Crewe flying sites
CREWE: Temporary aerodrome 1926
Operated by: Berkshire Aviation
Location: Near the Rising Sun public house on the Middlewhich Road, about 2nm WSW of Crewe town centre
Period of operation: The 2nd of July to the 13th July 1926
A MICHAEL T HOLDER GALLERY
Note: The second item, an advert, was published in the Crewe Chronicle on the 3rd July 1926
Note: We cannot be certain which field near to the Rising Sun public house was actually used. But this seems by far the obvious location? If anybody can kindly offer advice, this will be most welcome.
CREWE: Temporary Landing Ground (1929), later temporary aerodrome (1932) (Aka ASHCROFT FARM and MERRILLS BRIDGE)
A SECOND MICHAEL T HOLDER GALLERY
Note: The third item was published in the Crewe Chronicle on the 8th June 1929, and the fourth, a picture, in the same newspaper on the 25th June 1929.
Note: The sixth item was published in the Crewe Chronicle on the 22nd June 1929.
NOTES: Crewe was the 24th venue for the Sir Alan Cobham's Municipal Aerodrome Campaign in 1929. Originally planned to be the 23rd venue. This Tour started in May and ended in October with one hundred and seven towns and cities planned to being visited. Mostly in England but with two venues in Wales and eight in Scotland. In the end he visited 97 venues, which was of course a very major achievement.
Without any doubt this Tour led to several aerodromes/regional airports being created. But not in Crewe. This said an application for a regional aerodrome/airport was made to the Air Ministry, but was turned down. Why?
The aircraft he mainly used for this campaign was the DH61 'Giant Moth' G-AAEV, named the 'Youth of Britain'. It well worth reading his memoirs in 'A Time to Fly' as it gives vivid descriptions. One can only wonder today at his sheer stamina and determination, but of course he was pretty much unhindered by controlled airspace.
AN AIR DISPLAY
On the 3rd September 1932 Sir Alan Cobham's National Aviation Day Tour visited Crewe, the venue being listed as Merrills Bridge. Without too much doubt, this was also held on ASHCROFT FARM?
Note: The first item was published in the Crewe Chronicle on the 27th August 1932. The second and third items were both published in the Staffordshire Sentinel on the 3rd September 1932.
Mike Holder, at my request, has kindly provided the first three items. I have added the 'Local area view' from my Google Earth © database.
Michael T Holder
This comment was written on: 2020-05-24 23:45:24From the Crewe Chronicle – Saturday 03 July 1926 – Advert for the World-Famed Berkshire Aviation Tours who will give Passenger Flights from Five shillings each. Near “Rising Sun” Inn, Middlewich Road, Crewe. Friday 02 July to Tuesday 13 July. 3 Seater Machines in use daily 1030 to dark. Daring Exhibitions on Sundays at 4 & 7.30. Admission 6d Children 3d. Rising Sun – 53 05 30”N 002 29 22”W. Probably field on the west side of the road and slightly south of the pub.
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