Witney Aerodrome

05/12/2025

This image shows part of what used to be the Flying Club Clubhouse that was once sited at the WITNEY AERODROME. No-one seems to know when it was moved from the aerodrome and re-erected at 'the Wash,' to be used as a sports pavilion. As for its disposal it is remembered that it was demolished and burned in a large bonfire in a nearby field, within recent history. People obviously didn't know or appreciate its value with regard to local aviation history, unfortunately.

I suppose that with the opening of a new purpose built college building, that it was surplus to requirement and that by moving it to The Wash it could continue to be a useful asset as a sports club building.

The large grey sign refers to Minster Lovell Recreation Ground Bylaws, and the small white sign next to the window is a reminder asking people to take their rubbish with them. It is not known what the small black sign says...

25/10/2025

During the mid 1930s a DH.60X Moth 'Autoslot', reg'n G-AAMM, was seen at WITNEY AERODROME and along with another club aircraft was later DESTROYED BY ARSON .

It was first registered to National Flying Services Ltd, Hanworth, with the CofA 2447 issued Mar '30. It was delivered on the same day to the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Aeroplane Club, Woodley.

Within months It crashed at Hanworth in Sep '31 but was repaired and returned to service in Jun '32. Weeks later it hit a telegraph pole on landing and crashed at Woodley; the pilot WA Blackmore-Greenfield was unhurt but the passenger - Mrs EV Hughes - was killed, with the aircraft being “completely wrecked”.

However, it was rebuilt with its CofA being renewed during Aug '33. It was then reg'd to General Aircraft Ltd, Hanworth and later sold in Jun 36 and reg'd to Hilary Beecham Duke-Worilley (Oxford (based Witney - see link below).

Unfortunately it was destroyed by an arsonist when it was parked overnight in the Witney & Oxford Aero Club hangar, Witney Aug '36. At least one other aircraft was damaged. The culprit was never found and it remains a mystery as to why the aircraft were set alight.

Shortly afterwards its reg'n was cancelled and in Nov '36 was wfu (withdrawn from use).

As an aside, Hilary Beecham Duke-Woolley (mentioned above) had a sibling, 'Raymond'. Check out his interesting WW2 career as a fighter pilot:-

This Battle of Britain London Monument is an outstanding new sculpture commemorating

14/10/2025

THIS FACEBOOK PAGE - 'WITNEY AERODROME' - IS GOING TO BE CLOSED AS I AM DEVOTING MY TIME TO WORKING ON OTHER PROJECTS.

*** (Oct 2025) As a result of several conversations on the future of this page, I have decided it will remain open for the time being and will now probably close next year.

As it is a niche interest, it did not receive many views, around 1100 during the last 5+years. However, I enjoyed the research element, and continue to gather information about the aircraft/people who were seen at the aerodrome, particularly in the 1930s.

For those who viewed and/or followed this page about Witney Aerodrome, I thank you. I will continue to post small articles which will conclude ongoing research I may have at present. ***

27/05/2025

This DH94 Moth Minor was flown into WITNEY AERODROME from RAF Kemble on 25th Sep '43 by ATA pilot Freydis Sharland* (nee Leaf). Built in 1939 it was registered as G-AFNG, only to have the registration cancelled in Jun ’40 and the aircraft impressed and given the military registration, AW112.

It was flown to 45 MU Kinloss in Jun '40, probably for use as hack. Then to RAF Binbrook in Jul ’42, to Wyton Station Flight in Mar ’43, and then to 5 MU Kemble in Jul ’43. Finally in Aug ’43 to DH Witney for repairs. After being repaired it was flown back to 5 MU in Jul ’44, then to the Empire Air Armament School at Manby in May ’45, and then to 5 MU Kemble in Jan ’46 where it was eventually sold to Flt Lt DGS Cotter, who just happened to be an ex-RAF pilot and later an ATA pilot. Its civilian registration was restored in May ’46.

Post-war the aircraft has been flown/operated extensively with over a dozen owners. Currently the registration is cancelled (as of 2011) as the aircraft has been exported to France. It is currently being restored by John S Shaw Aviation (as of 2024).

Additionally it was reportedly sold via an Ebay auction] in Apr ‘04 to “Richflies” in USA for $17,201 but transaction did not complete. Purchased by John Shaw and Peter Gould and delivered Orbigny, France, Feb ‘11 for long term rebuild.

*See further details about this exceptional aviator in due course

06/01/2025

G-AHAG dh Havilland DH89 Dominie

(The following history for G-AHAG comes from the Scillonia Airways website).

