bbc.com
Remembering Britain's Airfields
A man's decades-long project to commemorate forgotten British airfields and their historical significance.
English
United Kingdom
MilitaryUkMilitary TechnologyHistoryCommunityConservationMemorial
Airfields Of Britain Conservation Trust (Abct)Royal Air Force
Kenneth BannermanPrince PhilipJoseph KennedyJohn F. Kennedy
- Who has been involved in supporting Bannerman's efforts?
- Bannerman's work has involved collaboration with veterans, politicians, and even royalty, highlighting the broad impact and significance of Britain's airfields. He emphasizes their contributions to employment, local economies, and community shaping.
- What other actions does the ABCT take besides erecting memorials?
- The ABCT's work involves not only memorialization but also actively preserving airfields from damage or closure. Their efforts have included preventing the relocation of the grave of the Dambusters' mascot.
- What is the Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust (ABCT), and what is its primary goal?
- The Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust (ABCT), founded by Bannerman in 2006, has erected over 235 memorials at former airfields across the UK. The trust aims to mark every airfield in Britain, recognizing their historical and cultural importance.
- What challenges does the ABCT face in identifying and commemorating all British airfields?
- Many airfields were kept secret during wartime for tactical reasons, and identifying their locations is challenging. The ABCT also recognizes decoy airfields, which were used to mislead enemy forces.
- What sparked Kenneth Bannerman's decades-long dedication to commemorating Britain's airfields?
- Kenneth Bannerman's fascination with Britain's airfields began with a chance visit to Langham airfield in Norfolk in 1973. Witnessing its neglect sparked a decades-long commitment to commemorating these sites and their significance.