Kingsdown
KINGSDOWN: Private airfield (Aka HAWKSHILL DOWN)
NOTE: This civil aerodrome is on the site of the old WW1 airfield. See WALMER for information regarding that period.
Note: This picture is from my Google Earth © derived database.
Operated by: Kent Aviation Services
Location: Just NW of Kingsdown and presumably near and just S of the WW1 RNAS/RAF WW1 aerodrome?
Period of operation: Unknown exactly? From 1930 until, possibly, just before WW2?
NOTES: We have Mr Graham Frost, a great friend of this 'Guide' for pointing out this location.
After WW1 there was a great amount of activity resulting from a great many military airmen wanting to keep involved in aviation, and being involved in joy-riding operations, at that time. A trend that has continued, to greater or lesser extent ever since. When the 'Great Depression' took hold, it resulted in the emergence of the great 'Flying Circus' era, dating, more of less from around 1931.
Many flyers were keen to get a share in this bonanza, and, it would appear, Mr Arthur Raven was one such. His Avro 504K, G-AAWC, was a modified version, built as a three-seater, and registered on the 25th August 1932. A bit too late of course for the holiday season. LIke so many other aspiring operators, this operation soon failed, the aircraft being WFU (Withdrawn From Use) in December 1932.
One aspect though is somewhat interesting. He registered the 'Usual Station' as being KINGSDOWN. And not WALMER just to the north where the WW1 RNAS/RAF aerodrome was situated. Probably I imagine just yet another minor flying site which has faded from memory? Unless of course anybody can kindly offer advice and information. Now see below.
A MICHAEL T HOLDER GALLERY
After noticing the inclusion of KINGSDOWN, Mike Holder, a great friend of this 'Guide', decided to see if any further information might be available. And yes, there was. I have left my initial listing pretty much intact simply to illustrate just how, over the years of research, further information can drastically change the perception of a location. This being a fine example.
As you can now see, far from being a minor field operated by a single individual, it was in fact a quite major operation as such - but - not principally used as an aerodrome in the usual sense. Indeed, it was mainly used as an overspill by Kent Aviation Services for the construction, maintainence, and storage of aircraft - their main base being BEKESBOURNE near Canterbury, roughly 10nm away to the northwest. I found it interesting to note that they built seven Avro 504Ks here from spare parts!
The items that Mike has found also serves to illustrate, when attempting to compile a 'Guide' such as this, just how deeply buried many of the clues can often be. Indeed, I will happily admit that my role, often to a large extent, is simply to being that of the editor, supported by so many very kind and generous people quite happy to help in so many ways.
Photo One, (very hazy and blurred), is of considerable interest because it is dated as being taken in 1920. Not so long after the RAF moved out.
BITS AND PIECES
The Short article One was published in Flight magazine on the 10th January 1930. Therefore it seems safe to assume (?) that KINGSDOWN was established at bit later? Also note that in Excerpt One it states that Mr Arthur Raven modified his Avro 504K into a three seater, it was, without much if any doubt built here by Kent Aircraft Services. This being the case it makes complete sense for him to decide to base his aircraft here.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE ROYAL AIRCRAFT FACTORY SE5A, G-EBTK
After WW1 the SE5A type proved to be very popular for advertising purposes. Both for banner towing and aerial sign writing using white smoke. This being generated by burning oil. You may have noticed that if a car or van is emitting large quantities of white smoke from its exhaust, it is a clear sign that the engine is in a very bad way, and usually not far from seizing up. In aircraft this smoke can usually be obtained by injecting oil into the exhaust, as with, for example, the Red Arrows.
These three items are all from the British Civil Aircraft since 1919 book.
AND FINALLY
The first two items are from Avro Aircraft Since 1908 by A J Jackson. The third item, published in the Daily Herald on the 4th June 1931 graphically illustrates how the Kent Aviation Company made - how can I put it? - a big splash and quite an impact, (sorry!), on the rail travelling public. And lastly, this article published in the, (draw a deep breath), Folkestone, Hythe, Sandgate & Cheriton Herald on the 21st October 1933, clearly shows that although far from being a very active general aviation aerodrome, Kingsdown being not exactly the most favoured destination for well healed folks seeking a luxury resort, it was nevertheless, very much 'on the map'.
ONE SMALL NOTE
It appears that the Avro 504K, G-AAYM (ex J8370), was based here for a while, (dates unknown?), almost certainly engaged on joy-riding operations. It was initially registered to Mr A Tapp and later to Mr E Townell and Mr H F Pawley.
END NOTE
I do hope you have enjoyed looking at this listing, illustrating how the learning curve for me in compiling this 'Guide' can very quickly go vertical. And who knows, quite possibly yet more information might come to light. Would like to mention that with now (April 2024), over 7000 listings in the 'Guide', many people seem to regard me as being something of an expert. Which accolade I am very happy to accept, seeing as my favourite definition of an expert is: 'X' is the unknown factor, and a spurt is a drip under pressure!
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