Leftwich Green
LEFTWICH GREEN: Temporary Landing Ground
Note: The picture is from a postcard, courtesy of the Cheshire Image Bank. The local area view is from Google Earth © and the local area view is from my Google Earth © derived database.
Operated by: Gustav Hamel
Location: In Leftwich, roughly 0.75nm SSE of Northwich town centre
Period of operation: 22nd & 23rd August 1912
A MICHAEL T HOLDER GALLERY
Article One was published in the Northwich Guardian on the 23rd August 1912.
The short article was published in the Lancashire Evening Post on the 23rd August 1912. Article Two was also published in the Northwich Guardian but on the 27th August 1912.
NOTES: We have to thank Mr Graham Frost, a great friend of this 'Guide', for discovering this location. It appears that Hamel's visit was the first by an aeroplane to Northwich. In preparing this 'Guide', which would have been impossible otherwise, I have had a great deal of help and advice. Two of the most stalwart supporters have been Graham Frost and Mike Holder. Mike is an ex-RAF navigator, (serving on Vulcans through to Nimrods), and is really good at finding and preparing maps, aerial photos but also items in the press.
So, after getting the information from Graham, I then asked Mike if he could find anything? And yes, he could. The results from both can be seen here, and it must be pointed out that I deserve no credit at all. Had never heard of this venue.
JUST A SMALL QUERY
In the Article Two from the Northwich Guardian, it appears that having had his aeroplane secured safely for the night, he then returned to Southport. But why? Southport was quite a trek by road in those days and Northwich had at least a couple of hotels. This said, in those days Southport was established as being a much favoured resort for the well off with much to recommend it. Even so, although being driven there, still a fairly long journey.
Perhaps, but of course only perhaps, in those days Gustav Hamel was quite a star turn - young, handsome and very daring. Many reports exist of him being followed around the country by a group of very enthusiastic young lady fans. Needless to say not short of a 'bob or two'. So.....could they have been the attraction at Southport? Possibly telling them before leaving - "I'll be back tonight"?
We'd love to hear from you, so please scroll down to leave a comment!
Leave a comment ...
Copyright (c) UK Airfield Guide
