Marsh Leys Farm
MARSH LEYS FARM: Civil Landing Ground
Note: Both of these pictures were obtained from Google Earth ©
Operated by: Mr W R Wallwin
Location: In/near Kempston, 3nm SW of Bedford, SE of A5140
Period of operation: 1930s only?
Runway: Max landing run: 347 grass (Others say 329 grass)
NOTES: Info sources mainly ‘AA Landing Grounds’ publication and the Airfield Research Group.
Due to the kind advice of Mr Michael Holder, (see 'Comment' below), the map has been amended and I have added two pictures.
Over the years of researching this 'Guide' I have always hoped to find a copy of the AA publication – but failed. Then again, to get the full picture a copy of every AA directory would need to be obtained.
This said from a variety of sources I have, (I think) managed to discover most of them and get the impression that ‘AA approval’ of the Landing Ground was mostly confined to announcing it to be fit for purpose and listing local facilities.. Only a few had on-site fuel and/or hangarage.
On some Landing Grounds in remote locations it seems they had a box on a post in which messages could be left and these were inspected from time to time each day by passing AA patrols would would then relay the message; presumably usually by telephone or telegraph or possibly even by hand?
IN THIS CASE
In this case there was no hangarage available but fuel and/or transport could be arranged from Nicholls & Sons Ltd in St Mary’s Square, Kempton. Nearby hotels were also listed and these were the Bridge Hotel and the Swan Hotel. A telephone was available at the Landing Ground owners house.
Putting it all together is seems the AA were performing a very useful service indeed for private pilots in those days but we must of course remember that the majority of aircraft owners, and some extent car owners, were from the upper class of society.
Michael Holder
This comment was written on: 2020-05-10 15:52:58Marsh Leys Farm 52 06 02"N 000 30 11"W 1.45mls NE of Wootton. Sticksville - why have a field there?
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