This is a new motion put up by some councillors in Wirral for the next cabinet meeting. Thought it might be of interest!

(11) PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC GRADE 11* HANGARS ASSOCIATED WITH 610
SQUADRON OF THE ROYAL AUXILIARY AIR FORCE
Proposed by: Councillor Jerry Williams
Seconded by : Councillor Walter Smith
This Council recognises the historic importance of the 610 (County of Chester)
Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and its close association with Wirral.
Council notes that the Squadron was formed at Hooton Park in 1936 and that the
importance of Hooton Airfield goes back much further. Council also notes that, even
with the boundary changes over the years, a large proportion of this historic airfield is
still within Wirral Council’s boundaries.
Council further recognises that the 610 squadron was to become one of the most
famous Battle of Britain Squadrons flying from Biggin Hill and its forward base
Hawkinge and that during the height of the battle in July and August 1940 many local
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pilots were killed and others had died before over Dunkirk. Many of those pilots had
worked at Lever’s, the Post Office, Bibby's and other Wirral firms and many of the
indispensable and hardworking ground crew also came from the Wirral.
The most famous photograph of Spitfires in formation is that of 610 Squadron aircraft
bearing their famous 'DW' markings in 1940. Even after the airfield's closure, 610
Squadron Association remained closely associated with the Grade II* Belfast
hangars and fought hard to save them from demolition.
Wirral Council fully endorses the campaign to preserve the historic hangars on site
as part of Britain’s and Wirral’s rich heritage, and wishes the 610 Squadron
Association all the best for the future.”