Gunnersbury Park
GUNNERSBURY PARK: Forced landing site
Location: W of the A.406 North Circular Road and NW of the Chiswick roundabout where the M.4 ends coming into London
NOTES: It is told that in the 1930s two Russian, (or possibly Polish?), aircraft intending to land at HANWORTH got lost in fog and landed in GUNNERSBURY PARK. The story then goes that an AA, (Automobile Association), pilot later escorted them and led them to HANWORTH in his DH Moth.
AN ASTONISHING DISCOVERY
In 2022, whilst investigating 'flying circus' venues in the 1930s, Mike Holder, a great friend of this 'Guide', came upon this information. Having lived in the area for around fifty years, I had never heard about this event. What is of interest is that the report in the Acton Gazette states that the display was a British Hospitals Air Pageant affair, but that tour, also organised by Barker & McEwen King, took place the previous year. This tour, in 1934, was known, or so it seems according to experts, as the Sky Devils Air Circus Tour. This display took place on the 22nd August 1934.
A MICHAEL T HOLDER GALLERY
Note: The advert was published in the Acton Gazette on the 17th August 1934.
Note: This newspaper article, divided into three parts to make it easier to read, was published in the Acton Gazette on the 17th August 1934.
NOTES: In September 2022 I started making enquiries from local sources, hopefully getting access to pictures, which of course, especially regarding the Sky Devils visit, must have been taken. To date, nothing found.
PICTURES BY THE AUTHOR
Note: These pictures, taken on the 10th September 2022, show that the original site sloped down gently from north to south. Much later large areas have been made level for the playing of a variety of sports.
AND ANOTHER INCIDENT USING THIS LOCATION
In the 2024 April edition of the AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch) Bulletin, I was surprised to see GUNNERSBURY PARK featuring. On the 4th October 2023 the AS355F1 helicopter, G-BOSN, was conducting a commercial sightseeing flight over London when the right-hand passengers cabin door unexpectedly opened. The pilot decided to make a precautionary landing here. With only slight damage, the door was closed and the passengers were happy to continue.
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