EAW015937 ENGLAND (1948). Liverpool Airport, Speke, 1948. This image has been produced from a print.

PILLBOX (TYPE FW3/26): S0006965

PILLBOX (TYPE FW3/26): S0006967

Harold Newgass RNVR GC. Harold defused the Garston gasworks parachute mine during WW2 and was consequently awarded the George Cross.

During an Air Raid on the evening of 28-29 November 1940, a German parachute mine fell on the Garston Gas Works. It was unknown whether it was magnetic, acoustic, delayed action or just a "dud". Consequently, this caused extensive disruption in the area, with factory work halted and over 6,000 people removed from the vicinity. Additionally, railway and dock sidings were closed and the gas supply to the south and east of Liverpool was disrupted. The Parachute Mine had fallen through a large gas holder and its parachute was entangled in the hole in the roof. The gas to escaped through the hole made by the mine. The mine was resting almost upright on the floor in 6 - 7 ft of a foul, oily sludge. The mines fuse was resting against one of the pillars that supported the roof of the gasometer, this meant that before it could be made safe the mine would have to be turned to make the fuse accessible. For work to be done a hole had to be cut in the side of the gasometer and some of the sludge and water pumped out, when this was completed the job of defusing the mine was given to (temporary) Navel lieutenant Harold Newgass. To enter the gasometer Newgass had to wear breathing apparatus The AFS (Auxiliary Fire Service) supplied him with six cylinders able to last 30 minutes each. Newgass worked on and off taking regular brakes from the dangerous, dark and foul atmosphere. On 30 November 1940, Newgass began the difficult defusing operation. Turning the mine to reveal the fuse he then removed it and the unit primer and detonator. Almost exhausted Newgass returned for the fifth cylinder and now turned the mine further to undo clock-keep ring. With his final cylinder he was again to extract the clock, rendering the mine safe. Staff at Garston gasworks removed the mine using block and tackle it was then taken away to be disposed of. If this mine had exploded it would have devastated the gasworks and most of the surrounding houses in the explosion. A collection was made by locals and a the money was given to Newgass as a token of their appreciation. Harold Newgass was subsequently awarded the George Cross for his actions. This was published in the London Gazette on 4 March 1941, stating...: The King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the GEORGE CROSS for great gallantry and undaunted devotion to duty to Temporary Lieutenant Harold Reginald Newgass, R.N.V.R.

The Matchworks

2ndWW type 26 pillbox.

2ndWW camouflage pattern on the building.

Douglas DC3's Available in abundance after WW2.Many freight and passenger services were set up by ex RAF bods, some made it, many failed. Aeroplanes eat money, whether flying or parked. The truest saying ever is that if you wish to make a small fortune out of flying, start with a big one!

Original terminal building still survives