Brentingby flying sites
Note: This map should show the location of the WW1 aerodrome. But, as said below, is it safe to assume that this was also the same site as the 1930s airfield? Any advice on this will be most welcome.
A SHORT MICHAEL T HOLDER GALLERY
Note: The second item was published in the Boston Guardian on the 12th August 1911.
Note: This fourth item was published in the Leicester Daily Post on the 26th July 1911. A very good account of flying in this area can be found at: YESTERDAY IN MELTON MOWBRAY: THE LANDING GROUNDS (johnmcquaid,co.uk)
BRENTINGBY: Temporary landing ground
Location: Polo Ground 2nm E of Melton Mowbray
Period of operation: 24th July 1911
NOTES: This was a staging post for the Daily Mail ‘Circuit of Britain’ air race in 1911 but it seems only a few pilots landed here to refuel or effect repairs. Of the fifteen aircraft departing from HENDON that day only three aircraft reached Edinburgh.
BRENTINGBY: Military landing ground
Picture obtained from Google Earth ©
Military user: WW1: RFC (Royal Flying Corps)
38 [Home Defence] Squadron
(During that limited period possibly used by the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c type only?)
Note: It seems that this site was used as a night Landing Ground only during 1916. It appears that although quite suitable for much of the year, the site was prone to flooding, hence activities being transferred to SCALFORD.
BRENTINGBY: Civil Landing Ground
1938: Established as a Automobile Association approved Landing Ground
Location: 30 acre site between Brentingby village and Gravel Hole Spinney. Roughly 2nm E of Melton Mowbray (same site as Polo Ground?)
Period of operation: Military: April to October 1916. Civil: 1938 to 1939?
Runways: 1938: All-over grass airfield SW/NE 439 grass W/E 548 grass NNW/SSE 457 grass
NOTES: Although it appears that the the military and civilian sites are the same, as said above, is it safe to assume this is the case?
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