Discovering Pioneers from Croydon's Aviation History
Fans of air travel history will be treated to an extravaganza of aviation heritage this wekend.
An exhibition at Croydon Airport's visitor centre, a play celebrating the life of tragic heroine pilot Amy Johnson and the Biggin Hill Airshow are all taking place this week.
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The Croydon Airport display is housed on the top two floors of former control tower at Airport House, Purley Way - the original terminal building. The attraction features fascinating archive material and artifacts in the visitors centre on the first Sunday of every month from 11am to 4pm, free of charge. Interactive displays and memorabilia take visitors through the history of Croydon Airport, focusing on its heyday in the 1920's and 30's. |
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A highlight is the top floor of the control tower where the original radio room has been restored.
It was from this vantage point over the airfield, the centre of operations, that air traffic control staff directed the movement of inbound and outbound flight.
It was also here that pioneering air traffic control procedures were developed, including early direction finding by radio.
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The airport became an RAF airfield during World War II. Reverting to civilian use in the post war years, sadly its status as an international hub went into rapid decline with the ascendance of Heathrow as London's premier international airport and the rise of Gatwick. Its last flight departed in September 1959. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the disappearance of the ill-fated pilot, Amy Johnson, who launched her historic solo flight to Australia from Croydon Airport in 1930, landing to a rapturous welcome on her successful return. Aviator Johnson's aircraft disappeared over the Thames Estuary in 1941. Her flight bag will be one of the attractions at the Croydon Airport Visitors Centre. |
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Amy Johson is also the subject of a new musical opening at the Warehouse Theatre tomorrow (June 1st). Lone Flyer is a tragic love story which tells the story of Johnson's epic flight across the globe and how her constant search for career highs ultimately lead to her disappearance.
The show, which runs until June 24th, features music from the 20's and 30's.
The Biggin Hill Airshow, which takes place over June 2nd and 3rd, will feature a replica of Gypsy Moth aircraft, which was flown by Amy Johnson, along with an actress dressed as the aviation heroine.
Do you have any Amy Johnson stories ? If so write to the Guardian heritage page at 3rd floor, 854 Brighton Road, Purley CR8.2UX.