RAF Hooton Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids RAF Hooton Park
Hangars at RAF Hooton Park in 1953
IATA: none ICAO: none
Summary
Airport type	Military
Location	Wirral Peninsula, Cheshire
Built	1917; 108 years ago (1917)
In use	40 years Closed 1957; 68 years ago (1957)
Elevation AMSL	30 ft / 9 m
Coordinates	53°18′11″N 02°56′34″W / 53.30306°N 2.94278°W / 53.30306; -2.94278 (RAF Hooton Park)
Map
RAF Hooton Park Location in Cheshire
Runway
Runway Length Surface ft m 15/33 6,000 1,829 Concrete
Statistics
Battles/Conflicts World War II
The airfield is now under civilian ownership.

RAF Hooton Park was a former Royal Air Force station located on the Wirral Peninsula in Cheshire, England. It was first built in 1917 for the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War. Its main purpose was to train pilots.

In the 1930s, Hooton Park also handled regular flights for the Merseyside area. It was one of two main airfields, along with Liverpool Speke. The airfield was home to several important RAF squadrons, including No. 610 (County of Chester) Squadron. After the Second World War, No. 611 (West Lancashire) and No. 663 (AOP) Squadron were also based here.

RAF Hooton Park closed in 1957 when the Royal Auxiliary Air Force was disbanded. However, three special hangars built in 1917, known for their unique 'Belfast Truss' roofs, are still standing today. A company called Vauxhall Motors later bought the site to build their Vauxhall Ellesmere Port car factory, which now makes the Vauxhall Astra.

A small part of the original airfield is now looked after by The Hooton Park Trust. The old hangars are also used by The Griffin Trust and The Aeroplane Collection, a group that saves old aircraft. Another part of the airfield, including a piece of the old runway, is owned by The Naylor Trust.

Discovering Hooton Park's Past

Early Days of Hooton Park Estate

The land where Hooton Park stands has a very long history. In 1070, William the Conqueror gave these lands to Adam de Aldithly. Over many years, the land eventually came into the hands of the Stanley family.

Around 1778, a grand Italian-style house was built on the estate. However, the Stanley family later sold it in 1850. A rich banker from Liverpool, Mr. Naylor, bought the hall and its land. He added a tall tower, an art gallery, and a large dining room. He also built a racecourse, a polo ground, and even a church nearby.

In the 1890s, the Manchester Ship Canal was built, which blocked Mr. Naylor's access to the River Mersey. Because of this, he moved away, and the hall was left empty.

Hooton Park in World War I

When the First World War began on 4 August 1914, Hooton Park's racecourse was used for the last time. Soon after, the British War Department took over the estate to use it as an army training ground. The grand hall became a headquarters, a hospital, and a place for officers to stay.

In 1917, the War Department built several aircraft hangars. These hangars had a special roof design called 'Belfast Trusses'. This design was first used in Belfast shipyards and made strong, low-cost roofs for large areas.

Hooton Park then became a training base for pilots of the Royal Flying Corps. They trained pilots to fly planes like the Sopwith Scout and Avro 504. Many American and Canadian pilots also trained here. Some pilots who died in training accidents were buried in the local churchyard.

On 1 April 1918, the Royal Flying Corps joined with the Royal Naval Air Service to create the Royal Air Force. After the war ended, RAF Hooton Park closed, and the land went back to being farmland. The hangars were empty, and the grand hall was so damaged that it was later pulled down.

Civilian Flights Between the Wars

After the war, Mr. G.H. Dawson, who loved aviation, bought the airfield site. In 1927, a big air show was held at Hooton. It was so popular that the Liverpool and District Aero Club was formed. Mr. Dawson let the club use his airfield.

This club quickly became one of the most successful in the country. For three years, Hooton served as Merseyside's main airport. Two former RAF engineers, Nicholas Comper and Douglas Pobjoy, also started companies at Hooton. Comper built the Comper Swift plane, and Pobjoy made special engines.

In 1933, Liverpool opened a new, permanent airport at Speke, and the flying club moved there. Mr. Dawson faced financial problems and passed away.

Later, in 1934, William Fettis 'Frank' Davison and his pilot wife, Elsie Joy Muntz, bought Hooton Aerodrome. They started their own company, Utility Airways, offering fun flights and air taxis. When the Second World War began, the airfield was again used by the military. Many of Davison's aircraft were stored and later destroyed in a fire in 1940.

Hooton Park During World War II

In 1935, Martin Hearn, a former pilot, started his company, Martin Hearn Ltd., at Hooton. They repaired aircraft. In 1936, No. 610 (County of Chester) Squadron was formed at Hooton Park. This squadron initially flew bombers and trainers.

In 1939, the squadron received Supermarine Spitfire I planes. When the Second World War started on 3 September 1939, the squadron moved to RAF Wittering. Later, 610 Squadron played a key role in the Battle of Britain, becoming one of the most successful fighter squadrons. By the end of the war, they had destroyed many enemy aircraft.

Martin Hearn's company got a contract to repair many Avro Ansons and de Havilland Mosquito fighter-bombers. They also assembled various US-built aircraft that arrived by ship, including Mustangs and Lockheed P-38 Lightnings. The first Sikorsky helicopters used by the RAF were also put together and tested at Hooton.

During the war, Hooton assembled and repaired thousands of aircraft. The RAF also flew Avro Ansons from here for anti-submarine patrols. In 1941, the grass airfield was replaced with a 6,000-foot concrete runway, which was one of the longest in Europe at the time.

After the War: New Uses

After the Second World War, Martin Hearn's company needed new work. They repaired buses, overhauled armored cars, and even built about 70 gliders.

In 1947, the company changed its name. Martin Hearn himself later ran a successful hotel and glider club near the airfield. The engineering company continued until 1955, servicing Canadair Sabre jet fighters. A flying school and a gliding club also operated from Hooton.

