:Penshurst Airfield

The airfield was located south of Charcott, on the western edge of Leigh, and eastern edge of Chiddingstone, at {{coord|51|12|N|0|11|E|display=inline}} ({{gbmappingsmall|TQ 525 468}}).{{cite journal| title=Notices to Airmen |journal=Flight |issue=2 February 1928 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1928/1928%20-%200086.html}} The parish boundary running through the site.[http://www.npemap.org.uk/tiles/map.html#553,146,1 1940 Ordnance Survey map] It was named Penshurst as it was considered that name was more up-market than Chiddingstone Causeway or Leigh.{{cite web |url=http://www.leighhistorical.org.uk/References/Leigh_at_War.pdf |title=Leigh in the War, 1939–45 |publisher=Leigh and District Historical Society |date=September 1993 |access-date=13 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617015223/http://www.leighhistorical.org.uk/References/Leigh_at_War.pdf |archive-date=17 June 2012 }} The airfield was some {{convert|2|mi|km}} north of Penshurst.{{sfn|Delve|2005|page=198}} Nearby Penshurst railway station lies within the parish of Chiddingstone.

An airfield was established at Penshurst in December 1916.{{cite web |url=http://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/Penshurst-Chiddingstone-Causeway.php |title=Penshurst (Chiddingstone Causeway) |publisher=Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust |access-date=13 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002091614/http://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/Penshurst-Chiddingstone-Causeway.php |archive-date=2 October 2011 }} The airfield had a grass runway. The site measured {{convert|800|yd|abbr=on}} from north to south and {{convert|400|yd|abbr=on}} from east to west. In total it extended to {{convert|72|acre|ha}}. Facilities included two hangars of {{convert|130|x|60|ft|abbr=on}},{{sfn|Delve|2005|page=198}} and a {{convert|2000|ft|abbr=on|0}} long grass runway, aligned east–west.{{sfn|Delve|2005|page=199}} A large house, Knotley Hall, which stood to the south of the airfield was requisitioned for use as the officer's accommodation.{{sfn|Delve|2005|page=198}} During 1917, Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.12 aircraft of No. 78 Squadron RFC were based at Penshurst.{{sfn|Humphreys|2001|p=40}}

On 8 November 1917, No. 2 Wireless School was formed at Penshurst. It operated a variety of aircraft, including Airco DH.6, Avro 504K, Avro 504N, Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c and B.E.2e, Sopwith Camel and Sopwith Snipe.{{sfn|Sturtivant|2007|p=307}} Aircrew attended the school for a one-week-long course in wireless telephony procedures.{{sfn|Delve|2005|p=198}} The school was disbanded on 23 March 1919.{{sfn|Sturtivant|2007|p=307}} Knotley Hall was offered for sale in May 1919.{{Cite newspaper The Times |title=Town Houses |department=Property |date=31 May 1919 |page=2s |issue=43114 |column=C}} In September 1919, it was announced that Penshurst had been disposed of by the Royal Air Force, and that it could be considered as an emergency landing ground for civil aircraft.{{cite journal|title=Aerodromes for Civil Use |journal=Flight |issue=4 September 1919 |pages=1189–90}} ([http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1919/1919%20-%201187.html p. 1189], [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1919/1919%20-%201188.html p. 1190])

