The London Terminal Aerodrome 1928

Croydon Aerodrome

The London Terminal Aerodrome

1928 - 1939

A new complex of buildings was constructed adjoining Purley Way, including the first purpose designed 'Air Terminal', the 'Aerodrome Hotel', and extensive hangers. The development cost 267,000 British Pounds (approx 15 million in today's money). Plough Lane was closed permanently to enable heavier airliners to land and take off easier. The old buildings and area of the original aerodrome along Plough Lane was completely demolished and cleared. The buildings and layout began operations on the 20th of January 1928, with it's official opening on the 2nd of May 1928. An oddity of the development of the area as a major air operations field was the fact that a 75ft water tower (in existance before and during it's whole time of operation), laid close to and direct in line with the main usable flight path.

(below) Instcription from the back of a 1928 postcard

(above and below) two pictures taken of the new aerodrome just before the official opening in May 1928. Top is an Imperial HP W8F. Bottom pic is an Imperial HP42W.

The Closing of the Waddon aerodrome in 1927-1928 and the building of the new one alongside Purley Way. Pictures below show the two aerodromes together alongside before completion and removal of the old.

(above) An 'Instone Airline' Argosy 'City of Newcastle', flying over the new hangers under construction during the aerodrome rebuild alongside Purley Way in late 1927. Note the construction of the Terminal building has not begun yet.

(above) preparing the new extended aerodrome layout.

The new aerodrome under construction in the pictures below, with the remnants of the old only visible by the well used damaged ground surface.

(above) about 1928. Note the 'Aerodrome Hotel' under construction.

(above and below) Between 1928 and 1930 most of the new construction was completed

(below) front cover of a 1929 official 'Guide To Croydon Aerodrome'. Click HERE to see the contents of the guide.

(below) Waddon railway station with 'Croydon Airport' named on it.

(above) Airport arial on Mitcham Common.

(above) the new radio directional beacon 1932

(below) 1930. New night guide being installed.

(above) an original aerodrome hangar key.

1932

A trip by air from Croydon to Paris (Le Bourget)

The pictures illustrate a trip from London to Paris by means of an Imperial Airways giant airliner. The machine seen is the Hanno, one of the eight four engined aeroplanes built for Imperial Airways by Handley-Page Ltd. The saloons seat 38 passengers while about 1,000 lbs of freight and mail can also be accommodated. The London-Paris airliner has a crew of five, a pilot, an assistant pilot, a wireless operator and two stewards, a four course lunch being served while in flight. The maximum speed is 120 and the cruising speed 105 miles per hour, while by placing the engines away from the body of the machine and using sound deadening materials , passengers can converse on route without raising their voices. The company now owns 41 aircraft.

(below) running up. 1935.

(below) Airport fuel tanker lorry. 1936

(below) Waitress's loading food for onboard service on Continental flights.

(below) The 'Flying Hospital'. 13th of October 1934. An Imperial airliner 'Hercules' HP42 G-AAXC. Flew over London as a 'Flying Hospital'. On board were doctors, nurses and patients both sitting and walking. The demonstration was given by the British Red Cross and inspected by the War Office.

(above) a map of the area in 1928. (below) 1930 map

An assortment of Air Views of the airport over time in the pictures below

(below) 1943

(below) 1949

(below) 1929

(below) 1931

(above) an arial view of the aerodrome January 1939. The 'Waddon Housing Estate', built between the end of the 20's and the end of the30's can be clearly seen, as well as the 'Purley Pool' which was opened in 1935 opposite the aerodrome on the other side of 'Purley Way'.

(below) September 1959