PHOTO of the DAY...

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
26/09/24

Not quite biblical, but I thought during the night's interludes between sleep there was the sound of seemingly heavy rainfall.. The trusty weather station recorded .76"/ just under 2cms of rain between midnight and 06.00. Hopefully the aeroplanes that live outside are suitably watertight after such a generous washdown, more than I can say for the integrity of our roof where rain decided to make an entry last night... £££££.

Talking of water, it was on today's date that the DH Sea Vixen made its first flight. The first British two seat combat aircraft to go supersonic although it had to be going downhill to achieve this status... The first Sea Vixen movement at Blackbushe was 28th May, 1959, when XJ480 made some approaches.




Sea Vixens over Blackbushe. Six Sea Vixens lead a Navy formation through Blackbushe's sky way back in the 1960s. Either during the Air Show or practice the week before...The legendary times when Farnborough was always in September and the weather was just as varied as it is today.


Stay dry,
PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
27/09/24

Any moment now "Photo of the Day" will click-up its 800,000th visit, someone will do it in the next few minutes...nobody could be more surprised than me, an idea started in January 2015 fuelled by a passion and belief that Blackbushe could and would survive, and of course her unique history, it's become the launch point for most of my days and something that gives the memory a spot of exercise. That very modern day activity of giving a "like" to photos and reports in the public domain has popped-up during the operation as we daily receive four or five "likes" - seemingly always from the same five or six parties... Thanks guys! Will we make it to 1,000,000 visits? Probably depends on the NHS and their attention more than anything!!!

Now, the Spitfire continues to play her part in our nation's history, and happily continues to be a part of the Blackbushe operation with the advent of two-seat Spits enjoying flying days at Blackbushe with a further such programme next year when the sound of Merlins will again play across the airfield and though the surrounding forests..

Followers of World War Two history will recall how yesterday, 26th September, was highly significant in our history and that of the Spitfire. 26th September, 1940, the day when the Luftwaffe turned their attention on the Supermarine works in Southampton in hopes of destroying the further production of an aeroplane that was proving a pain in the Luftwaffe's back-side.




Spitfire at Blackbushe, the Airport's 75th Anniversary would not been complete without those unique elliptical wings!!




Poetry in motion, Pete Teichman arrives in his genuine ex 16 Squadron Mk11 Spitfire. 16Sqn were resident at RAF Hartford Bridge (Blackbushe to be) during WW2.



Shortly after 4pm on that September afternoon the air raid sirens came to life happily giving the Supermarine work force time to take shelter before a 100 or more Luftwaffe aircraft arrived determined to put an end to Spitfire production. Such things would not be achieved so easily... The attacking force consisted of some 60 Me110s escorting a further 60 He111s, a significant force with a singular objective. 200 bombs were dropped mostly missing their target due to the shape of the invading formation, just seven bombs hitting the Woolston factory. Sadly a large number of bombs fell on residential areas killing 36 and seriously injuring a further 60 civilians.

Production at Southampton ceased but only three near complete Spitfires were destroyed and 20 were damaged. But, Spitfire production did not cease... Earlier air raids in the Southampton area had convinced Supermarine of the necessity to disperse Spitfire production rather than having the focus on one place. Spitfire production was dispersed across Hampshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire while the design and development team moved to Hursley Park, a magnificent building in the heart of Hampshire's country side.

There were teething problems with both the locations and workforce, but these were overcome and Spitfires came to life in garages, sheds, and other unlikely places. Britain was at war and her spirit proved invincible. The decision to relocate Spitfire production was in fact taken at an earlier date, this being due to a Luftwaffe reconnaissance flight over Southampton. An AA shell from the defences landed on a Supermarine workshop in Woolston narrowly missing a worker. If you ever get the chance to see the TV programme "Secret Spitfires" do watch it, it reveals much of the efforts that went behind ensuring the Spitfire lived on to do what it was intended for...




