Moreton
Note: This map only gives a general position within the UK.
MORETON: Admiralty Airship Station
Note: This picture was obtained from Google Earth ©
I don't really know if this picture is of the site. It is where I'd expect it to be as far as I can ascertain, and of the right size. What struck me especially is that the nature of this site bears no resemblence to the character of the countryside surrounding it. It is of course quite often the case that a very large site can leave traces for long after they have gone. Just think about how Roman remains still show up, two thousand years later after a prolonged dry period.
Location: Near to Woodsford Castle and occupying 355 acres
NOTES: Buildings were constructed including airship sheds, gas holders and repair workshops but it seems doubtful any operational airship ever landed here? Even so, if correct, due to the extent of works and buildings it surely deserves a mention here. A classic case of “all dressed up but no party to go to?” Apparently destined for RAF operation at the end of WW1.
Period of operation: 1918 only? (But never actually operational)
NOTES: Barely mentioned in recent years, my research has shown an astonishing amount of airship history during WW1 with Airship Stations all around the coast of the U.K. Airships were of course ideal for maritime patrol duties, given they could remain airborne much longer than aeroplanes.
It is reported that the crews considered this a futile and thankless task, very few submarines being spotted, let alone being attacked with bombs. However, after WW1 German U-Boat crews told a very different story, saying how very effective they really were. The point being that when they spotted an airship, they immediately submerged - and the presence of an airship frustrated many attacks.
This campaign being, I suppose, perhaps the first example of just how effective a 'deterrent' can be. In aerial terms of course.
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