Poundisford Lodge
POUNDISFORD LODGE: Private airfield
Operated by: Sir William Leonard Stampe
Location: S of the M5, about 2.25nm S of Taunton town centre
Period of operation: October until November 1951
NOTES: One cardinal rule I discovered whilst researching this 'Guide' is to not make assumptions. But then again, what's the point of having rules unless exceptions apply? So, in this case I will make some assumptions. Another important point of course, in producing a 'Guide' such as this, is that it can provide questions to be asked, rather than trying to give answers.
Back in early 2023, Mr Graham Frost, a long term friend of this 'Guide', pointed out to me that the Auster 5/J1A Autocrat, G-AJRO, (then brand new), had been registered to this address in 1951. But of course, was it based here? It could easily have been as even today, within the park, landing runs of E/W 350 metres, and N/S 450 metres, are still clearly available.
Given that we are not aware of any well established GA airfields in the early 1950s anywhere near, it seems reasonable to suppose it may well have been? Unless, perhaps, an arrangement had been made to hangar the Auster at a nearby RAF airfield such as CULMHEAD?
If our assumptions are correct (?), this location can probably lay claim to being the shortest lived private airfield listed in this 'Guide'. Because, having been registered on the 12th October, it crashed near Colyton, Devon, on the 20th November. As always, if anybody can kindly offer advice, this will be much appreciated.
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