Gloucester flying sites
Note: This map only shows the position of Gloucester city centre within the UK. If anybody has more information and advice regarding these listings, this will be much appreciated.
GLOUCESTER see also HATHERLEY
GLOUCESTER see also HATHERLEY MANOR HOTEL
GLOUCESTER see also GLOUCESTER ROYAL INFIRMARY
GLOUCESTER see also PORT HAM
GLOUCESTER: Temporary aerodrome
Operated by: Used by the Berkshire Aviation Co from late September, (24th confirmed), to early October 1920. The next year, 28th September to the 7th October 1921
Location: On Castle Meads, just W to NW of Gloucester city centre. Also known as Barton Fair, Castle Meadow, Gloucester Pleasure Fair and Oxlease
A MICHAEL T HOLDER GALLERY
We have Mike Holder, a great friend of this 'Guide', to thank for providing the following:
The article was published in the Gloucester Journal on the 2nd October 1920.
Interesting I reckon, just how long that hangar existed.
NOTES: Berkshire Aviation were a huge fan of the Avro 504K, these being conversions for carrying two passengers by Avro. They used the type, twenty four in all, (as far as is known), from 1919 until 1931. This said, many of these were registered in individuals names, usually the pilot/owner. They did operate two DH6s and one Avro 536. We do not know how many aircraft Berkshire Aviation used here. Probably just one or two?
MORE NOTES: When I first started researching this project I often made the common mistake of assuming that even the early major touring operators of pleasure flights like the Berkshire Aviation Co which expanded into the “Flying Circus” era of the 1930s, dominated by the various Sir Alan Cobham tours, must surely have used an existing aerodrome/airport if available.
In fact this was rarely the case, an agreement with a local farmer to use a suitable field was often preferred, presumably mainly due to the cost implications? But, also they wanted total control of the proceedings. The fact is that these operators transported mainly by road, all the ground facilities they needed and even more incredibly these sites were officially Licensed by the Air Ministry even if used for just one day!
In the early days of Licensing the Air Ministry men appeared in advance of the event, making measurements and judgements regarding the variety and suitability of various operations. Later on it seems many major operators were trusted to do this work themselves; a kind of ‘self-certification’ process. It is for this reason, if an exact location isn’t known that I have decided in most cases to list the possible venue separately throughout this Guide. Even when feeling pretty certain they did use an established aerodrome such a venues listed for BROUGH and CASTLE BROMWICH the entry is invariably accompanied with a question mark if confirmation hasn’t been obtained.
Another typical example is;
GLOUCESTER: Temporary aerodrome?
NOTES: Venue for CD Barnard Air Tours in June 1931. Does anybody today know exactly where they operated from?
GLOUCESTER: Military aerodrome
Military user: US Army Air Corps only?
Location: ?
Period of operation: 1943/5 only?
NOTES: Was this possibly HUCCLECOTE?
GLOUCESTER: Private airstrip
Location: ?
Runway: N/S 400 grass
NOTES: Once again the only information I have of the existence of this airstrip is from an AAIB report: EW/G2014/07/05.
It seems such a shame that so much of our aviation heritage regarding private airstrips is often conducted in semi-secrecy, or so many of the operators appear to believe is the case. Which seems a rather odd attitude because, in most cases an airstrip is virtually impossible to disguise from the air - they often stand out like a 'sore thumb'.
Having flown in every country in western Europe, and elsewhere as far as the USA, Australia and New Zealand, I am now totally convinced that no other country has the density of private airstrips that we have. Surely something to be celebrated rather than trying to hide it away. This said, I have had several strip owners contacting me, asking for their airstrip to be included in this 'Guide'.
Michael T Holder
This comment was written on: 2020-05-22 00:44:21From the Gloucester Citizen - Tuesday 24 September 1929 Alan Cobham would be carrying out flights at Brockworth which is 4 miles SE of Gloucester down the A417 on the south side of the road.
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