Attleborough
ATTLEBOROUGH: Temporary aerodrome (Aka NUNEATION AVIATION GROUNDS)
Location: (Attlebrough) Just SE of Nuneation town centre
Period of operation: 12th to 14th July 1912
NOTES: This is another example of a short notice change of venue. Not unusual prior to WW1, or indeed prior to WW2. The main problem prior to WW1 being that very few people had much if any idea of what might constitute a suitable flying site. In this case the cricket ground on Weddington Lane north of Nuneaton was selected, but when inspected prior to the event by a pilot, (perhaps the French aviator M. Moineau?), it was declared unsuitable. Fortunately a new venue at Attleborough was soon found.
Another last minute change was switching the original French aviator M. Moineau and his Breguet to Lt. Cyril Porte R.N. flying a Deperdussin. Another interesting aspect is that although the event was advertised to take place on Friday the 12th, and Saturday the 13th July, (note mistake in the advert below), Lt. Porte was very disappointed to have let down the crowds of spectators due to inclement weather. Well, it was a typical English summer! So, he elected to stay until the 14th, a Sunday, and it appears, then managed to perform several exhibitions of flying.
A MICHAEL T HOLDER GALLERY
We have Mike Holder, a great friend of this 'Guide', to thank for unearthing the 'bones' of this event.
Note that all the details given in the advert, published in the Nuneaton Chronicle on the 5th July 1912, were later changed.
The photo was also published in the Nuneaton Chronicle, but on the 12th July. Presumably in an early morning edition.
The first newspaper article published on the 12th July, and indeed the following two part article published on the 19th July, appeared in the Nuneaton Chronicle. The aerial photo shows the original venue.
Note: The photo shows the Deperdussin monoplane flown by Lt. Porte R.N. The area view is from my Google Earth © derived database.
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