Ordered in 1944 as a DH89B Dominie 2 serial RL944, (c/n 6926) she was never delivered to the RAF & was almost exported to Brazil, but instead she departed WITNEY AERODROME at 1220 on 24 Feb 1946 & was delivered to the Lancashire Aircraft Corporation.

She spent 1946 & ’47 travelling the UK & Europe on taxi, charter & pleasure flights, even venturing as far north as Oslo & south to Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). She was sold at the end of 1947 to Universal Flying Services, flying taxi & charter flights until 1949 before becoming the company communications aircraft for Blackburn Aircraft at Brough. Her service continued with Hawker-Siddeley after Blackburn was absorbed & by 1965 she was Hawker’s last Rapide in service. Withdrawn from use in October ’65, she & G-AHGC were destined for the Nov 5th bonfire at Dunsfold.

In the nick of time G-AHAG (& AHGC) was saved by Bryan Neely, who was expanding his Scilllonia Airways fleet. Repainted in Scenic Flights colours, G-AHAG was named ‘Bryher’ after one of the smaller Scilly Isles & for four years was a familiar sight over the skies of south west England flying passenger services & pleasure flights.

Scillonia Airways ceased operation in 1969, with G-AHAG carrying out the last operational flights from Lands End. Scillonia’s assets were sold off at auction & G-AHAG was bought for £205 & leased to the Army Parachuting Association.

Repainted orange, she was starting to look shabby, not having been refurbished since 1956, but spent the next two years dropping parachutists alongside Rapides G-AGTM & G-AIDL, both now preserved by Air Atlantique. On July 15 1972 during a formation drop, she famously gained a passenger midair when two parachutists hit the roof of her fuselage having jumped out of the Islander above, one of whom went through the roof & ended up in her radio bay. Sadly in 1972 she was taxied into by a Cessna, with her engines almost out of life she was not repaired, instead being relegated to the back of a hangar to be eventually de-rigged & sat gathering dust.

Restoration

Ralph Jones (Southern Sailplanes) acquired G-AHAG in 1979 & she arrived at Membury by road in 1980. Ralph spent the next 30 years collecting spares & working on her part time. In 2009 the restoration gained new interest & accelerated to full time with a team of volunteers & the staff at Flight Composites, Membury. Extensive work was also carried out by Sky4 Aviation at Branscombe. She flew again in August 2013.

She is finished in a colour scheme based on the Scillonia Airways schemes used on their Rapides from ’63 to ’69. The interior is finished in period leather with eight seats.

She will now remain in private ownership, but will be available for hire, displays & a small number of public pleasure flying days & no doubt will be seen around the UK in the coming years.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DdfkiaAYNM

05/01/2025

This DH89 Rapide was last seen at WITNEY AERDROME, when it was flown in for a routine major inspection on 7th Sep '44. However, they must have found significant issues with the aeroplane as on 26 Sep '44 it was struck off charge (and presumably reduced for spares).

Previously it was registered to Railway Air Services Ltd as G-AEAJ on 22nd Feb '36, and named "Star of Lancashire". Literally two months later it was damaged in a ground handling incident, but was repaired at Croydon. In Oct '37 it was registered to Isle of Man Air Services Ltd, Derbyhaven and named "RMA Castletown". It was briefly operated by 24 Sqn in Oct '39, possibly until Jan '40 when it was impressed for military service as W6425.

The next few years saw it flying at a variety of locations, including Ringway for a major inspection, 9MU Cosford, 7FPP White Waltham, HQ ATA, 271 Sqn Doncaster, RAF Exeter (where it was damaged following a ground collision with a Tiger Moth DE841), 18 MU Dumfries, 55 OTU Annan, 53 OTU Kirton-Lindsey, and lastly DH Witney.

Note: A static replica Rapide, painted as G-AEAJ in Railway Air Services and named “Neptune” was built by the North-West Aviation Heritage Museum at Hooton Park in 2001 and erected at the Liverpool Marriott South Hotel (the former Speke Airport Terminal) on 4.9.01. This was repainted as G-ANZP 2004 and later (Sep 09) refurbished as G-AJCL in Cambrian Airways. Apparently it still exists albeit (2014) in poor condition.

27/03/2024

Information about DH and its workers at WITNEY AERODROME still trickles in (I'm pleased to say). This post is from John Mills whose mother and grandmother worked here during the war:

'Hello. My grandmother and mother both worked at the De Havilland aircraft repair facility in Witney during WW2. They had lodgings at the Court Inn, Bridge Street which I believe is now the Old Court Inn.'

'My mother kept her De Havilland badge all her life along with some aircraft cable ends which were an example of her work as a cable splicer.'

'At the time when they were working in Witney, my grandmother was known as Mrs Edith Kent and my mother as Miss Alice Kent. The landlady at the Court Inn where they lodged was a Mrs Clara Tombs.'

