Knettishall
KNETTISHALL: Military aerodrome, later private airstrip known locally as CONEY WESTON AIRFIELD
(I had once asked: Later known as GREAT BARTON private airfield?)
Note: In November 2017 I was kindly contacted by Mr Dixon, (see 'Comment' below) who suggests that GREAT BARTON should be applied to ROUGHAM.
Note: The first five pictures were obtained from Google Earth ©. The sixth is from my Google Earth © derived database.
Military users: WW2: 8th USAAF 45th Bombardment Wing
388th Bomb Group
560, 561, 562 & 563 Sqdns (Boeing B.17 Flying Fortresses)
Location: S of A1066, NE of Coney Weston village, 6nm ESE of Thetford
Period of operation: Military: 1943 to 1957 Civil: 1970s to -
Runways: WW2: 04/22 1829x46 hard 09/27 1280x46 hard
15/33 1280x46 hard
2000: E/W 738x37 grass
Note: 2008: A look at Google Earth appears to show 08/26 as being 800 metres long whereas in 2013 it is given as 600 metres long, 25m wide at the western end section, and 18m wide on the eastern section according to the AAIB report EW/G2013/06/26 In 2008 the two sections of runway length were roughly split 50/50.
NOTES: In 1977 it seems only the PA-24 Commanche 180 G-AZKR was based here. However, an AAIB Report in 2011 shows that the Piper PA-28R-200 Cherokee Arrow G-AYAC was based here.
In June 2022 I was once again kindly contacted by Mr Peter Spencer. He tells us that the 08/26 runway is 818 metres long, and, that the airstrip is known locally as CONEY WESTON AIRFIELD - something that delights me, (I'm easily pleased), and - now adding pictures, makes the airstrip quite distinct from the WW2 USAAF base.
Although a warning is given on the homepage, that this 'Guide' is not to be used by pilots for flight planning, many do use it as a reference source. In this respect Peter advises that the strip is strictly PPR, (Prior Permission Required), and a thorough briefing is needed. Aeromodellers also use this location, which also makes PPR essential.
B Dixon
This comment was written on: 2017-11-23 17:07:37I think you are wrong in suggesting the airfield was later named Great Barton private airfield. You are probably referring to ROUGHAM airfield, next to Great Barton, Bury St Edmunds, which is now a thriving training airfield, having been much neglected until the flying club took it over about 6 years ago. This was also a B17 bomber base in WW2.
Reply from Dick Flute:
Hello Mr Dixon, Many thanks, and I expect you are correct. I shall keep this posted and will amend my notes. Best regards, Dick
Peter Spencer
This comment was written on: 2018-03-15 12:17:01Knettishall has always been known as Knettishall.We, The Fersfield Flying Group have operated there from 1970, initially with a Comanche , and since the 1990s a PA28Arrow.Four other aircraft fly from the strip. Some locals call it 'Coney Weston Airfield.' It was extended from 600metres to 800metres in 1997..Rougham airfield is ten miles away in Bury St Edmunds.
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