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Stow Maries

Major

Did you know?

"

Off duty personnel used to like taking a ferry across the River Crouch and going for a drink at the Anchor Inn in South Fambridge, alongside what became almost certainly Britain’s first ever airfield. The pub survived in total for a century until being demolished in 2003 to make way for flats and the Mews Bar.

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Also known as: Flambirds / RAF Stow Maries / RFC Stow Maries / Stow / Stow Maries Aerodrome
County: Essex
Current Status: Aviation / Farmland / Industry / Leisure activity / Museum
Date: 15 September 1916 - June 1919; subsequent limited flying to date
Current Use: Limited flying
Used By: RAF / RFC
Landing Surface Types: Unpaved
Aircraft Roles: Fighter

Stow Maries in Essex was a First World War Home Defence Flight Station. Aircraft of No 37 Squadron used the airfield from 15 September 1916. During their time at Stow Maries the unit was involved in air battles with enemy bombers and proved very active. The Flights of the Squadron remained separate until they were gradually brought together at Stow Maries. The airfield became the headquarters for the squadron in June 1918. By the time of the Armistice the following November, Sopwith Camels were on strength but they were then replaced by the Camels' successor, the Snipe, during 1919. However, shortly afterwards these fighters and the unit left for Biggin Hill on 17 March. Stow Maries closed very quickly in the next few months and was used for agricultural purposes. Over subsequent decades, the farmer who owned the land used various airfield buildings, thus they remained largely intact. 

Although the military briefly considered reopening Stow Maries as an airfield in the 1930s, the land was not considered wholly suitable. Nevertheless, many people did not forget Stow Maries' aviation past and in more recent years a major volunteer effort has emerged to restore the Great War aerodrome to its former glory. At the time of writing (October 2013) the fight to save this place has been successful, thanks to a large official grant.

For more information, see the airfield's website http://www.stowmaries.org.uk/.

 

The following organisations are either based at, use and/or have at least potentially significant connections with the airfield (as at 01/07/2013):

  • Anglia Model Flying Club
  • Cold Norton Parish Council
  • RS Performance Engine Developments Ltd
  • St. Mary & St. Margaret Church, Stow Maries
  • Stow Maries Parish Council - name only

Main unit(s) present:

  • No 37 Sqn
001Airmens Barrack Block - 20 November 2008.png

Airmens Barrack Block at Stow Maries, 20 November 2008. © Richard Flagg

002Ambulance Shed and Mortuary - 20 November 2008.png

Ambulance Shed and Mortuary at Stow Maries, 20 November 2008. © Richard Flagg

003Headquarters Building - 20 November 2008.png

Headquarters Building at Stow Maries, 20 November 2008. © Richard Flagg

004Views around Stow Maries Aerodrome - 20 November 2008.png

View of Stow Maries, 20 November 2008. © Richard Flagg

005Views around Stow Maries Aerodrome 2 - 20 November 2008.png

View of Stow Maries, 20 November 2008. © Richard Flagg

006Womans Barracks - 20 November 2008.png

The Womens' Barracks at Stow Maries, 20 November 2008. © Richard Flagg

007Blacksmiths Workshop - 26 July 2014.png

Blacksmiths Workshop at Stow Maries, 26 July 2014. © Richard Flagg

008Views around Stow Maries Aerodrome - 26 July 2014.png

View of Stow Maries, 20 November 2008. © Richard Flagg

009Looking across the flying field - 26 July 2014.png

Looking across the flying field at Stow Maries, 26 July 2014. © Richard Flagg

010Airmens Mess - 12 April 2015.png

Airmens Mess at Stow Maries, 12 April 2015. © Richard Flagg

011Motor Transport Sheds - 12 April 2015.png

Motor Transport Sheds at Stow Maries, 12 April 2015. © Richard Flagg

012Pilots Ready Room - 12 April 2015.png

Pilots Ready Room at Stow Maries, 12 April 2015. © Richard Flagg

013Stow Maries Aerodrome - 12 April 2015.png

Aerial view of Stow Maries, 12 April 2015. © Richard Flagg

014Stow Maries Aerodrome 2 - 12 April 2015.png

Aerial view of Stow Maries, 12 April 2015. © Richard Flagg

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