Shown with this post are two images, one being a DH Lapel Badge, and the other the cable ends.

If you recognise the names mentioned in this post please would you contact me.

26/11/2023

As reported in the Witney Gazette, Sat 21st September 1918

FATAL ACCIDENT
On Monday last an inquest was held at the Aerodrome, by C. Patey Harvey, esq. (Deputy Coroner) touching the death of John Stanleigh Christiansen, a Corporal belonging to the R.A.F. aged 28 years. The following evidence was given:-

James Alexander Gordon deposed that he was a surgeon of the R.N. attached to the R.A.F. On Sunday last about 10-30a.m. the body of the deceased, John Stanleigh Christiansen, was brought to him as an injury. Witness made an examination of the body and found that the top part of the skull was missing; also the brain. He was of the opinion that the injury was sustained by a severe blow. He was also of the opinion that death must have been instantaneous and was due to shock following concussion. The injuries described were such as might be sustained by a blow from a propeller of an aeroplane while in rapid motion.

Michael Edward Miley deposed that he was a Corporal attached to the Air Force. Witness knew the deceased, John Stanleigh Christiansen who was a Corporal attached to the same Company. He was a native of New York State. About 10-30 last Sunday he was on duty with the deceased. A certain plane landed on that morning when witness and the deceased went across to inspect it as usual after landing.

On arriving witness examined one part and the deceased went round to examine the front part of the machine and in doing so he apparently walked too near to the propeller which was in rapid motion. One of the blades must have come in contact with the deceased’s head, and witness saw the deceased fall to the ground. Witness went and saw the deceased and found that the top of his head was off and that he was apparently quite dead. The deceased was a learner and not an experienced hand.

Michael Henry Picot deposed that he was a Lieut. In the R.A.F. stationed at Witney. Witness went up in a machine Sunday last, about 10 o’clock and landed about 40 minutes after. On landing witness taxied his machine near to the hangars. The deceased, who was almost 28 years of age, and the last witness went to him for the purpose of getting in his wing tips to help him in. Witness asked if the under carriage was alright and they said it was.

Shortly after Witness saw a piece come off the propeller and he knew it must have come in contact with something. Witness at once shut the engine off, got out, and saw the deceased on the ground with the top of his skull off. The deceased probably made a short cut to one of the parts of the machine and in doing so came into contact with the propeller which at the time was in motion. Witness did not see the deceased fall to the ground.

A verdict was returned that the “deceased died of shock following laceration of the brain caused by the deceased accidentally colliding with the propeller (while in motion) attached to a certain aeroplane.”

26/11/2023

This DH89 was Taken On Charge (TOC) at WITNEY on 31st Aug '45. Reg'd G-AGWR in Dec '45, it was later sold to Morton Air Services Ltd, Croydon, in Jan '46.

It was then used by the UN in Palestine as UN-72, with its reg'n amended to R581.50, until 1954 when it was sold to Denmark on Jun '54 to Zone-Redningskorpset, Kastrup.

Nearly two years later it was sold to Sweden and reg'd SE-CDI on 20.4.56 to AB Europa-Flyg, Bromma. Unfortunately eight months later on 23rd Dec it crashed into trees during a forced landing in a snowstorm at Jusdala, near Vimmerby on return to Bromma from Denmark following overhaul with under-wing lighting system.

The reg'n was cancelled a week later, presumably the aircraft being scrapped as it was beyond repair.

26/11/2023

Captain GH Hughes MC WW1 Diary

More entries from his diary whilst based at WITNEY AERODROME

Tuesday 4 June [1918]
Up at 8. Caught the 9.50 to Oxford. Reported to Group. Met Minchin who thought I had been killed. Had lunch with him at the Mitre & a long yarn. Reported back to Group & got posted to 8T.S. at Witney. Out by car & reported to Major Clarke. This seems a “dud" & God forsaken show. Got a billet in Witney – a long walk to the aerodrome. Had some tea & unpacked my kit. The machines are DH6s & Bristols. I’m up against the same old job – its rather disheartening. Dinner at the Marlbro Hotel. Met Taylor Kerr & Poole Warren there. To bed fairly early.

Letters
To: Aunty Mary, Margaret

Friday 7 June [1918]
Up at 7. To 7.30 Mass & Holy Communion at Westminster. Caught the 9.50 to Witney. At last my Australian & other mail arrived from France! I am awfully bucked – everyone was so delighted over my M.C. To aerodrome after lunch & back to Marlbro for tea. Back to aerodrome & sat on a Court of Enquiry. Went up for a flight on a DH6. Stayed at aerodrome till 9 p.m. Down to dinner then.

