Ian Wilson has supplied the following series of photographs dating between the 1920's and 1940's taken by his grandfather, can you help by identifying the aircraft, locations and if possible the people? I will let Ian take-over in his own words:-

Hello Jim,

My name is Ian Wilson. I was born in Bentley. My uncle still lives there. He lived with my mother and their father in a flat at Doncaster Aerodrome during WW2. My grandad was either Sergeant or Warrant Officer Clarence Blacker Ascough. Clarence's hobby was photography. The family photos have been passed to me and they show a wealth of early RAF history especially Clarence's posting to Iraq in the 20s. My uncle believes that some of the photos are of Doncaster aerodrome including what appears to be a visit from some French officers and aircraft. I however believe that they are at Manston. A Steve Davies who has written a lot about the RAF Police has included info about my grandad and his time as an MP in his work.

I have attached one photo of the aerodrome in question; one of the CSD at Doncaster; one of the ATC at Doncaster showing both my uncle and my grandad. My uncle says that the ATC met at a big house near to the main crossroads at Belle Vue.



25/01/08 Jim, I cannot identify the places or people but I have supplied the aircraft types, Frank (thank you Frank, I have added your details next to the photos, Jim)


Jim, could the centre aircraft be a Bregoet X1X, the one in the foreground a Hawker TomTit, Frank

Hello again Jim,

Here are some more of the photographs

Most of them are in Iraq (Hianidi), Manston and unidentified places which are probably Henlow and Halton.

My main reason for contacting Doncaster Aerodrome is because my Grandad and his family lived there as well as Bentley and Town Fields area. The ancestory is Yorkshire through and through except for my mum and uncle who were born on RAF bases, Manston and Henlow respectively (I think)!!!!!

I went to Don Valley High School in the 60s and now live in North Yorkshire. I have a sister in Kirk Sandall, a brother in Askern and another brother in Pontefract. Ian


Jim, this is a Vickers Vimy, Frank

Jim, this is a Bristol F2B Fighter, Frank

Jim, this is a De Havilland D.H. 9A, Frank

Jim, this is a Vickers Virginia, Frank

Hello again

I've spoken with Cyril, my uncle and he has agreed to you using the photos. He also said that he had not got around to visiting your museum and that this will spur him on. I have given him the museum phone number and your name.

He was also in the RAF around the end of WW2.. He was supposed to be an electrician on aircraft but they kept moving them on before he could get to them ........! I think you could enjoy meeting him - he is remarkable for his age.

I have attached 2 photos with Cyril and probably a Vickers Virginia at RAF Manston circa 1930. The other child is my mother, known to many in Doncaster as Betty Wilson of Danesway, Scawthorpe. Margaret/Betty was born at Manston in 1928. In a book "An illustrated history of the RAF" by Roy Conyers Nesbit (Coombe Books) page 66 there is a superb aerial photo of Manston showing 3 Virginias next to a hangar. I have also include one of my favourite photos of my grandfather. He is the sergeant. They are in Hinaidi, Iraq circa 1922. I have many pictures from his time there. The fourth is labelled as "pal from Doncaster".

Enjoy viewing.


Jim, this is a Vickers Vimy, Frank

Jim, I think this is the tail of the Vickers Virgina, Frank

So, if you can help with any further details on the above photographs, please email me using the following link and I will update this webpage with your answers:-

jim@aeroventure.org.uk