In February 1920, a Notice to Airmen was issued advising pilots that had made emergency landings at Penshurst that they could use the War Office telephone to inform the police of their arrival and to obtain conveyances for their passengers to take them to Penshurst station.{{cite journal |title=Telephone Facilities for Civilian Aviators at Penshurst |journal=Flight |issue=5 February 1920 |page=149 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1920/1920%20-%200149.html}} On 5 June 1920, the first air mail flight between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom was made. Bert Hinchcliffe departed from Schiphol in a hired Airco DH.9 with 300 letters on board. Despite the bad weather, Hinchcliffe decided not to land at Lympne and pressed on towards Croydon. He was eventually forced to land at Penshurst due to a combination of the weather and running low on fuel. A taxi was hired to take Hinchcliffe and the letters on to London.{{cite journal |url=http://www.redditch-philatelic.org.uk/Newsletter%20Autumn%202009.pdf |title=Netherlands & Colonies Airmail, Part One: The Beginning 1919–1920 |journal=Halcyon |publisher=Redditch and District Philatelic Society |page=8 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317085649/http://www.redditch-philatelic.org.uk/Newsletter%20Autumn%202009.pdf |archive-date=17 March 2012 }} A linen windsock was installed at Penshurst in November 1920.{{cite journal |title=Penshurst Landing Ground : Provision of Wind Indicator |journal=Flight |issue=25 November 1920 |page=1213 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1920/1920%20-%201211.html}} The War Office telephone was notified as having been discontinued in January 1921.{{cite journal|title=Penshurst Landing Ground : Telephone |journal=Flight |issue=27 January 1921 |page=59 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1921/1921%20-%200059.html}} On 24 September 1921, a de Havilland DH.18 aircraft diverted to Penshurst as Croydon was fogbound.{{cite journal|title=London Terminal Aerodrome |journal=Flight |issue=29 September 1921 |page=649 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1921/1921%20-%200649.html}}

From February 1922 the airfield, which was in use as an emergency landing ground, had an illuminated T as part of the illumination of the London-Paris airway. Also at the airfield were coloured lamps connected to an anemometer to indicate wind strength, green for no wind, white for moderate wind and red to indicate strong wind.{{Cite newspaper The Times |title=Night Flying. London-Paris Airway Tests |department=News |date=25 January 1923 |page=20 |issue=43248 |column=G }}

On 10 June 1922, Alan Cobham was forced to land his de Havilland DH.9 at Penshurst owing to poor weather conditions at Stag Lane Aerodrome, Edgware. He was attempting a {{convert|1200|mi|abbr=on}} flight from Belgrade, Yugoslavia bringing photographs of the Royal Wedding between King Alexander and Princess Maria for publication by the Daily Mirror. The photographs were taken on to London by road.{{cite journal|title=Mr. Cobham's flight from Belgrade |journal=Flight |issue=15 June 1922 |page=345 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1922/1922%20-%200345.html}} On 7 July 1922, two Farman Goliaths diverted to Penshurst during a gale. One aircraft belonged to Compagnie des Messageries Aériennes and the other to Compagnie des Grands Express Aériens. Both aircraft were picketed overnight as there was no hangar large enough to accommodate them. A gust of {{convert|65|mph|abbr=on}} was recorded.{{cite journal |title=London Terminal Aerodrome |journal=Flight |issue=13 July 1922 |page=400 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1922/1922%20-%200400.html}}

In 1925, runway lights were installed at Penshurst.{{cite journal|title=Aerodrome Boundary Lights |journal=Flight |issue=22 January 1925 |page=50 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1925/1925%20-%200050.html}} In 1926, a telephone was again made available to airmen at Penshurst.{{cite journal|title=Telephone at Penshurst Landing Ground |journal=Flight |issue=25 February 1926 |page=116 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1926/1926%20-%200136.html}} On 27 August 1927, Tunbridge Wells Air Pageant was held. The site originally chosen, a field about a mile outside Tunbridge Wells was deemed unsuitable as there were obstacles surrounding it. It was decided to continue the pageant at Penshurst. Five civil de Havilland Moths and three Armstrong Whitworth Siskins from No. 56 Squadron RAF, based at nearby RAF Biggin Hill attended. The pageant was to promote the proposed Tunbridge Wells Flying Club, whose President was to be Sir Robert Gower. It was reported that part of Penshurst Airfield had been rented by the club.{{cite journal|title=Tunbridge Wells Air Pageant |journal=Flight |issue=1 September 1927 |pages=618–18}} ([http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1927/1927%20-%200671.html p. 617], [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1927/1927%20-%200672.html p. 618]) Sir Robert entertained Sir Sefton Brancker at Penshurst on 5 December 1927 when Brancker called in on his way to Lympne Aerodrome where he was to visit the East Kent Flying Club.{{cite journal|title=Director of Civil Aviation visits the E.K.F. Club |journal=Flight |issue=15 December 1927 |page=852 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1927/1927%20-%200944.html}}