This summer, the Spitfire's magic experienced at Blackbushe providing that most unique and priceless experience - to soar into the blue riding the wings of the Spitfire.


PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
28/09/24


It's Saturday, and it's not raining..

At Blackbushe the tech team will be busy once again working on the Blackbushe Heritage Trust's Viking.... In due course history will be relived as the Trust's Viking takes its place on the Blackbushe apron, resting where so many Vikings gathered up their passengers and headed toward foreign pastures. Air travel was no less exciting than it is today, probably more so as flying was still an experience enjoyed by relatively few back in the fifties compared to today's mass uplifts to destinations that would have taken significantly longer than today by Airbus!

Air travel has grown exponentially comparing today's figures with those of the fifties when Blackbushe was a leading light in the nation's air transport infrastructure. It cannot be denied that there was a certain romance attached to travel in a piston engined airliner that exuded clouds of smoke when its engines fired into life, boarding the aircraft required an uphill climb if you were sitting near the front if it was akin to the Viking with a tailwheel at the back.. Cabin sounds today are so much more refined compared with the vibration and sounds of two or maybe four piston engines pounding away outside. Vikings never had more than two!!

The door is open to all who might wish to become involved with the Heritage Trust and assist with the Viking's restoration or the many areas of PR and administration that form a part of the Trust's daily activity. G-AGRW has now been on TV a couple of times, been in the press, and been on the radio where some of us had to speak on her behalf, a great team has evolved from our volunteers to others making generous cash donations toward the aircraft's return to public life. In due course she will become the star of the future Blackbushe Heritage centre. Get in touch, join the fun that awaits in these days where we are keeping history alive, and no airfield can have a history much more varied than that of Blackbushe!

Take a look!! www.blackbusheheritagetrust.com/




Days gone by, an Eagle Viking rests between duties. The photo was taken on Blackbushe 'south' the area no longer part of the airport south of the A30 and close to Eagle's engineering base and very large hangar...


PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
29/09/24

We read of and see daily news reports of the tragic results of missile and bomb attacks in Gaza and now Beirut, but if we look back into history of life on our own small island it's probably true that many will not be aware of the dreadful punishment we took, especially London, during the days of Adolf Hitler and his Nazi ambitions.

Before Blackbushe, ie RAF Hartford Bridge on the Hartford Bridge Flats even dreamed of becoming an airfield, September 84 years ago witnessed the most cruel and bloody bombing campaign on our capital city, London, plus other major cities around the UK. The Blitz saw London bombed for 57 consecutive nights in addition to daytime raids. On one night, September 7th 1940, 430 Londoners were killed and 1,600 injured. Just on one night. We might feel safe on our precious and small kingdom yet only eight decades ago we were subject to the most appalling attacks from the sky.

By autumn of 1942 RAF Hartford Bridge was almost ready for action and prior to her 'opening' was already serving as a base for glider trials that transferred from RAE Farnborough. Development trials of the 'heavy' gliders that served so well carrying troops and equipment to Arnhem for the invasion known as 'Market Garden' in 1944. Gliders proved invaluable for landing over 14,500 troops, 1,736 vehicles and 263 artillery pieces on the Arnhem landing ground... The 'peace' we enjoy today in the UK is but a blink in time from those terrible and courageous days.




Glider trials were not without incident. A Hotspur that failed to recover from steep decent trials claimed the life of the onboard observer. The scene here is close to the intersection where 14/32 crosses the main runway.





Sadly, later in the 20th Century our government and local authorities had inflicted more damage to Blackbushe than any invading forces could have dreamed of.



But, thanks to the tenacity of her current owners, Blackbushe is today surrounded by more hope for her future than at any time since the government moved out in May 1960.


PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
30/09/24

Another month ends, another week begins, and so life ticks along in the peaceful if somewhat rain sodden land of Great Britain...

