Bromley
Note: After doing some research I think this map shows the correct location, but can hardly say I am convinced. If anybody can kindly offer advice, this will be most welcome.
BROMLEY: Forced landing ground
Location: OXO cricket ground
NOTES: Without much doubt in a Guide such as this, a few ‘forced landing grounds’ need to be mentioned and this one, used on the 20th September 1959 seems very worthy of a mention, not least because, when you now see a BBMF Spitfire and Hurricane flying over central London. It was decided in 1959 to stop this. That decision was of course later rescinded.
To quote from his book Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Jarrod Cotter gives this account: “It was consequently decided that 20 September 1959 would be the last time that the fighters, including the Hurricane, would participate in the Battle of Britain flypast over London. That decision was perhaps vindicated when SL574 suffered a complete engine failure during that very sortie.”
Is it just me? I simply love the lack of ‘crisis’ and ‘emergency’ reported.
“It crash-landed on the OXO cricket ground while being flown by Air Vice-Marshall Maguire. Air Vice-Marshall Maquire commented that prior to the flypast over London SL574 had been suffering from carburettor problems, and that the engine had not been running smoothly at all, though repairs were carried out to rectify the faults.”
As an aside, the degree of expertise in the maintenance of these old engines today seems to far exceed the level of competence available then. Which seems ‘arse about face’ to be blunt, and perhaps worth an explanation by those in the know?
“It was 4:30 pm and Harold MacMillan, (My note - then Prime Minister), who had just left Westminster Abbey after the service of rememberance for ‘The few’, was on the dais. SL574 and LF363, (my note; Spitfire and Hurricane), soared over Horse Guards Parade leading the annual Battle of Britain flypast, and shortly after its initial pass the Spitfire’s engine failed totally and Air Vice-Marshall Maguire was forced to look for somewhere to put the Spitfire down in quick time.”
Perhaps this might be an opportune moment to mention that London, (the built-up centre of which is really quite small), and quite possibly unique amongst other capital cities, has by far more parks and playing grounds than any other?
“His best option appeared to be an ‘empty’ sports field in Bromley – fortunately the OXO cricket team and their opponents had just retired for tea. Skimming the sight screen, the Spitfire went in with its flaps down and wheels up. It had 200 yards to stop, and after hitting the grass one of the Spitfire’s wingtips took one set of stumps off, before it skidded 60 yards into the outfield and stopped, with raised dust gently settling over it.”
Isn’t what follows simply wonderful?
“The groundsman and one of the umpires helped Air Vice-Marshall Maquire out.” Obviously the players were far too concerned with their tea and sandwiches to take any notice? “He then waved to LF363, (My note; the Hurricane pilot), which was circling above to check he made it down OK. The pilot then went into the pavilion, made a phone call to explain what had happened, then had tea with the players and apologised for damaging the wicket. SL574 was pushed over the boundary and play resumed soon after!”
Golly gosh chaps, makes one proud to be British does it not? Whizzo prang, somewhat unexpected, but at least the match went on.
Arthur Reeder
This comment was written on: 2026-01-20 19:09:59My late father's cricket team were playing there that day and my late older brother was scoreboy. His head can be seen to the right of the crowd in some of the rearward photos. Despite what other sites intimate, the propellers were wooden. My father kept some pieces in his kitbag the rest of his cricket days.
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