Shenfield
SHENFIELD: Night Landing Ground (Aka PALMERS FARM)
Note: Both of these pictures were obtained from Google Earth ©
Military users: RFC and RAF (Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force)
Civil user: See below
Location: N of the A12, about 2nm N to NNE of Brentwood town centre
Period of operation: September 1916 to February 1919
NOTES: Typically accounts vary, especially when this site opened, but what is most unusual is that I cannot find any records of which Squadrons had used this location.
If anybody can kindly offer advice, this will be much appreciated.
I also have to thank Paul Bingley and Richard E. Flagg in their book ESSEX:A Hidden Aviation History and the Airfields of Britain Conserrvation Trust for identifying and the location of this site.
SOME MORE INFORMATION
In July 2025 I was contacted by Mr Graham Frost, a long term friend of this 'Guide'. It appears that on the 23rd May 1933, Sir Alan Cobham's National Aviation Day No.1 Tour displayed at Palmers Farm, Shenfield. This was the 34th venue and the No.1 Tour started on the 14th/15th April at CENTRAL PARK, Dagenham in Essex. We cannot say with any degree of certainty that the exact same field, (as in during WW1), was used of course, but, as it proved to be suitable for committing aviation on previously - and for night landings - it seems likely? Any advice will be most welcome.
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