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Botwood: History of an Airport

For a relatively small and little known town, Botwood shares a major role in the history of early aviation in Canada. Covering a period from 1920 to 1946 this town was flying high.

World reknowned Australian aviator, Major Sidney Cotton, based a flying operation here in 1920 from where he did aerial surveying for the Newfoundland government and experimented with using airplanes to spot seal herds, and to deliver mail by air.

Famous American airplane pilot, Charles Lindbergh, refueled here in Botwood Harbour in 1933 while on his exploration of both sides of the Atlantic Ocean for suitable landing sites for the potential commercial transAtlantic passenger flights. It was he who recommended Botwood to the British and American governments and their major airlines.

In 1937 the first such experimental flight left Botwood for Foynes, Ireland and two years later the inaugural flight took place which continued with as many as twelve planes a day passing through this little town. It is worthy of note that the first Newfoundlander to book a passage and hold the first ticket issued with Botwood as the destination on one of these flights was Mr. Ernest Randell of Botwood.

In 1939 World War II was on the horizon and a need was seen to protect the East Coast and its shipping lanes. Botwood, because of its location, its protected harbour, and its existing flying base was the choice of the Canadian and British governments for the establishment of a reconnaissance airbase. During the war over ten thousand troops passed through here as well as VIP's such as Sir Winston Churchill and comedian Bob Hope. By the time the war was over Gander had supplanted Botwood's role and our aviation history came to an end.

This is the history we wish to share with the rest of Canada and indeed the world through the Botwood Heritage Centre, Botwood Heritage Society Archive, and the Community Memories Program.

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PAN AMERICAN VIDEO
15 June 1940
Botwood Harbour

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The Botwood Heritage Center
2003
Botwood Airbase

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The Botwood Heritage Centre