Blackboys
BLACKBOYS: Military Landing Ground (also known as UCKFIELD)
These three pictures are from my Google Earth © derived database.
Military user: RFC (Royal Flying Corps)
78 [Home Defence] Sqdn (Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 & B.E.12)
Note: It is perhaps possible that 78 Squadron used Sopwith 1½ Strutters here at the end of 1917?
Location: Just WSW of Blackboys village, just S of the B2102, and about 3nm ESE of Uckfield
Period of operation: 1916 to 1917
NOTES: It would appear that this LG was probably allocated as an ELG (Emergency Landing Ground), so is it possible it was never used? This seems unlikely as, apart from the unreliability of engines, poor weather could also force a diversion.
Also, as many if not most Home Defence squadrons often flew at night in search of 'Zeppelins' (the generic term for German airships) presumably runway lighting was available - in the form of goose-neck parafin flares?
simon roberts
This comment was written on: 2018-09-25 14:15:39Here's another one you haven't got ! It's an airstrip that's been operational for at least fifty years...when I was a teenager there used to be a Spitfire there ( 1965 ) There's still movement and whenever I pass by I'm bound to see something . Again ,on GoogleEarth a plane is clearly visible at the Eastern end of the runway,that is,on the the A262 between the Lamberhurst bypass roundabout and Turner's Fine Foods at Spelmonden at 51º 06'33".48 N by 0º 25' 02".41 E
Reply from Dick Flute:
Hi Simon, Yes indeed, I have had this airstrip in my notes - and shall now add it. Generally known as Goudhurst as far as I can see, I shall list it under this name. This said, others refer to it as Lamberhurst. I wonder if a more accurate name can be discovered? Best regards, Dick
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