HOWE FARM:  Regional airport      (Aka STROMNESS)



Note: The map was kindly provided by Mr Michael T Holder. The other two pictures were obtained from Google Earth ©





Operated by:  Aberdeen Airways


Location:  About 1.5nm NE of Stromness town centre on the Mainland island in the Orkneys

Period of operation: 1935 to 1945? 


NOTES:  It appears that E L Gandar Dower's Aberdeen Airways service from DYCE to Stromness started on the 27th May 1935. It appears that the recce flight on the 1st May 1935 was flown by Capt. Eric Starling in the DH84 Dragon G-ACAN. He had Eric Gander Dower and Caroline Brunning on board. It appears that whilst on the ground they were approached by a member of the local Chamber of Commerce, who thought that since Kirkwall was now served by an air service, so should Stromness. Three weeks later - Stromness did!

I have Mike Holder, (a great friend of this 'Guide'), to thank for providing this location. However, there is more to be investigated as it appears that Aberdeen Airways also used an airfield, at CUMMINESS just a few miles to the east. Later, Mike found the reason. In the early days HOWE FARM was used for N/S operations, until nearby telegraph wires were buried. Until this was done CUMMINESS was used for E/W operations.
 

If anybody can kindly offer more advice, this will be much appreciated.