Croydon Aerodrome

The London Terminal Aerodrome

1921 - 1928

Page Two

A busy flying day in 1921

(above and below) Airship R33 was completed in 1919 for the RAF too late for WW1, she was de commissioned in 1920 and handed over for civilian use as G-FAAG. After an overhaul, R33 was based at Croydon Aerodrome, moored to a portable mast. In June 1921 it was used by the Metropolitan Police to observe traffic at the Epsom Derby,  (below) R33 approaching it's mooring mast.

(above) on the mast at Croydon. July 1921

(above) An arial view of the aerodrome in 1922

(above and below) On the 8th of September 1922 the first King's Cup Race was held at Croydon Aerodrome. This was an annual British handicapped cross-country air race, run by the Royal Aero Club Records Racing and Rally Association . The event was open to British pilots only, but that did include members of the Commonwealth. The event was established by King George V as an incentive to the development of light aircraft and engine design. The first race was an 810-mile contest from Croydon Aerodrome, to Glasgow, Scotland and back again after an overnight stop. The winner of the first race was Frank L. Barnard, chief pilot of the Instone Air Line, in a passenger-carrying Airco DH.4A (picture below)