Hayle
Note: Some years ago I made this remark: "This map only shows a rough idea of the position of the airfield. If anybody can kindly offer advice regarding a more exact location, this will be most welcome."
In June 2020 Mr Michael T Holder kindly investigated the subject for this 'Guide' and, as the pictures below show, he has pinpointed the site.
HAYLE: Civil landing ground/regional airport (aka POLKINGHORNE)
Operated by: Mr John Lairy, Gwinear Road, Hayle
British airline user: February 1933 to September 1939: Provincial Airways
Location: Field adjacent to the A.30 trunk road. According to the ‘AA Landing Grounds’ guide book published in the 1930s “2.5nm ENE Hayle, Imm S of Connor Downs on A30, just N of railway”
Period of operation: 1930s only?
Runway(s): Max landing run: 457 grass
NOTES: Info, ‘AA Landing Grounds’ publication, 1930s and this site was one of seventy-four AA (Automobile Association) approved Landing Grounds on mainland Britain. Fuel was available from the Dover Service Station in nearby Connor Downs as was a telephone at the post office in Connor Downs. Transport (typically a taxi service) was available from E A Crowle, Copperhouse Garage in Hayle.
It appears that Alan Cobham’s 1933 No.2 Tour of the UK displayed near here on the 11th May 1933. See ROSEWORTHY DOWN entry.
Many years ago I made this note: "What does appear to set this Landing Ground apart is that I have found a record stating that Provincial Airways used this location at in the 1930s. If correct then to the best of my knowledge this was the only AA approved Landing Ground to have had a regular airline service."
As can be seen, this does certainly now appear to be quite correct.
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