Winthorpe (Lincs)
WINTHORPE: Civil aerodrome (Temporary?)
Location: 1nm NNW of Skegness town centre
Period of operation: 1930s only?
NOTES: Venue (15th August 1933) for Alan Cobham’s No.2 Tour of the UK. It must be remembered that in the 1920s and 30s, even if used for just one day, the locations used by the "Flying Circus" operators had to be a licensed airfield and men fron the Ministry, (usually two it seems), would arrive by car to inspect the suitability of the site, and, if neccessary impose operating conditions on how various types of aircraft could be used.
Later on it appears that, by and large at least, the operators were trusted to become self-regulating. However, it appears that nevertheless the site had to be 'rubber-stamped' as being a licensed aerodrome.
THE SAME SITE?
It is clear that this site is very close to the ROYAL OAK location at Roman Bank. When starting this research I would have assumed it was obvious that the two sites were one and the same. After many years research I discovered that you cannot make such assumptions. During this era, if these 'Flying Circus' operators could get a better deal from the farmer 'over the road', they would naturally accept it.
As stated above, it needs to be remembered that, although deemed as being officially an 'Aerodrome', (even if occupied for one day), many of the sites used were just a convient field large enough to be used.
We'd love to hear from you, so please scroll down to leave a comment!
Leave a comment ...
Copyright (c) UK Airfield Guide
