Manchester's First Airport

A DeHavilland Moth is pictured at Wythenshaw Airport in 1929.

This aeroplane, a DH 60x model, registered G-EBZU was built in 1928. It was operated by Northern Air Lines until crashing at Irlam in October 1932. Northern Air Lines operated a number of aircraft from this field. These 2 seater Moths could be chartered for a shilling per mile.

This photograph appears to be an advertising opportunity for both BP and Northern Air Lines.

 The Moth and its many vairiants were built in the 1920s and 30s. They were operated mostly by flying clubs although many were sold as military trainers and large numbers were exported. The Moth was the most popular aircraft of its day and was produced in large numbers. The Gipsy Moth sold almost 9000 aircraft. When introduced in 1925, the Moth sold for a price of £650.

Mr Tatton, squire of Wythenshaw Hall had in 1926 sold much of his estate to Manchester Corporation for future housing. This was farming country which had been owned by the Tatton family since the 14th centruy. Realising that Manchester would need an airport, the Corporation reserved four fields for that purpose, removed trees and hedges and levelled the ground. Wythenshawe was Manchester’s first municipal airport and opened in April 1929. It was also known locally as Rackheath Aerodrome for it occupied the site of Rackheath Farm. A barn became an aircraft hangar capable of housing just one small aeroplane. and the farmhouse served as the administrative building. As an aid to navigation, a large white circle enclosing the letters M/C was painted on the grass. There was neither lighting nor radio equipment. The airfield was only a temporary arrangement until Barton Airport opened in January 1930 and served only general aviation. Wythenshawe saw its last flight in June of that year. The site was eventually absorbed into the new housing estate which was intended to be a "garden city" and grew to house 100,000 people, the largest public housing development in Europe.