Wallisdown
WALLISDOWN: Civil aerodrome (Aka KINSON and TALBOT VILLAGE)
Operated by: Initially established by Mr William Edward McArdle, later the base of operations of the Bournemouth Aviation Co who then operated the aerodrome
Note: It now (in 2017) appears that this aerodrome was operated by Mr Frederick Etches, who had formed the Bournemouth Aviation Company at this, his original aerodrome base, before moving to ENSBURY PARK in 1917.
Location: Purchase & Vine’s Farm, just S of the A3049, about 1.75nm NW of Bournemouth town centre. On what is now the Bournemouth University campus grounds.
Period of operation: 1915 to 1917
A MICHAEL T HOLDER GALLERY
We have Mike Holder, a great friend of this 'Guide', to thank for discovering the following items, including a map and pictures etc.
This article was published in the Bournemouth Graphic on the 22nd October 1915.
This article was published in Flight magazine on the 15th June 1916.
These two pictures are from my Google Earth © derived database. Please bear in mind that not all, by far, of the flying sites listed in this 'Guide', have been 'pinned' onto this database. Indeed, by even attempting to do so, with now well over 7,000 flying sites listed, (by 2025), would make some areas just a solid mass of yellow! This, said, in some cases, not far short already.
NOTES:
Typically I have found conflicting accounts stating that this site was originally named TALBOT VILLAGE - in fact it was located next to Talbot Village.
A PERSONAL OBSERVATION
As a young teenager, having lived next to HEATHROW, (then known as LONDON AIR PORT), I became a very keen reggie spotter, and then thought I knew a thing or two about our aviation history. I was quite correct, did indeed know a thing or two - but not much more! My parents moved down to Poole in Dorset in 1963, and I had to follow aged just sixteen. Knew about HURN, (now BOURNEMOUTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, and CHRISTCHURCH. May have been aware of WW2 flying boat operations in POOLE HARBOUR? Perhaps not?
Since starting work on this project just over a quarter of a century ago in 2025, it has been a non-stop voyage of discovery. And, typically, as with any 'expedition' into the past, both very rewarding, often enjoyable of course, but also often fraught with many difficulties along the way. It has also been a very humbling experience, to find so many very kind and generous people happy to help, advise, and contribute.
Paul Doyle
This comment was written on: 2020-03-02 17:36:28Yes, it was in Talbot village, but now covered by University campuses.
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