Perham Down
PERHAM DOWN: Temporary Landing Ground?
This picture from a postcard was kindly sent to me by Mike Charlton in February 2019. Mike has an amazing collection: www.aviationpostcard.co.uk
Location: Roughly 1nm E of Tidworth
NOTES: As is so often said, one picture is worth a thousand words - perhaps ten thousand in this case?
I certainly didn't have PERHAM DOWN listed as an airfield, and as far as I can make out, nor do the experts on Hampshire flying sites.
I suppose, but only suppose, that with NETHERAVON and UPAVON being close by, this might well have been an ELG (Emergency Landing Ground) without being designated as such?
Or, was this just a convenient field used by the Royal Flying Corps to 'Fly the Flag' on this occassion? For the benefit of those in Tidworth, including Army personnel and those with their family stationed nearby?
But, when was this picture taken? With my rudimentary knowledge of WW1 aircraft, it would appear it was taken during WW1.
If anybody can kindly offer advice, this will be much appreciated.
Ben Cartwright
This comment was written on: 2021-03-30 21:24:53The photo includes four Henri Farman F20 at the left-hand side. The type first flew in 1913 and entered RFC service in 1914. This then is the second of two RFC Grand Reviews held at Perham Down in 1913 and 1914.. There was not an airfield as such, however the Army operated a Squadron of helicopters from Perham Down in the 1970s, within Swinton Barracks.
Jon Pinnington
This comment was written on: 2025-07-28 20:42:27On 25 April 1918 Lt H M Whitcut, together with 2 joyriding passengers, were killed in a DH4 crash at Perham Down. The Court of Enquiry describes Lt Whitcut as "[arriving] in the Camp with his aeroplane". The wording suggests to me that this was not considered anything unusual. So, even though Perham Down is not officially considered an airfield, nonetheless it is possible that fairly regular flying took place there, at least in WW1.
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