In 1946, No. 610 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force returned to Hooton Park, flying Spitfires. In 1951, No. 610 Squadron received Meteor twin-jet fighters. No. 611 Squadron also moved to Hooton to use the longer runway needed for these jets. These squadrons operated until all Auxiliary flying squadrons were disbanded in March 1957. At this point, RAF Hooton Park officially closed.

Units Based at Hooton Park

Many different units were based at RAF Hooton Park over the years. Here are some of them:

Other Units

What Happened After the RAF Left?

Even after the airfield closed, Hooton Park remained busy. It hosted the biggest agricultural show in the north, the Cheshire Show, until 1977. The runways were also used by Shell Research to test cars at high speeds.

In 1960, Vauxhall Motors bought part of the site. They built a car production plant there, which is now in Ellesmere Port. The first car made at this factory was the Vauxhall Viva.

The Hooton Park Trust: Saving History

In 1986, Hooton Park opened its gates for a big transport event called 'Wheels 86'. It was so popular that more 'Wheels Shows' were held later. Over 80,000 people attended these events, raising lots of money for charities. For the first time since 1957, the runways were used again. Harrier jets even performed, showing off modern aviation at this historic site.

In the early 1980s, a group of four people worked to protect the three historic World War I hangars. In 1985, English Heritage gave these hangars 'Grade II Listed building' status. This meant they were important historical buildings because they were rare examples of 'Belfast Truss' construction.

This group formed The Griffin Trust, and Vauxhall Motors allowed them to use two of the hangars. The third hangar continued to be used by Vauxhall.

On 9 October 2000, The Hooton Park Trust officially took ownership of the three World War I aircraft hangars. This happened after Vauxhall Motors had planned to demolish them, which caused a huge protest from aircraft fans and local people. They wanted the buildings saved because of their importance to aviation history and their architectural value.

The Hooton Park Trust convinced Vauxhall Motors and their parent company, General Motors, of the hangars' value. As a result, Vauxhall gave the hangars to the Trust and provided financial support to help restore them.

In 2003, the hangars' status was upgraded to 'Grade II*' listing, showing they were even more important. Work began to restore the hangars. Although one hangar suffered a roof collapse, parts of the site are still open to the public. The Trust offers tours to share Hooton Park's rich history.

In 2022, The Hooton Park Trust restarted its monthly public open days. They completed a lot of restoration work in Hangar B16 South. This hangar now houses The Aeroplane Collection (TAC), a tram restoration project, and a collection of vintage aircraft, bicycles, and vehicles. It's also home to the CH 21 Home Guard WW II Living History Group, who run a cafe and tell stories about the hangars during the war.

Surviving Airfield Parts

A section of the main runway, along with a taxi track and apron, still exists at the western end of the airfield. This part is owned by the Naylor Trust. In 2011, a private Eurostar light aircraft even landed and took off from this runway. The large World War II B1 type hangar nearby, which used to service Meteor jet fighters, is now used for industrial purposes.

Kart Racing Circuit

In January 2007, the Hooton Park kart circuit opened. It is officially licensed for racing, and races are held every second Sunday of the month. The Cheshire Kart Racing Club organizes these events.

The circuit has become very popular with kart racers in the North West. It has hosted several major races, including the Motors TV UK Karting Challenge.

The Aeroplane Collection (TAC)

The Aeroplane Collection (TAC) is believed to be the first group in England dedicated to saving old aircraft. It started in 1962 and has been based at Hooton Park for a long time. TAC uses two of the three 1916 'Belfast Truss' hangars. They store and restore several aircraft to display condition.

Aircraft owned by TAC are on display at Hooton Park. As of October 2022, their collection includes:

• Auster J.1N Alpha G-AJEB
• Avro 594 Avian G-EBZM †
• Bensen B-7M (modified) G-APUD †
• de Havilland DH.89A Dragon Rapide G-ADAH †
• de Havilland DH.115 Vampire T.11 XD624 (being restored)
• de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk 22 WB730/G-AOUO
• de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk T.10 WD387/G-BDDD (cockpit, stored)
• de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk T.10 WG303 (stored)
• de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk T.10 WK640/G-BWUV (cockpit, stored)
• Fairey Gannet T.2 BAPC.309 (front upper section with 2 cockpits)
• McBroom Hang Glider BAPC.204 (stored)
• Mignet HM.14 Pou du Ciel BAPC.12 marked as "G-ADYO" †
• Miles Gemini Mk.1A G-AKHZ (stored)
• Miles Messenger Mk.2A G-AHUI (being restored)
• Miles Wing Gulp 100a hang glider BAPC.310 (stored)
• Parker CA.4 Parasol {Luton Minor) G-AFIU (being restored)
• Roe I Triplane static replica BAPC.6 (on loan from the Shuttleworth Collection) †
• Slingsby T.8 Tutor glider G-ALPU/BGA473 (originally built by Martin Hearn, stored)

† - These aircraft were displayed at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester for many years. They were moved to Hooton Park in late 2021 and early 2022.

Ellesmere Port Model Boat Club

In 2017, the Ellesmere Port Model Boat Club received a small piece of land at Hooton Park to build a sailing lake. The club agreed to take care of the land. In 2018, they cleared the area and built a small pool, which also serves as an emergency water supply. The club hopes to stay at Hooton Park for a long time.

CH 21 Home Guard Living History Group

The CH 21 group is a modern version of the Eastham & Bromborough Home Guard, who were active during World War II. Their duties included patrolling the edges of the RAF base. This group is now permanently based at Hooton Park.

See also

• List of former Royal Air Force stations
• Listed buildings in Hooton, Cheshire
• Nick Comper