Christs Hospital
CHRIST'S HOSPITAL: Temporary Landing Ground
Location: About 2nm SW of Horsham town centre
Period of operation: 14th October 1930
NOTES: When the Prince of Wales learnt to fly, he quickly purchased the de Havilland DH60G Moth G-AALG which was registered on 05.09.29. (Some records state it was a DH60M Moth). This was the first of several aircraft which later became The Kings Flight in 1936 although he famously abdicated from the throne after a few months to marry the American Wallis Simpson. It seems rather doubtful that he continued to fly privately after his abdication?
What is very certain is that after learning to fly he was a very keen pilot indeed, and liked to fly as often as possible, although it appears, he always had to be accompanied by a senior RAF officer. Which I suppose is quite understandable. Indeed, he had his own aerodrome, SMITH'S LAWN, laid out in Windsor Great Park.
This listing is doubly interesting as the whole thing was something of a lash up, (see below), although I suppose the Prince himself probably never got to hear about it?
A MICHAEL T HOLDER GALLERY
Note: The first seven maps and pictures were kindly provided by Mike Holder who is a great friend of this 'Guide'. I added the final area view from Google Earth ©
DELVING, LOOKING AND THINKING
What interested me is how, from such scant evidence in the newspaper pictures, is how Mike has managed to track and trace the actual position of the Landing Ground. As fine an example of aviation sleuthing I have seen - and to all our benefit of course. He also tracked down newspaper reports from which I shall just quote a few excerpts to illustrate the degree of the lash up for this occassion. And for those who don't already know - Christ's Hospital is a public school:
"The visit of the Prince of Wales to Christ's Hospital, Horsham, on Tuesday, aroused great interest and enthusiasm, especially amongst the boys, who gave the royal guest a fine reception...." It appears, "The Prince attended as President and Chairman of the Council of Almoners to open a new block of science workshops and a new quadrangle."
SOMETHING SOMEBODY MISSED, OR DID THEY?
Today of course leaks from official sources are part and parcel of everyday life for the press and media. But somebody goofed big time here.
"It was the wish of His Royal Highness that the function should be private, and strict precautions were taken to ensure that none but those specially invited gained admission to the grounds."
ARRIVAL BY AEROPLANE
"Contrary to expectations, the Prince arrived by aeroplane. It had been understood that he would travel by road, and many towns-people lined up on the main road in the hope of welcoming the royal visitor. The Prince flew from Hendon. It had been announced that he would arrive at midday, but it was not until twenty minutes later that the aeroplanes were first sighted."
Here again, as per usual in the British press, or at least English press, (nothing changes), very sloppy reporting? The pictures only show one small aeroplane, and I think it was almost certainly one - the Princes DH60 Moth.
NIMBLY ALIGHTING
"Nimbly alighting from the plane in an adjacent field the Prince slipped off his flying kit, donned a bowler hat and proceeded to meet the Bluecoat boys, accompanied by the Head. There was vociferous cheering.......". Etc, etc.
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