Letters
From: Mother 23 & 22 (dup.), Father 4/4/18, Eileen, Eve, Mrs. Maher, Nita, Teddie Campbell, Con Moore, Major Smith, Staines, Burney, Mr. Wells, Aunty Mary (several), Margaret, Mrs. Vidal.

Saturday 8 June [1918]
Up at 5.30 & to aerodrome. Did quite a bit of dual in Bristols before breakfast. Back to aerodrome after breakfast. Did some more dual. Got orders to go to Gosport for a course of special flying. Down to Witney & packed. After lunch caught the 3 train to Oxford & reported to Group. Met Minchin again. I have to report on Monday. Caught the 4.30 to London. Got a room at the Grosvenor. To Regent Place & found Aunty, Mary, & Maurice. Dinner at Pagani’s with them & Cyril Maher. Back to bed.

Sunday 9 June [1918]
Up at 9. To Mass at 10 at a church in Palace Street. Maurice, Margaret & I went to Church Parade in Hyde Park. Old Claye and Clarke are both safe & prisoners – I am so glad! Lunch at Canuto’s in Baker St. with Aunty & Mary. By the 2.15 to Harefield & had tea with Cis & AuntY. I had to leave at 4.30 but the others stayed. Got to Paddington at 6. By tube to the Grosvenor & had dinner. Met little Mathias – now a Captain & M.C. Also met Rockey & his wife. Caught the 8.55 from Waterloo & arrived Portsmouth about midnight. Got a room at a local pub & to bed.

Letters
To: Bank, Major Smith

Monday 10 June [1918]
Up at 9. After breakfast taxi to the ferry & crossed to Gosport. Met an R.N.A.S. [Royal Naval Air Service] Captain named Winter and we got a car to the aerodrome. Spent most of the morning reporting. I am in Williams’ flight – he is said to be the star turn. Got a nice room at Fort Rownor. In the afternoon went to the aerodrome but it was too “dud" for flying. Spent the afternoon & evening writing letters. Wrote to Mother & Father about Margaret. Met several very nice chaps in the mess.

Letters
To: Mother & Father No. 23 & 24.

Tuesday 11 June [1918]
Up at 9. Williams took me up for dual and later I did several solos. These Avros are delightful to fly. Did more dual in the afternoon & more solos. This is very interesting. Williams started by explaining first principle & then ordinary turns, climbing turns, vertical turns etc. and spirals. In afternoon we did some forced landings – both by sideslipping and S-turning. Flying washed out at 4 p.m. After tea wrote letters. In evening strolled over to Fort Grange & back.

Letters
From: Mother (24 (dup.), 25), Photos from Histed, Father 23/4/18, Mrs. Thompson, Margaret, Mrs. Vidal
P.Cs from Burney & Gilbert
To: Aunty Mary, Margaret, Gilbert

18/11/2023

A 1950's aerial photo of Smith's factory built on the site of the old aerodrome. The carpark is approximately where aircraft would taxi for take-off. Looking closely at the image, you will see at just below the centre is a large hut (it still has camouflage on its roof) that was connected to the College building, and this image is probably the only one that shows that it is even existed as it was eventually demolished to make way for the Smiths HQ building, which still remains on the right as you enter the site. I'm also sure that the flight prep hut is shown - it is end on to the carpark. Note also what appears to be a bus park with buses parked up - ready to take the workers to their home villages, perhaps?

Also at the nearest end of the car park there appears to be a long low and narrow building. I would guess that this was probably the bike shed, as I have seen similar images elsewhere that showed a workers bike shed.

22/07/2023

This DH89 was taken on charge at 5MU in Dec '44 as a military aircraft with the registration NR693. In Mar' 46 it arrived at WITNEY AERODROME possibly for servicing and/or repair (although it could have been used as a 'hack' by DH). However, 16 months later it was sold with the civilian registration of G-AHKV to the Secretary, Ministry of Supply. For the remainder of the 1940s and early '50s it was used for commercial operations, even - at one point - being named 'RMA Sir James Outram'.

It was then used for advertising purposes during the mid '50s by Sky Neon Aviation Co Ltd, Croydon and flown at night over London with underwing neon advertising signs. In '57 it was sold to the Automobile Association Ltd, Fairoaks (later Panshanger) and used for aerial patrol. Following that it was reg'd 20.6.63 to Solair Flying Services Ltd, but later that ceased trading and it was then flown to Baginton 12.10.64.

During the mid '60s it was registered to Cartographical Services (Southampton) Ltd, Elmdon, and flew until its CofA lapsed 3.12.68. Its reg'n was cancelled in Sep '69 as pwfu (permanently withdrawn from use).

Finally, it was burnt by Birmingham Airport fire section, sometime during '69.