EGLK Blackbushe 1955-1959 1.1

Opened in 1942 as RAF Hartford Bridge it was used for fighter, bomber and photo reconnaissance work before being renamed Blackbushe and transferred to the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 1947, becoming London's second airport. It was closed in 1960 as a result of the development of London Gatwick. Before that it had become home to the rapidly growing British independent airline industry and often provided a valuable alternate for Heathrow when it was restricted by fog. It was also a major European base for the US Navy. Since 1960 it has continued to serve general aviation under private ownership on a much more restricted site. By Ken Lawson and Al Von Pingel.