That's a reflection on life today as the 30th September leads us into another month and the certainty that summer is fast slipping away. If we go back in time to this day in 1940 life in GB was far from peaceful, but thanks to the Royal Air Force by dusk today, 30th September 1940, the Battle of Britain had witnessed its last great battle fought in the skies of south-east England. Forty-seven German aircraft were destroyed while the RAF lost twenty aircraft and eight of their pilots made the supreme sacrifice. History had been made, although peace would still have a long wait.. The Blitz, the Luftwaffe's attempt to destroy our cities - having failed to extinguish Fighter Command - continued by night until the following May. Britain held its nerve.

RAF Hartford Bridge, better known as Blackbushe today, was still a large unused tract of land of little use when the Battle of Britain raged, but her time was coming! Her role in WW2 was widespread from bomber offensive operations, photo recce coverage of strategic enemy held areas, secret counter-intelligence work by mysterious black painted B-25s, D-Day operations and smoke laying across the Channel, and fighter defense operations too. Blackbushe played her part in the quest for peace.




16 Squadron arrived at RAF Hartford Bridge in June of 1943, their blue PR Spitfires were unmistakable as was the pink one for sunset/sunrise operations.. Above, a visit to Blackbushe by a genuine 16 Squadron Spitfire, it had served with 16 but not at Blackbushe, she joined the Squadron after they'd moved into Europe as the was progressed.



Moving closer to today, a tragic event happened near to Blackbushe on this day 30th September, 1949. The first Avro 707 delta-winged research aircraft crashed close to Blackbushe, the aircraft having only flown for the fist time earlier in the month. Avro test pilot Flt Lt Eric Esler lost his life, the cause of the accident was never found. Further 707s continued their work into delta winged technology leading to big brother named Vulcan..

PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
01/10/24

Welcome to October!! Maybe the summer will have a last chance to improve its reputation after another cool and soggy summer? You can hope...

Looking back on October 1st from history that wonderful piece of engineering 'Concorde' first exceeded Mach 1 back in 1969. Supersonic air travel was destined for a fairly short life but what excitement and admiration was felt whenever Concorde came into sight..

Talking of air transport, it was on 1st October 1964 that a famous player in British air transport changed its name from Derby Airways to British Midland Airways.




Derby Airways on that most outstanding day when their Dakota landed at Blackbushe on a charter flight in the very early sixties. A Dakota's return to the then devastated remains of Blackbushe gave hope that some form of air transport would return to the once busy Blackbushe... It looked ever so big after the few light aircraft that frequented the airfield back then! In 1964 Derby Airways became known as British Midland Airways.




Sir Michael Bishop, Chairman of British Midland Airways arrives at Blackbushe late in the day during Farnborough Week I think in the 1970s, a helicopter awaited for the final leg to Farnborough. I remember that he was in a great hurry...


PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
02/10/24

Stretching the eye balls as light shows its first signs this morning it looks a bit damp beyond the window - the met 'person' predicted a let-up in the rain fall for the next couple of days, let's hope so!

If you've got your diary to hand and planning your activities for October why not mark the 17th, 7pm at the Pathfinder? Why? 'cos it's the next Blackbushe Heritage Trust talk in our series of monthly winter talks, a bright interlude in the dark nights to come! On 17th Squadron Leader Rick Lipscomb of the Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron (JARTS). While aircraft tend to have an ignoble end JARTS job is to ensure the preservation of the RAF's history, with a particular focus on the recovery of a 30 year old Tornado along with station closures, gate guards, artwork, and medals. A unique opportunity, tickets are only £10 and every penny of admission takings goes directly to the funding of the Heritage Trust's Viking. A win win situation, so please pop 17th October in your diary, Pathfinder Cafe, Blackbushe Airport, 7pm... Maybe a chance to see the new runway lights in action - depending on air traffic movements?




September 1959, the world's largest aircraft (of the time) rests at Blackbushe.. The vehicle in the centre of the lower image will be one of the yellow and black Airport vehicles of the time.



