IT’S the spot where pioneering pilots took the first steps that led to the formation of the Royal Air Force.

Initially used by the Royal Flying Corps, the former seaplane and flying boat base at Calshot became one the naval air stations established to protect the UK’s coastal waters.

Now the former Eaglehurst Camp, which housed air station personnel from 1917, is set to house a major new cemetery.

New Forest District Council has bought the land and aims to embark on a three-phase scheme that will provide 2,100 graves in a bid to ease the growing shortage of burial plots in the area.

Last night the authority revealed that nearby Blackfield cemetery could run out of space in just six months.

Cllr Sophie Beeton, Cabinet member for the environment, said: “Choosing a burial site for loved ones can be a difficult time for families and individuals.

“Often this has to be miles from home because of the lack of graves.

“After carrying out detailed site and habitat surveys we believe that this former Royal Naval Air Station could be transformed into an attractive cemetery.

“Details of the site’s important heritage can be incorporated into the planning process. The proposed new facility would provide much-needed space for graves in this part of the district.”

A planning application is expected to be submitted within the next two months.

If the authority gives itself permission to build the cemetery the first phase of the scheme will provide as many as 700 graves.

The Royal Naval Air Station Calshot was originally established by the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), forerunner of the RAF, in 1913.

Daily Echo:

The following year the Royal Navy re-formed its air branch, naming it the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) and took over the base.

Following the merger of the RFC and the RNAS the base was renamed RAF Calshot in 1922. In 1929 it was used as the venue for the famous Schneider Trophy.

The base closed in 1961 and is now Calshot Activities Centre.