In 1930, Home Counties Aircraft Services were based at Penshurst. A de Havilland DH.60 Gipsy Moth was exhibited at a car showroom in Tunbridge Wells, causing severe traffic congestion due to the number of people visiting the town to see it.{{cite journal|title=Croydon Weekly Notes |journal=Flight |issue=23 May 1930 |page=558 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200582.html}} Home Counties Aircraft Service Ltd was registered later that year.{{cite journal|title=New Company Registered |journal=Flight |issue=6 June 1930 |page=622 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%200654.html}} By October 1930, Mr Waters, the manager of Home Counties Aircraft Service Ltd had formed the Surrey Aero Club, based at Gatwick Racecourse Aerodrome.{{cite journal|title=Surrey Aero Club Opening |journal=Flight |issue=10 October 1930 |page=1115 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%201179.html}}

The airfield served as an alternative destination for Imperial Airways when Croydon was fogbound. The runway was just long enough for this purpose.{{cite web |url=http://www.kent.gov.uk/ExploringKentsPast/SingleResult.aspx?uid=Tke1054 |title=Aviation in Kent |first=Robin |last=Brooks |publisher=Kent County Council |access-date=13 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121223151910/http://www.kent.gov.uk/ExploringKentsPast/SingleResult.aspx?uid=Tke1054 |archive-date=23 December 2012 }} Using Penshurst as an alternate destination caused delays to the passengers as there were no Customs facilities. On 18 February 1932, Croydon and Penshurst were both fogbound, and Handley Page H.P.45 G-AAXE Hengist diverted to Heston Aerodrome. As Customs facilities existed there, passengers were on their way in 10 minutes, as opposed to the three hour or longer delay when using Penshurst.{{cite journal|title=Heston Air Park |journal=Flight |issue=26 February 1932 |page=178 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1932/1932%20-%200194.html}} The practice of having a Customs Officer attend Penshurst on a daily basis was instigated, but it was discontinued in February 1935.{{cite journal|title=Customs at Southampton |journal=Flight |issue=21 February 1935 |page=212 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1935/1935%20-%200418.html}} On 24 October 1932, a German and a French airliner diverted to Penshurst due to smog over London.{{cite journal|title=Croydon |journal=Flight |issue=3 November 1932 |page=1026 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1932/1932%20-%201106.html}}

By 1933, Penshurst was being operated by Air Travel Ltd, who were agents for Brooklands Airways.{{cite journal|title=Companies Operating Internal Air Lines |journal=Flight |issue=3 August 1933 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1933/1933%20-%200263.html}} In 1935, Air Travel Ltd were employing 25 staff. On 1 March 15 aircraft and 26 engines were being worked upon.{{cite journal|title=Progress at Penshurst |journal=Flight |issue=15 March 1935 |page=291 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1935/1935%20-%200591.html}} Air Travel Ltd increased its capital from £500 to £7,000 in January 1936.{{cite journal|title=Increases of Capital |journal=Flight |issue=30 January 1936 |page=134 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1936/1936%20-%200296.html}} In that year, Penshurst marked the south eastern corner of Croydon's controlled zone which came into effect during conditions of bad visibility.{{cite journal|title=RTE Will Get You There |journal=Flight |issue=21 May 1936 |page=Supplement iv, page c |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1936/1936%20-%201324.html}}

