World War I airfield site memorial plaque ceremony takes flight
A memorial plaque commemorating a former World War I airfield has been officially unveiled at what is now Broomfield Hospital.
The airfield was home to the No.37 Home Defence Squadron for a short time during World War I, before being used by the Chelmsford and District Flying Club until 1932, when a fire destroyed the buildings.
The celebration at the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust hospital site was part the Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust’s work to mark ‘lost’ airfields, which saw staff at Broomfield Hospital, in collaboration with the Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust, celebrate the site’s important history in the hospital gardens.
Malcolm Taylor, County Chairman of Royal British Legion Essex, said: “This is the culmination of many years of cooperation between Broomfield Branch Royal British Legion, Broomfield Parish Council and Broomfield Hospital.
“At last, we can formally recognise the contribution of those young pilots, entertained by the Nash family, at Broomfield Court."
David Walker, Chief Medical Officer at the Trust, said: “Today’s event is a reminder of how old our hospital sites are, and how long they’ve played a part in the community.
“Thank you to all the organisations that have come together to unveil this plaque – please come and have a look for yourself if you’re passing by Broomfield Court.”