Cannot reply specifically for Cannock, but I do know that neighbouring Shropshire had many grass airfields for aircraft up to Vickers Armstrong Wellington size. Soft ground was a limiting factor and some were only extant for a short period or were replaced with the likes of fuel storage dumps. It is statistically likely that the vicinity of Cannock would have had a landing ground of some description even if only a grass strip for AOP aircraft such as Austers. The area was also a glider pilot training area launching from Sleap and Tilstock and so a grass field relatively near would have been convenient.
Boulton Paul Aircraft Ltd. was established in Pendeford in 1934 when the original Norwich based company, Boulton & Paul Ltd., sold its aircraft department. The factory in Pendeford was extended in 1937 and eventually covered three times the area of the original works. A training school was set up at Cannock, and the factory was a major employer in the area.
Pendeford airfield (8m SW of Cannock) opened in 1938 at a cost of £80,000. It had hangars, a control tower and grass runways. The field was to be managed by the Midland Aero Club. Although it was used by private fliers and later by Boulton Paul, scheduled air services were not attracted until after the Second World War. It closed in Dec 1970 and there is little evidence of its existence.
Edit: I think Hixon is NE of Stafford.
Last edited by Tiger_mate; 7th Aug 2011 at 17:59.