23 interesting HMS Daedalus images from the past

Daedalus, according to Greek mythology, was a talented inventor and architect, a symbol of wisdom, knowledge and power.

During the First World War, HMS Daedalus in Lee-on-the-Solent was one of the Fleet Air Arm's main shoreline airfields, before becoming a seaplane base and later the main training establishment and administrative centre of the Fleet Air Arm.

In the Second World War, several naval air squadrons were posted at the seafront base – with training and naval development continuing at the site until 1996.

Now, plans to officially regenerate the site have been formally submitted to Gosport Borough Council, in a a joint venture between Homes England, MurrayTwohig Development, Orwell Real Estate and Patron Capital, led by Daedalus Development Company.

In this selection you will see the closing ceremony of HMS Daedalus in 1996, the Swift SR.N4 Mk2, the first hovercraft with which the Gosport Hovercraft Museum started with being scrapped, a Royal Navy Firefly at HMS Daedalus in August 1973 and King George VI inspecting Shark aircraft in 1940.

Many of images are available to purchase should you wish to do so – scroll right to the bottom of the pagepage and choose ‘Buy Photo’, or call our photosales tean on 0330 403 0033.