Holmsey South
Note: These three pictures were obtained from Google Earth ©
Note: Pictures by the author, January 2017. In the view of the location for runway 17/35 the public road runs along the western edge. The almost intact section of runway 12/30 is the western end which protudes from the junction with what was runway 17/35.
HOLMSLEY SOUTH: Military aerodrome (also known as PLAIN HEATH)
Military users: RAF Transport Command 116 Wing
RAF Coastal Command
58 Sqdn (Handley Page Halifaxs)
167 Sqdn (Vickers Warwicks)
RAF Fighter Command
315 (Polish) Sqdn (Vickers-Supermarine Spitfires)
418 Sqdn (DH Mosquitos)
USAAF too at one time it seems? (Any details known?)
Location: NW of A35, SE of Thorney Hill village, 6nm NE of Christchurch
Period of operation: 1942 to 1946
Note: This plan of HOLMSEY is from a postcard, kindly sent to me by Mike Charlton who has an amazing collection. See, www.aviationpostcard.co.uk
This appears to illustrate the fact that I have a lot more research to do, regarding the various units/squadrons etc using this airfield. If anybody can kindly assist, offer advice and information, this will be much appreciated.
Runways: 06/24 1801x46 hard 12/30 1280x46 hard
17/35 1253x46 hard
NOTES: I was taken onto the remains of this aerodrome back in the 1960s to practise, when learning to drive a car. In those days we used part of a runway and I never gave the history a single thought - it was just a very convenient place with loads of space.
Today some forty years later, I am now astonished to find that in its day it was a major RAF aerodrome in late 1944 with, (although having only temporary accommodation), some 2625 RAF personnel on station plus 338 WAAFs.
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