Originally Posted by
Talkdownman
34L was simply 34 because there was never a 34R. 34 was an entirely different runway to either of the 33s.
This 1955 picture differentiates them all nicely. 16/34 was known as 'Runway 3' and closed in 1949.
You are indeed correct.
Runway 16/34 formed part of the original 1944 RAF triangle scheme, but was superseded (to make room for the CTA) by what became "Runway 6" (16R/34L, later redesignated 15R/33L) when the second triangle of runways was completed in the late 40s, at which point the L/R designations of course became necessary.
16 hasn't been used since 1949...other than in error by Captain Waite in G-AMOK one foggy day in 1953.
I think you will find that Captain Waits' unfortunate mishap was in January 1955.