Combe Bank House
Note: This map only gives a rough location within the UK.
COMBE BANK HOUSE: Early experimental flying site? (Aka later as SUNDRIDGE?)
Operated by: Prince Serge de Bolotoff
Location: Combe Bank House in/near Sundridge on the A.25 about 3nm W of Sevenoaks town centre
Period of operation: 1910 to 1919 seems certain. Possibly used until 1945?
NOTES: According to Ron Smith in British Built Aircraft Vol.3, “De Bolotoff built an attractive biplane in the grounds of Combe Bank House,” registered G-EAKC. Other markings are ‘SDEB14’. He also mentions that De Bolotoff & Co had a shed at BROOKLANDS (SURREY) in 1913.
ANOTHER NOTE
He also lists under ‘Sevenoaks’ the Worsell Monoplane. With a name like that how could a mention be resisted? It appears Mr Tom Worsell constructed the parasol monoplane from the remains of the Boulton & Paul P.9 G-EAWS, but, powered by a 10hp Singer car engine the first flight attempt ended up with it failing to get airborne and, running into a ditch, it overturned. Is it now known where this event occurred?
Note: This small picture, taken by Gordon Anckorn, was featured in the July 1987 issue of Flypast magazine to help illustrate the publication of the book; Ultralights: The Early British Classics by Richard Riding.
AND YET ANOTHER ASPECT?
My problem of course, is that I have no idea if the 'SUNDRIDGE' referred to in this picture is on the same location as COMBE BANK HOUSE? If anybody can kindly offer advice, this will be most welcome.
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