Cranwell

Cranwell is a village in mid Lincolnshire. It became famous for the RAF College built to the west of the village, and its two associated airfields.

History

Cranwell was first established in 1916 as a Navy air training centre, and airships were operational there until the end of World War I. In early 1920 Cranwell became the world's first military air academy. The College Hall was complete by the mid 1930s and its symmetrical classical architecture remains a potent symbol for the Royal Air Force.

Related Topics:
1916 - World War I - 1920 - 1930s

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Cranwell's most famous graduate was Sir Frank Whittle. The western world's first true flight by a jet aircraft, the Gloster E28/39, took place here on May 15th 1941 at around 19.45 lasting 17 minutes, flown by Flight Lt. Sayer. Whittle was the first to propose ideas for the jet engine when at Cranwell in the late 1920s: his 1929 thesis resulted in him obtaining the patent for the jet engine in 1930. Barkston Heath airfield situated south of Ancaster acts as a satellite airfield, supporting Cranwell cadets in their pilot training.

Related Topics:
Sir Frank Whittle - Gloster E28/39 - 1941 - Flight Lt. Sayer - Jet - 1920s - 1929 - Thesis - Patent - 1930

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An independent heritage centre telling the story of RAF Cranwell may be visited near the village of North Rauceby, to the south east of the larger airfield.

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Plastic surgery was pioneered at No.4 RAF Hospital Rauceby in the 1940s.

Related Topics:
Plastic surgery - 1940s

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