Ponjou Farm
PONJOU FARM: Temporary aerodrome
Note: The map was kindly provided by Mr Michael T Holder. The second and third pictures obtained from Google Earth ©
Operated by: Claude Grahame-White
Location: Just W of Long Rock, about 2nm NE of Penzance town centre
Period of operation: Possibly only on the 23rd July 1910?
NOTES: It appears that this location was the first to witness a powered flight in CORNWALL. The story is that in July 1910 the Royal Navy Home, Atlantic and Mediterranean fleets were anchored in Mounts Bay. This was a static fleet review of some 200 warships to celebrate the Coronation of King George V.
It appears that Grahame-White had his Farman transported by rail to Penzance and had it erected here, ready for flight. The highly commendable intention was to alert the government, by dropping imitation bombs on the fleets, to the risk ships faced from aerial attacks.
Apparently the weather on the day, (typically Cornish of course), was too bad to make the demonstration, but he did fly in the evening.
The whole naval event was then rescheduled to take place at TOR BAY.
We'd love to hear from you, so please scroll down to leave a comment!
Leave a comment ...
Copyright (c) UK Airfield Guide
