in 1953 by the F8 and operated as a reserve unit. No.611, also a reserve unit, was also based here in 1946 and 1951-7.

In 1945 the airfield was being used for the storage of aircraft prior to scrapping.

<10> Various, Written Communication to the HER, Stiff, D 12/12/2013 (Written Communication). SCH3756.

From the south-eastern end of the runway, the 1st, 3rd and 4th aircraft on the right-hand side (heading up the line of aircraft on the runway) are all AW38 Whitley Bombers; and all the rest are Handley Page Hailfax bombers. Both types were used as glider tugs c.1944-45.