Blackbushe London's Lost Airport 1942-1960 Book by Robert Belcher

A History of RAF Hartford Bridge 1942-1944 & Blackbushe Airport 1944-1960.

This new history of Blackbushe Airport contains a wealth of information on the operations of the various based units during World War II, detailing operations and losses.

The book then goes on to cover the operations, trials and tribulations of the various independent airlines that started their life at Blackbushe, their histories and their diverse fleets of aircraft of the period, mainly well used hand me downs, as well as in the latter days, a smattering of new aircraft. There is also coverage of the US Navy operations from Blackbushe, and their aircraft.

There are around 250 photographs, both colour and black & white, some of which may have only seen the light of day in the distant past, as well as a goodly number from new sources. Douglas DC-3/C-47s, Douglas DC-4/C-54, Vickers Vikings, Vickers Viscounts, Bristol 170s, Handley Page Halifax, Handley Page Hermes & Avro Yorks galore, to name but a few, as well as the odd C-46 Commando and Short Stirling and a selection of the diverse military types to visit.

There are fleet lists for resident airlines (during their time at Blackbushe), and a listing of other aircraft also based at Blackbushe over the years.

There is also a selection of what the author considers interesting aircraft visiting Blackbushe during its civilian tenure.