Costessey
Note: This map only shows my estimation of very roughly the area used. If anybody can kindly offer advice, this will be most welcome.
COSTESSEY: Military airstrip/airfield (Aka COSTESSEY HALL)
Location: Roughly 4nm NW of Norwich city centre
NOTES: Apparently used by Army/RAF Austers in the period 1943-44.
A bit of research reveals that although a 'landing strip' was laid out, aerial photographs taken in WW2 fail to reveal any evidence. This would be exactly as I would expect as the Austers would not need a prepared strip or runway.
Indeed, there may well have been no markings at all, not even a windsock. Instructions to pilots as to where to land may well have been given only verbally. Being a STOL type of aircraft only a flattish piece of land, preferably shortish grass, would have been perfectly acceptable. The pilots would be using a variety of clues, especially smoke from chimneys, to gauge which way the wind was blowing.
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