Hampstead Heath
Note: Needless to say, this map only gives a general position of Hampstead Heath within the UK.
HAMPSTEAD HEATH: Temporary Landing Site
NOTES: The third ‘Aerial Derby’ which took place from HENDON in 1914 was undertaken in very poor visibility, “thick mist” causing all the contestants to struggle their way around the outer suburbs of London, let alone reaching the official reporting points. Having got lost and landing at West Thurrock, Lord Carbery set off once more but soon got lost again, landing on Hampstead Heath. Having got his bearings the officials at HENDON spotted him, “Flying high, far to the south, an evident strayer.”
It was, all in all, a pretty farcical enterprise given the prevailing conditions. To quote C C Turner in his book Old Flying Days, “It was surmised that not one of the machines would return in its proper element, and some thought it unlikely that any of the flyers would get half-way round.”
A FEW DID
As it happened a few of the pilots did make it back to HENDON, albeit most if not all making forced landings along the way to regain their bearings. These were Louis Noel, W L Brock, R H Carr then Lord Carbery and lastly Pierre Verrier. Of the rest it appears the Swedish competitor had landed at Epsom, Mr Pixton came down at Addington, J Alcock never left the Hendon to Brooklands course diverting into BROOKLANDS where he housed his machine. Mr L A Strange landed at Wickham in KENT. Mr Birchenough landed in Richmond and Mr Barnwell abandoned the attempt having passed West Thurrock, oddly enough being reported as having then flown back to BROOKLANDS. Presumably directly across the City of London?
We'd love to hear from you, so please scroll down to leave a comment!
Leave a comment ...
Copyright (c) UK Airfield Guide
