Attleborough Aerodrome
Royal Flying Corps in Attleborough Fields 1914
Being located at the geographical centre of Great Britain, Nuneaton played a vital role in several ways during both World Wars.
For instance, during the First World War, Attleborough Fields were home to a vital airfield that was used by the Royal Flying Corps (the precursor to the RAF), although the area had been used for flying as early as 1912. It was chosen as a half way point between London and Manchester when flyers used the main railway lines for navigation purposes.
The Attleborough Fields Aerodrome was initiated by, and opened by, local benefactor Edward Melly in 1913 (Mr Melly also provided the lease on Weddington Castle to enable it to be turned into a Red Cross Hospital during World War I - you can read more about this remarkable man in the 'Key People' section of this website).
This fairly flat field near the village of Attleborough was convenient for early flyers. It was about half way from London to Manchester and these brave aviators followed the main railway line to guide them on their way. The railway company facilitated this by painting the sleepers of the directional track at important junctions white, so that the flyers knew which way to turn. It led them through Attleborough. They set down here on a grassy strip to refuel. Then took off again on their dangerous journeys: In 1912 the terminal building was a tent!
During World War One a large hangar was erected said to be only second biggest to the famous London airfield at Hendon. After the airfield ceased to be of use in the late 1920’s the hangar was dismantled and re-built off Coton Road where it was used as a paraffin and petroleum store. Edward Ferdinand Melly, the Griff Colliery director’s brother was one of these early flying pioneers and Edward Melly paid for the hanger to be erected in 1915. He also had something to do with the supply of petrol being a partner in a fuel distribution business in Nuneaton. Which would probably explain why the hanger was re-used for fuel and paraffin storage after the airfield went out of use in the late 1920s. The first Laker Airlines started here at Attleborough. Mr Trevor Laker, at one time a very keen motorcyclist took his life into his hands, as well as those of his passengers (no relation Sir Freddy!)
You can find out more at the links and picture gallery below:
A Forgotten Aerodrome - Attleborough Fields, Nuneaton: a short History of Attleborough Fields Aerodrome by John Grech (PDF*)
'Flight' magazine, January 17th 1914 page 1 - article on Edward Melly opening the Aerodrome (including a photo of the aircraft hangar) (PDF*)
'Flight' magazine, January 17th 1914 page 2 - article on Edward Melly opening the Aerodrome (PDF*)
For instance, during the First World War, Attleborough Fields were home to a vital airfield that was used by the Royal Flying Corps (the precursor to the RAF), although the area had been used for flying as early as 1912. It was chosen as a half way point between London and Manchester when flyers used the main railway lines for navigation purposes.
The Attleborough Fields Aerodrome was initiated by, and opened by, local benefactor Edward Melly in 1913 (Mr Melly also provided the lease on Weddington Castle to enable it to be turned into a Red Cross Hospital during World War I - you can read more about this remarkable man in the 'Key People' section of this website).
This fairly flat field near the village of Attleborough was convenient for early flyers. It was about half way from London to Manchester and these brave aviators followed the main railway line to guide them on their way. The railway company facilitated this by painting the sleepers of the directional track at important junctions white, so that the flyers knew which way to turn. It led them through Attleborough. They set down here on a grassy strip to refuel. Then took off again on their dangerous journeys: In 1912 the terminal building was a tent!
During World War One a large hangar was erected said to be only second biggest to the famous London airfield at Hendon. After the airfield ceased to be of use in the late 1920’s the hangar was dismantled and re-built off Coton Road where it was used as a paraffin and petroleum store. Edward Ferdinand Melly, the Griff Colliery director’s brother was one of these early flying pioneers and Edward Melly paid for the hanger to be erected in 1915. He also had something to do with the supply of petrol being a partner in a fuel distribution business in Nuneaton. Which would probably explain why the hanger was re-used for fuel and paraffin storage after the airfield went out of use in the late 1920s. The first Laker Airlines started here at Attleborough. Mr Trevor Laker, at one time a very keen motorcyclist took his life into his hands, as well as those of his passengers (no relation Sir Freddy!)
You can find out more at the links and picture gallery below:
A Forgotten Aerodrome - Attleborough Fields, Nuneaton: a short History of Attleborough Fields Aerodrome by John Grech (PDF*)
'Flight' magazine, January 17th 1914 page 1 - article on Edward Melly opening the Aerodrome (including a photo of the aircraft hangar) (PDF*)
'Flight' magazine, January 17th 1914 page 2 - article on Edward Melly opening the Aerodrome (PDF*)
