Rights Managed > Historic England > Industry > Engineering and Construction > Building airports and airfields
Runway construction JLP01_08_008192
Filename: jlp01_08_008193.jpg
Size: 5311 x 5309 (4.4MB)
Date: 16th March 2022
Source: Historic England
Credit: © Historic England Archive. Joh
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
© Historic England Archive
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Runway construction JLP01_08_008192
RAF Gaydon, Gaydon, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire. A man standing on a roller during the laying of asphalt on a new runway under construction at Gaydon Airfield.
Work began on the construction of a runway at Gaydon Airfield in early 1952. As part of the project, a former runway, largely abandoned following the Second World War, was superseded by a newly constructed runway nearly 1 3/4 miles long and 200 feet wide. Also built were access tracks and a taxi-track. The runway was constructed on 8 inches of hardcore, with four inches of concrete laid on top, followed by 12 inches of high grade concrete, and completed with 2 1/2 inches of tarmacadam and 1 1/2 inches of bituminous macadam
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24561471
© Historic England Archive
1950s Airfield Construction People Post War Royal Air Force Work Road Roller Workman Workwear
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in the history of Gaydon Airfield. Taken during the early 1950s, it showcases the construction of a brand new runway at RAF Gaydon in Warwickshire. In the image, a determined man stands confidently on top of a roller as asphalt is being laid on the freshly built runway. The project was an ambitious one, aiming to replace an old runway that had fallen into disuse after World War II. The new runway stretched for almost 1 3/4 miles and measured an impressive 200 feet wide. Alongside this main feature, access tracks and a taxi-track were also constructed to enhance functionality. The photograph provides insight into the meticulous process involved in building such infrastructure. Layers upon layers of materials were carefully laid down: starting with eight inches of hardcore followed by four inches of concrete, then twelve inches of high-grade concrete. Finally, two and a half inches of tarmacadam and one and a half inches of bituminous macadam completed this impressive feat. This image not only highlights the hard work put into constructing this vital airfield but also serves as a testament to post-war progress and development. It reminds us how far we have come since those challenging times while honoring those who labored tirelessly to make it happen.
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