Representation by Michael Thompson
- Date submitted
- 20 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Dear Sirs, In March 2016, Reynardine Software set up a website for persons to place a pin on a map indicating their location and a brief comment of their support for the return of Manston Airport. This web page is located at [Redacted] Over 1500 persons responded within the first few months of the page going live. Most are in the Thanet area but people responded from around the world. I would lilke to submit documents at the appropriate time showing received comments and some images relevant to this project showing geographic distribution of these many supporters. Whilst in the RAF’s hundred anniversary year, it is interesting to recall events of August 1917. The Cabinet had appointed Lieutenant General [Redacted] to examine air defence. His report recommended the creation of an Air Ministry and a unified air service. This was placed before the War Cabinet on August 17 and accepted in principle on August 24. On August 22 there was a major daylight raid by 15 German Gotha bombers which met a spirited reception which a growing number of historians refer to as the first Battle of Britain. The action, in which airmen of Manston were involved, may therefore, have indirectly contributed to the acceptance of the Smuts Report and the formation of the Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918. As such Manston should be considered a National Monument aside from it’s requirement as a National infrastructure. Secondly post brexit, there will be a need for it in the National interest far outweighing local housing issues. Thank you for your consideration, Michael Thompson