View Full Version : Smiths Lawn
DILLIGAFF
9th Aug 2007, 03:58
In Windsor Great Park is Smiths Lawn home of the Guards Polo Club, I have been told that during the war it was used as an airfield. I have been there quite a few times and the only sign I can find of any aeronautical past is a house on the edge of the polo fields called "The Flying Barn". Does anyone have any information or pictures of it being used as an airfield. I found a book on the history of the polo club but it only starts at 1955 and does not mention any use as one.
D
chevvron
9th Aug 2007, 08:24
Not sure but I once read a book called 'Beneath the City Streets' where it mentioned an aircraft factory underneath the nearby Wentworth Golf Course; I believe it was a 'shadow' for Vickers who built Wellingtons there and they were then trucked to Smith's Lawn for assembly and test flying. There was a T2 hangar there at one time.
tornadoken
9th Aug 2007, 08:55
B.B.Halpenny, Action Stations/8, P.203: end-1940 Bellman hangar assembling 65 Wimpeys. 7/41 - 2/45, RLG for Fairoaks EFTS. 1944 MAP storage site for Warwicks. USAAF strip for Grasshoppers.
chevvron
9th Aug 2007, 10:10
Well it looked like a T2 on the aerial film I saw once!! Wonder if the factory still exists under Wentworth?
DILLIGAFF
9th Aug 2007, 22:55
Chevvron,
Thanks for the info, I live just across the road from Wentworth, I will get my bike out over the weekend and go for a cycle round to see if I can anything.
D
jabberwok
10th Aug 2007, 02:56
From my records:
Smiths Lawn Windsor Great Park N51:25:27 W000:36:22 1941 RAF. 50 Grp. EFTS RLG
RAF records tend not to mention any manufacturing activity so that is news to me.
chevvron
10th Aug 2007, 07:04
MAP records might show it if they're available.
pelagic
30th Sep 2007, 13:54
Dilligaff
If you are still looking for info on Smiths Lawn, I have some references/photos of it in use. PM me if you are interested.
BTW - the 'Flying Barn' has no connection with aviation. Its the name given to a farm barn originally constructed in the 18th Century which was portable - ie it could be towed from one point to another on the farm. There was one located here in the time of GeorgeIII, and the 'local' name has stuck.
pelagic
4th Oct 2007, 20:50
Dilligaff - PM for you.
ATR42300
5th Oct 2007, 08:48
Take a look at:
http://www.content-delivery.co.uk/aviation/airfields/SmithsLawn.html