Seaplane Base, Tyne pilots Gardening at front

Overall view looking East

What the ramp looked like

Interior View of the Seaplane Sheds South Shields

Remains of the Seaplane Ramp 27th July 2013 11.27

South Shields sea plane base was a Royal Naval Air Station, product of World War 1. Part of a chain of bases keeping a watchful eye on our coastal defences and reporting any enemy movement. It was established in the summer of 1916, (where Harbour Drive is today), There were five 'F' type seaplane sheds measuring 200 by 100 feet each. The first seaplanes were a pair Short Type 184 reconnaissance, bombing and torpedo-carrying seaplanes which were delivered in September 1916.

The plane shed 'Hangers' dominated the north end of the little beach below the Lawe; most of the beach from south pier to the Groyne was fenced off with barbed wire leaving only a little piece of the beach for local people to enjoy. Sea planes were kept in the air hangers but these hangers were inappropriate for airships, so many airships could be seen moored in the harbour when not on active duty.

Very little remains of the old airbase. Information and pictures of the airbase are very rare as official communication and reports about the airbase were kept confidential and censorship was ferocious during World War 1. Operations at the base finally ended in May 1919.

The Seaplane base was demolished around 1920 as there was no longer a demand for an aircraft base along the North coast.

In the South Shields Corporation Council minutes there is reference to this base concerning the use of the base and when is it going to evacuated.

For further details of what units were based there, follow the NESLAM link below.

Source: South Tyneside Council

Source: Tyne Area Shipping Club. Thanks to Keith Anderson.

Source: NESLAM North East Land Sea, and Air Museum.

Source: Shields Gazette (photo 4 only)

With Thanks to Janis Blower.

No 1 Photo is Pilots Richard Young (white cap) and John Burn tend their allotments on the Lawe 1918 – 19.