Compton
COMPTON: Temporary aerodrome
These two pictures are from my Google Earth© derived database.
Operated by: Berkshire Aviation Company
Location: Just N of the A454, about 2nm W of Wolverhampton city centre
Period of operation: 9th to 15th October 1919
A SHORT MICHAEL T HOLDER GALLERY
We have Mike Holder, a great friend of this 'Guide', to thank for both discovering this little known venue, and providing the following items to illustrate this listing. We do not know exactly which field was used, but the local 1919 map seems to clearly indicate the most likely? If anybody can kindly offer advice, this will be most welcome.
NOTES: After WW1 there were a great many people who had been involved in military aviation, (RFC, RAF, RNAS), who were very keen to pursue a career in civil aviation. The best option for most was to find a job in the very popular joy-riding operations. Typically many failed within the end of the first year as the 'summer season' did not provide enough revenue to sustain them through the winter months.
The main reasons the Berkshire Aviation Company survived and prospered, no doubt by having Alan Cobham involved during 1919, were twofold. Firstly they kept operating throughout the entire year, and secondly took to arranging visits to towns and cities, inland and well away from the popular seaside resorts. This venue being an excellent example.
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