Chailey
CHAILEY: Military Advanced Landing Ground
Military user: RAF Fighter Command
131, 302, 308 & 317 (Polish) Sqdns (Vickers-Supermarine Spitfires)
Location: Bower Farm, W of Chailey, 9nm NNW of Brighton*
Period of operation: 1944 only? Presumably only active for the D-Day landings.
Note: In recent years two day airshows have been taking place…usually in August?
Runways: WW2: Steel matting/grass NW-SW 1097 grass E-W 1371 grass
2004: 08/26 945 grass
NOTES: * Although I still use the Military Airfields (Omnibus Edition) by Steve Willis and Barry Holliss as being the ‘bible’ of most WW2 military flying sites, it seems pretty obvious they sometimes had a pint ot two too many for lunch. They produced several errors, in this case stating CHAILEY was 9nm NNW of Brighton when it is clearly 9nm NNE. I live in fear of discovering how many ‘unforced’ errors I have made in producing this ‘Guide’.
AGAINST THE ODDS
This historically seemingly insignificant and temporary airfield has in recent years come to typify what we should all be doing in the ‘war’ against the ‘Barmy Army’ brigade who camouflage themselves by wearing a tie and suit and infiltrating to the highest levels all of our institutions in their hell-bent attempt to destroy our society at every level. Obviously in my opinion a well balanced and reasoned attitude.
Against all the odds it seems, a brave group of enthusiasts have opened up this aviation site for ‘one-off’ events to celebrate our incredibly rich and diverse aviation heritage. A major event for example was planned for August 2004 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of this singular aviation heritage site and one of the principals for doing so was to commemorate the Polish airmen who fought in the RAF during WW2. I can think of no better way to celebrate, salute and remember one major and vital aspect of the WW2 air war than to stage an event involving classic aircraft of many types, (some from the WW2 period), flying in.
Despite all the myriad methods the ‘Barmy Army' have devised over the years to stifle and eliminate the enthusiasm felt for our aviation heritage, by a colossal number of people; events such as these prove beyond any doubt that the spirit of so many totally enthusiastic people can prevail. Long may they continue.
Martin Haymon
This comment was written on: 2020-10-05 18:53:04The 2004 airshow was a one off event. The airfield was cut in two by a new North South Road after the war, the airshow used the western end of the field only. The Plough pub was demolished to make room for the runway, it was rebuilt to the south brick by brick near Plumpton, and now has a Polish war memorial in its garden.
We'd love to hear from you, so please scroll down to leave a comment!
Leave a comment ...
Copyright (c) UK Airfield Guide
