The Severals
THE SEVERALS: Very temporary landing site
Note: This map was very kindly provided by Mr Michael T Holder
Location: Just SW of Benson village
Period of operation: About thirty minutes on the 2nd October 1913
NOTES: There was a time, some years ago in fact, when researching material for this 'Guide', when I almost threw the towel in. I knew the task was impossible from the start of course but I had been encouraged, and helped enormously, by people very highly respected in aviation history circles. They didn't mince their words either: At least one fool is having a go - or words to that effect. Little did I know then, and after twenty years I now know even less!
The reason for my fit of picque, very colourful language and exasperation, was the realisation that; "Every bloody second field in England seems to have an aviation connection". It now turns out my estimation wasn't too far off.
It must be emphasised that I can take no credit for this. Mike Holder, a great friend of this 'Guide' took it upon himself to, apart from just about everywhere else in the UK, investigate the history of flying sites in the Wallingford area - task I suspect might well result in his having to seek therapy. I don't think it to be an exaggeration that if early global explorers could hear of the task, they would express great admiration.
However, be that as it may, why should this site be included? Quite simply because it made the local newspaper. In this case in the Berks and Oxon Advertiser, published on Friday, the 3rd October 1913.
AN AERIAL VISITOR
"A good deal of excitement was caused yesterday (Thursday) morning by the descent of an Army aeroplane in a field near the Severalls. The pilot made a safe landing after travelling through a rainstorm. After half-an-hours wait he re-started his engine and continued his flight."
What we need to remember is that in those days the majority of people in rural England especially, had never seen an aeroplane, let alone the chance to see one at close quarters. Indeed, when an exhibition of flying was held at a major town, this very often resulted in a public holiday, all the stops pulled out, a civic reception at the Town Hall and so on.
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