Stonecourt Farm
STONECOURT FARM: Private helipad and perhaps airstrip?
Note: The local detail picture was obtained from Google Earth ©. The local area view is from my Google Earth © derived database.
Operated by: Capt. John Crewdson, T/as Film Aviation Services Ltd and other companies
Location: Just NE of GATWICK
Period of operation: Probably late 1950s to early 1980s?
NOTES: We have Mr Graham Frost, a great friend of this 'Guide', to thank for finding information about this location. It appears that Capt. Crewdson owned several aircraft, including a Spitfire and a helicopter. Perhaps the Spitfire was kept at REDHILL? I certainly saw one there in around 1970.
Did he have an airstrip? It is quite possible he did in the early years when he lived here. The expansion of Horley was taking place at a phenominal rate from at least the 1970s if not before. You would be unwise to have a picnic in a field near Horley in those days, because by the time you'd finished, you could end up living in a house!
Capt. Crewdson was, it appears. involved with several companies, and not always involved in film work, although he is best known for this aspect of his career. His original base was at the old GATWICK airport, although they did moved for a while into premises at the newly opened GATWICK airport just to the north. Later they moved to ELSTREE before finally settling at SOUTHEND.
Some delving reveals, or appears to reveal, his direct involvement with the following aircraft. The DH82A Tiger Moth G-ANBZ (ex DE680) registered to Aerocontracts at GATWICK from 02.09.53 until 03.12.54. Then another DH82A Tiger Moth G-ANCZ (ex W7097) from 29.12.55 until 21.02.58.
Next in line is the Percival P.34 Proctor 3 G-AKWR (ex LZ716) which was registered to Film Aviation Services from 30.05.63 until 08.06.63, just over a week. It was then registered to Seven Arts Productions from 12.06.63 to 13.08.63. This was a film production company and were making a film at Shannon airport when a serious accident occurred, involving Capt. Crewdson. Fortunately without any fatalities.
Also the Bell 47D-1 G-ASJW (ex N158B) registered to Airlift Ld at GATWICK from 08.09.64 until 17.08.73. Oddly, this is recorded as crashing at Saxilby in Lincolnshire on the 19th July 1971. Perhaps it was intended to repair it for a while?
The Vickers-Supermarine VS506 Spitfire IXT G-ASOZ (ex IAC158 - Irish Air Corps) a two-seater, was registered to Film Aviation Services from 19.0264 until 09.11.64. It was then declared PWFU (Permanently Withdrawn From Use) although it has since been restored. Still flying in 2023 at BIGGIN HILL people can take flights in it. A second VS.361 Spitfire IX, (ex OO-ARB), was registered to Film Aviation Services from 28.04.64 until 16.02.65. Then sold, it was later registered to John Crewdson from 20.05.66 until 01.09.66. Possibly used for scenes in the Battle of Britain film that was released in September 1969?
Lastly there is the Sud Aviation SA.318B Alouette Astazou II G-AWAP (ex F-BOSD). This was registered to Film Flight Ltd from 05.02.71 until 04.10.74, then to Helicopter Hire Ltd from 15.10.74 until the 11th July 1984. Very sadly this crashed onto Gat Sand in The Wash, off the Norfolk coast on the 26th of June 1983 killing all four on board, including Capt. Crewdson. Apparently filming seals for a seal count exercise, the rotor blades detached from the rotor head due to the wrong type of lubricant being used!
A tragic end to a fabulous and much varied career. There is a lot of information on the interweb which makes for fascinating reading and watching.
As always, if anybody can kindly offer advice or information, this will be most welcome.
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