The vehicle is of some significance to me. I was twelve at the time, it was very shortly after my Mum died, and my Dad who knew the Blackbushe ATC team well arranged for me to be given a personal tour around Blackbushe - in a vehicle just like this. I recall feeling very important as a Mr Eccles, head of ATC, drove me around the entire Airport, visited all the hangars, airliners everywhere, crossed the active runway, and concluded with a tour of the very substantial Control Tower. A long time ago now, but the experience is locked in my mind. Sadly I didn't have a camera! The view from the top of the Tower was amazing, something we can but dream about today, a full size Blackbushe with not a tree sprouting from its many carefully maintained acres. Thank heavens we still have a Tower with a view today, a Tower that will eventually give way to a new and larger one if/when the Airport overcomes the six decade struggle to build some facilities.

The opportunity came about as my Dad had aircraft flying on trials from Farnborough in connection with his work in Radio Dept., and sometimes these trials required co-operation with Blackbushe ATC. Varsity, Lincoln, Canberra and a Boulton Paul Balliol, I recall it was a very agreeable relationship. Sadly I can give no more detail, memory, the years, and deaths take their toll...

See you tomorrow..
PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
03/10/24

Time is of the essence today, "POTD" necessarily brief. The years are flying by and as one gets to an age where gratitude has to be expressed that you've made it for at least one more day during your waking moments, the grey cell claws for thoughts that would be apt for the forthcoming "POTD" edition. What readers/observers make of "POTD" I'm not certain, feedback is minimal, but it was interesting to note that September just gone witnessed slightly under 20,000 visits to our daily "POTD" pages..

So, what of today? It's not raining, perhaps the biggest news of the morning with much work awaiting in the rambling spread of garden.. My thoughts before emerging from the bedroom went back to 1960, the last days of Blackbushe as a major airport leading to the birth of the Blackbushe we know today. The future of Blackbushe looked bleak to put it mildly, the government decided to build a new airport and call it Gatwick, Blackbushe had to go, especially as the resident airlines formed a consortium to purchase the old airport and retain their bases and operations.

The result was a scene of utter desolation as every building and hangar were destroyed apart from the Terminal and the US Navy hangar. The temporary sparing of the Terminal was a miracle because without it the last sixty years would have been impossible. By an act of providence AVM "Pathfinder" Bennett purchased 365 acres of Blackbushe. Determined to build a superior General Aviation centre he acquired the freehold of the land and with that land came the start of the past six decades where development has been thwarted by various channels of disagreement as to Blackbushe being permitted the luxury of a permanent hangar in which to shelter precious aircraft..or to build anything else. A long story, but in those early 1960s days AVM Bennett employed a caretaker, Gordon Wilmer, and spent time on the airfield organising the necessary actions to get the place ready to receive aviation once again.

This was the time when a generation of young chaps who had spent hallowed years inhaling the wonders of full-blown Blackbushe appeared at the airfield keen to help and also form a Blackbushe enthusiasts group. At the same time a smallish number of older, as well as a few younger, people came to Blackbushe at the weekend to help in whatever way they could toward securing Bennett's ambitions for the airfield. I was 15 at the time and cycled up to the airfield at every opportunity, the spirit and 'fellowship' of the weekend gatherings were totally inspiring to me and I was totally sucked into the new and gathering spirit of Blackbushe.

The Blackbushe Aero Club was formed and from that the spirit of Blackbushe had a firm base from which to grow. I was a founder member and soon on the Committee amid the most inspiring group of people.

The generations revolve, by a sad fact of life there are very very few who today remember those early days, or were a part of them. Being a mere schoolboy with GCEs ahead age was on my side! As the years have revolved so has the Blackbushe 'spirit' and new blood has replaced old and the old spirit is as strong as ever - the sad part is that very very few have any recall of Blackbushe as a London airport and the atmosphere that came from the Airport on the plateau.. Hopefully "POTD" has done a bit toward linking the generations and sustaining something of the old spirit while embracing the many who today share and enjoy Blackbushe's 21st Century life.

As the days go by I would like to think that this once baby of the pack will still be around to witness the new Blackbushe when her time comes and hangars and the other long missing infrastructure begins to appear. Fingers crossed!!




