Down Farm
DOWN FARM: Private airstrip (Aka ROCKBOURNE)
Note: The first picture was obtained from Google Earth ©. The area view is from my Google Earth © derived database.
Operated by: Mr Frank Wallis
Location: About 1.25nm NW of Rockbourne village, 4.5nm NW of Fordingbridge town centre, and also about 7nm SSW of Salisbury city centre
Period of operation: As far as is known - 1936 until 1940
NOTES: We have Mr Graham Frost, a great friend of this 'Guide', to thank for this information. The Wallis family have been here for generations, and it appears that in 1936 Mr Frank Wallis acquired the de Havilland DH60G Gipsy Moth G-AACY. It seems it was based at "Southampton" which I assume was EASTLEIGH?
He kept it registered to him until the 27th May 1940, when it was impressed as AV991. We do not know which field or fields he used, but my guess, and it is only a guess of course, is the one I have placed the pin on in the picture above. Much more than long enough at 900 metres, it does point towards the prevailing winds. Landing and taking off into wind is really quite important when flying the Moth, it having little ability to cope with crosswinds.
As always, if anybody can kindly offer advice and information, this will be much appreciated.
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