Hendon South
HENDON SOUTH: Civil aerodrome
Note: This picture was obtained from Google Earth ©
This picture also illustrates that by WW2 at least, the HENDON SOUTH site was incorporated into the expanded airfield.
NOTES: It appears that Graham Simons was the person to establish proof that after the main HENDON aerodrome was requisitioned in WW1 Claude Grahame-White established a fairly small subsidiary airfield just to the south of the main HENDON site. It appears this was a small airfield but served it’s purpose for the duration of the war? Which seems unlikely as wasn't all civilian flying banned ? I think it is fair to assume that it was constructed after WW1 ended when the military were loathe to hand back and/or cease military flying at the original site which had been requisitioned?
So I imagine the following tale relates to this site? For the simple reason that I cannot imagine this happening at a fully functioning RAF aerodrome. Plus of course the RAF were not in the business of manufacturing aircraft.
To quote from C C Turner; “One of the best Hendon stories relates to the period immediately after the War. A certain firm received a communication, apparently from the agent of a foreign Government and raising the question of terms for the supply of machines. The writer appeared to be fully authorised. He asked for permission to make a trial flight on one of the types required, and permission was granted and a visit to Hendon arranged. In due time the gentleman arrived on the scene and was shown the machine, and arrangements were made for a flight. He appeared somewhat at a loss, however, and when it came to dressing for the part he was reminded that a pair of goggles would be advisable. He made enquiries, and was directed to the stores office. Thither he went, and procured a pair of goggles on payment of a deposit of 15s. Then he got into the machine, the bystanders and mechanics doubting not that he was a fully-fledged pilot.”
“But the moment they started the engine and released the chocks from the wheels they were not so sure. He taxied across the field in a most erratic manner: and evidently something was wrong. He did not get off the ground, but went careering along desperately, finally taking the hedge at 55 mph and turning right over. A car sped across the aerodrome, it’s occupants fully expecting to find a dead man. Happily however, although the machine was reduced to a complete wreck, the pilot crawled out with apparent unconcern and without a word! He refused assistance, and walked back to the stores, where he returned his goggles and received his 15s.
Then he walked quickly out of the aerodrome; and was never seen again! Inquiries at the office of his country’s representative elicited the fact that nothing was known about him nor about the proposed deal in aircraft. To this day the affair is a mystery. Was he a would-be air pirate? Did he imagine anybody might fly by the exercise of a little will power?”
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