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WWII Aircraft Site Now Heritage Trail
30 Jan
Summary
- New heritage trail celebrates WWII aircraft workers.
- Gloster Aircraft Company assembled 10,000 planes on site.
- Britain's first jet aircraft first flew from this location.
A new heritage trail has opened in Coopers Edge, Gloucester, celebrating the vital role aircraft workers played in the World War Two victory. The trail focuses on the history of the Gloster Aircraft Company, which was active from 1917 to 1963 at the Hucclecote site.
During its operation, the company assembled approximately 10,000 aircraft. Notably, Britain's first jet aircraft completed its initial test flight from this very location. Due to its strategic significance, the area endured substantial bomb damage throughout the Second World War.
Ted Stevens, vice chair of Hucclecote Parish Council, remarked that many residents are unaware of the site's past, which existed "underneath their living room floors." He noted the extensive effort involved in developing the trail, which officially opened on Friday. At its peak, Gloster Aircraft Company employed 14,000 people, leaving a considerable impact on the local area.
