Billesley Common
BILLESLEY COMMON: Combined static exhibition and temporary flying site
Note: See also YARDLEY WOOD ROAD and BILLESLEY FARM listings
Location: I had this completely wrong, thinking it was near to Stratford-on-Avon. See information from John Lerwell below in 'Comments'.
NOTES: Used on several occasions from 1947 to 1970. It seems that on the 25th and 26th July 1970 the ‘Blue Eagles’ display team using Sioux helicopters performed here. (XT134, XT193, XT206 and XT511). In 1972 a much larger RAF exhibition was held, (August 11 to 27), with flypasts and demonstrations on most days.
ONE AND THE SAME?
I think it highly likely that this site and the YARDLEY WOOD ROAD and BILLESLEY FARM listings are exactly the same site. However, experience has taught me to be very cautious about jumping to easy conclusions. If anybody can offer advice, this will be most welcome.
John Lerwill
This comment was written on: 2016-02-19 14:54:08Hello, No, Billesley Common is sitauetd in another 'Billesley', next to Kings Heath, Birmingham In the years you mention above the displays were held on what is now (since 1920) a remnant of the old Common. However, there was an airfield before - used between ca. 1911-21, situated between where Billesley School is now and on the edge of Yardley Wood Road. I can send you an overlay of approximately where the airfield was in those days in contrast to the existing housing estate. Regards, John Lerwill
Reply from Dick Flute:
Hi John, Many thanks indeed for your advice, much appreciated. And yes, a map overlay would be very useful. Best regards, Dick
jon
This comment was written on: 2018-06-05 20:28:25Hi there, i was wondering if you could send me the evidence you have of this airfield. Thank you :-)
Reply from Dick Flute:
Hi Jon, All the evidence should be on the web-site. Best regards, Dick
John Lerwill
This comment was written on: 2019-03-16 14:23:29Hello Dick, Sorry, this is the first time I've been back to your site since 2016! On the matter of further proofs, I am in the process of writing a book about an aviator who made his name at Billesley, but not sure when it will be published. This will contain details of the airfield location, though since I wrote in 2016 my research leads me to become a little convinced that the earliest flying there took place in a slightly different spot to the bigger one that was used. I'll write again later, but please communicate with me by e-mail if you wish. Cheers, John
Reply from Dick Flute:
Hi John, Can't it drive you mad trying to sort this out? Best regards, Dick
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