Maldon flying sites
Note. This map only shows the position of Maldon town within the UK.
MALDON: Balloon ascent site
Period of operation: 1882
NOTES: Can anybody now say where this ascent took place in MALDON?
Very few balloon ascents appear to have taken place in ESSEX in the 19th century, presumably due to the prevailing south-westerly winds which would send them across the North Sea. ESSEX was however the terminating point for many balloon flights from London and on attempting to land they caused much damage to crops and often terrified livestock. These early aeronauts were often contronted by an irate farmer pointing a ‘blunderbus’ gun at them.
Not an ideal way to go flying and these weren’t idle threats either. In 1853 farmers in East Ham, Leyton, Wanstead and Ilford issued a proclamation threatening severe penalties against trespassing balloonists. For those of us today who can’t quite understand why so many people seem totally against flying when the majority are for it - this is obviously nothing new!
MALDON: Military Landing Ground
Military user: RFC (Royal Flying Corps)
37 [Home Defence] Sqdn (Probably Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.12s?)
Location: Near Wood Corner, N of the A414, about 1nm W of Maldon town centre
Period of operation: 1916 only it seems
NOTES: Apparently used only as a NLG (Night Landing Ground)
MALDON: Temporary aerodrome
NOTES: On the 8th July 1935 Sir Alan Cobham’s No.1 Tour displayed in/near Maldon. Can anybody kindly confirm where this event was held?
MALDON: Private airstrip (Possibly listed under another name?)
Location: ? (but obviously in/near Maldon)
NOTES: In a listing compiled around the mid 1970s it seems the Beagle B.121 Pup 2 G-AWWE registered to Mr G J Bunting was based at MALDON.
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