Walney Airfield is marking its 80th year of operation.
Now owned and run by BAE Systems, the airfield was first opened to help the Royal Air Force (RAF) defend Great Britain in World War Two.
At an event to mark the 80th anniversary, John Nixon – author of Warbirds of Walney – relayed the fascinating stories of those times to an invited audience.
He explained the dangers and excitement crews faced on an operational airfield at that time.
John said: “It’s very important for us to remember. And, because the airfield is still operational today, that gives it more poignancy.
“People had more or less forgotten Walney, regarding it as a rather unimportant training airfield. But there is real history that we need to remember.”
The 80th anniversary comes as Barrow shipyard is marking its 150th year of operation. The shipyard and the airfield have always been closely linked.
Senior aerodrome manager Lewis Smith is proud of the airfield’s modern facilities and technology, but also keen to recognise the legacy of its wartime past.
He said: “This is about celebrating a rich piece of history which is largely unknown in the town. The huge legacy of what this town did in the war needs to be remembered.”
After the war ended, the airfield was slowly stood down as an RAF station, with the 188 Gliding School being the final RAF unit to operate from Walney. The RAF’s involvement officially ended on September 1, 1955 after the site was sold to Vickers.
Following the Vickers purchase, the airfield had various occupants, including short-lived commercial airline services to the Isle of Man, Edinburgh and Manchester.
The airfield was given a new lease of life in 2004 when BAE Systems invested in resurfacing work and the installation of an instrument landing system.
Two years ago, a substantial investment was made to provide a new world-class tower, terminal and hangar facility to ensure Walney Airfield continues in its long tradition of supporting UK defence.
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