Rayleigh and Wickford MP and Armed Forces Minister, Mark Francois has welcomed the news that Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, near Maldon, is set to be awarded £1.5million of LIBOR funding, after Chancellor George Osborne singled out the site for praise in his annual Budget speech.
Mark recently visited Stow Maries Airfield, which is Britain’s sole remaining WWI aerodrome and which was used to help provide the defence of London in the Great War against German Zeppelins and by plane bombers. The airfield is undergoing a full renovation and the Government has pledged financial support to aid the process.
In his Budget Statement in the House of Commons on 18th March, Mr Osborne said:
"In the 75th anniversary year of the Battle of Britain we will help to renovate the RAF museum at Hendon, the Stow Maries Airfield and the Biggin Hill Chapel Memorial so future generations are reminded of the sacrifice of our airmen in all conflicts."
The aerodrome, which is now owned by the Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Trust, still retains its original grass runway and a number of buildings including engineering workshops, the Officers’ mess and some of the original accommodation for those who were based there during the conflict.
Commenting on the news, Mark said:
"I have been a long term admirer of this project and so I am delighted at the news that the Government have allocated £1.5million of LIBOR funding towards the renovation of Stow Maries. The Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome Trust are undertaking really good work in order to preserve and try and restore to its original condition the last remaining WWI airfield in Britain and I am sure this additional funding will be very welcome."