The Drokes
THE DROKES: Private Landing Ground
Operated by: Mr & Mrs Burge
Location: About 0.75nm S/SSE of Bucklers Hard, roughly 2.25nm SE of Beaulieu
Period of operation: July 1934 (Only date known?)
A MICHAEL T HOLDER GALLERY
We have Mike Holder, a great long-term friend of this 'Guide', to thank for this listing after he had discovered the article below published in July 1934, and also providing many of the maps and pictures.
The article was published in the New Milton Advertiser on the29th July 1934.
As can be seen, there is quite a lot about this subject which we do not know, not least which field was being used? Also, was this a 'one-off' event, or had other "Fly-in garden parties" been hosted here? Advice will be much appreciated.
These three pictures are from my Google Earth© derived database.
NOTES: Once powered aircraft became reliable enough to venture away from the aerodrome, the idea of hosting a 'Fly-in Garden Party' soon took hold, these mostly being for the benefit of pilots in the Royal Flying Corps or Royal Naval Air Service. All in those days being officers and of the same social class and probably already known to each other socially at least. Indeed, when applying to learn to fly in the military in the early days, being a fine horse-rider was considered to be a main attribute for being a suitable candidate. This being before WW1 of course.
Fast forward to the 1930s and not a lot had changed when it came to the social class of people purchasing a light aircraft for private use. The de Havilland DH60 Moth type, which first flew in 1925, soon transformed the scene, and especially when they came with enclosed cabins from the early 1930s, (just before actually), the wealthy could then arrive in suitable motoring attire. And, with a suitcase containing evening wear for an overnight stay, or longer. And, from many accounts, these could often be very lavish affairs.
What really interests me about this period, especially the emergence of "Flying Circuses", and regional airlines, is that this was happening during the period known as "The Great Depression". Emanating from the USA, (where else?), it is generally held to have taken hold in the UK from 1929 until 1939.
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