Dreams of years gone by, I can still hear those engines...




Tough times, the winter of 1962/63... the spirit of Blackbushe never died.




1962, saved!




Slowly, but surely, the lifeblood of Blackbushe pulsated against some formidable barriers..




For some of us those days will never be forgotten - the Blackbushe scene has changed beyond measure, but the old spirit flies ever onward.



PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
04/10/24

24 hours since our paths last crossed on "POTD" and STILL no rain!! Must be two days now, better prepare for the hose-pipe ban I guess?

Our moments together today have to be short as I'm still embedded, if you can say that, in a hefty operation in the garden clearing large areas of plant-life ready for contractors' arrival on Monday morning... Using the car's capability to resemble a van when you fold all the seats away another appointment awaits at the Rushmoor tip or recycling plant whatever the latest description may be..So, no waffle, as if there ever is in the sanctity of "POTD". ? .

Yesterday's epistle related itself to the ongoing spirit of Blackbushe, that unseen force that binds together those who have experienced it.. Where better to find 'the force' than amid today's Blackbushe residents...

If ever the 'spirit of Blackbushe' were to be found it MUST be amid the Blackbushe Heritage Trust!! Established last year the Trust is dedicated to preserving the old spirit of Blackbushe while combining it with the challenges of restoring a Viking airliner wherein the spirit of 'old' Blackbushe awaits liberation.. The Trust are always seeking new members who might wish to get involved with their project and the establishment of a Heritage centre at Blackbushe as a salute to those golden days of commercial aviation that thrived here in the fifties. You will always be welcome to pop in for a chat, see the Viking, and perhaps see how you too may become involved in the Trust's work!! www.blackbusheheritagetrust.com/

Flying schools are great places to find where the spirit of Blackbushe crosses with the spirit of flight - a formidable amalgam..

Blackbushe has fantastic examples of resident flying schools..

Aerobility stand out as the supreme location for disabled members to not only taste the joy of flight but learn to master it too. www.aerobility.com/

Air First with some 40 years of experience. airfirst.co.uk/

Blackbushe Aviation. Again a long term operator at Blackbushe for basic training right up to commercial licenses. www.blackbusheaviation.com/

Helicopter Services. Based at White Waltham, Helicopter Services make great use of Blackbushe for training, the airfield offers the perfect situation for them! www.helicopterservices.co.uk/

Semet Aviation Standing for Single Engine Multi Engine Trainer, Semet offer a wide range of training opportunities for the flying and non-flying community. semetaviation.co.uk/


The 'spirit of Blackbushe' is in a very healthy state, and when you're at the Airport there's no better place than the Airport's own "Pathfinder Cafe" to share it.. www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/cafe




From Here...




..to here




...to here, whether you're learning to fly, departing on a business jet, enjoying the Pathfinder Cafe, or a member of the Blackbushe Heritage Trust helping restore history, the long surviving 'spirit of Blackbushe' awaits!!


PB

[PB]

"Photo of the Day"
05/10/24



Today's one of those days, the last Spitfire flying day of the year. But, the flying legend will be back next year to carry more who'll experience the unique joy of flying a Spitfire..



The weather looks good. If you should visit Blackbushe today two things to remember apart from the Spitfire.

(i) The Blackbushe Heritage Trust Tech Team will be working on the Viking in the green hangar. We are always looking for additional members to join the Tech Team whatever your experience, maybe that'll be you? Always happy to receive donations toward the Viking project should you wish to contribute, anyway do come and say "Hello"!

(ii) A very short walk from the Viking's hangar awaits the Pathfinder Cafe!! It's the ideal place to sit and watch the aeroplanes while enjoying a drink, breakfast, an ice cream, whatever...they'll also be very pleased to see you!!



That's "POTD" for today, it's a busy day here too - two grandsons come to stay for the weekend, the five year old one demanding flying lessons on the trusty PC...

What better way to start your day?

PB