On 22 July 1936,{{Cite newspaper The Times |title=Colonel Lindbergh in Berlin |department=News in Brief |date=23 July 1936 |page=15 |issue=47434 |column=E}} Charles Lindbergh departed Penshurst for Staaken Airfield, Berlin, which was a Luftwaffe airfield closed to civil aircraft.{{cite magazine|title=Foreign News: Airman to Earthmen |magazine=Time |issue=3 August 1936}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20081215075851/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,770310,00.html Webpage 1], ([https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175807/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,770310-2,00.html Webpage 2], [https://web.archive.org/web/20121106175812/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,770310-3,00.html Webpage 3]) Lindbergh had been invited to Berlin by Hermann Göring. A press blackout was imposed on the orders of Adolf Hitler. Lindbergh made a speech to the Aero Club in Berlin which was reported in the Völkischer Beobachter.

As a result of the expiry of the lease on the land,{{cite news|newspaper=Kent and Sussex Courier |date=7 February 1936 |title=(untitled)}} Penshurst Airfield closed on 28 July 1936.{{cite journal|title=Penshurst Closed |journal=Flight |issue=30 July 1936 |page=141 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1936/1936%20-%202116.html?search=penshurst}} Air Travel Ltd moved to Gatwick.{{cite journal|title=Modern Airport |journal=Flight |issue=4 June 1936 |pages=602–04}}([http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1936/1936%20-%201475.html p. 602], [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1936/1936%20-%201478.html p. 603], [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1936/1936%20-%201479.html p. 604]) In 1938, the land was converted for use as a Polo ground by the Eridge Polo Club.{{cite journal|title=The Four Winds |journal=Flight |issue=4 January 1938 |page=39 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1938/1938%20-%200099.html}} Civil aircraft that were based at Penshurst include the Avro Avian III,{{cite web |url=http://www.goldenyears.ukf.net/reg_G-E4.htm |title=Civil Aircraft Register – Great Britain G-EBUA – G-EDCA |publisher=Golden Years of Aviation |access-date=19 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110104212215/http://www.goldenyears.ukf.net/reg_G-E4.htm |archive-date=4 January 2011 }} Avro Avian IVM,{{cite web |url=http://www.goldenyears.ukf.net/reg_G-A2.htm |title=Civil Aircraft Register – Great Britain G-AAZA – G-ABKZ |publisher=Golden Years of Aviation |access-date=19 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223205017/http://www.goldenyears.ukf.net/reg_G-A2.htm |archive-date=23 December 2010 }} Avro 504K and Avro 504N,{{cite web |url=http://www.goldenyears.ukf.net/reg_G-A3.htm |title=Civil Aircraft Register – Great Britain G-ABLA – G-ABXZ |publisher=Golden Years of Aviation |access-date=19 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228142922/http://www.goldenyears.ukf.net/reg_G-A3.htm |archive-date=28 December 2010 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.goldenyears.ukf.net/reg_G-A6.htm |title=Civil Aircraft Register – Great Britain G-ACXA – G-ADIZ |publisher=Golden Years of Aviation |access-date=19 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003081829/http://www.goldenyears.ukf.net/reg_G-A6.htm |archive-date=3 October 2011 }} de Havilland DH.60 Moth (various models),{{cite web |url=http://www.goldenyears.ukf.net/reg_G-A5.htm |title=Civil Aircraft Register – Great Britain G-ACLA – G-ACWZ |publisher=Golden Years of Aviation |access-date=19 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003081759/http://www.goldenyears.ukf.net/reg_G-A5.htm |archive-date=3 October 2011 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.goldenyears.ukf.net/reg_G-A.htm |title=Civil Aircraft Register – Great Britain G-AAAA – G-AALZ |publisher=Golden Years of Aviation |access-date=19 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919063923/http://www.goldenyears.ukf.net/reg_G-A.htm |archive-date=19 September 2011 }} and Spartan Three-Seater.

File:Schieverhofer's Me 109.jpg File:653 Sqn, RAF Penshurst.jpg File:Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress after crash.jpg

In 1940, the airfield was occupied by the Royal Air Force, who erected Nissen huts and cleared the area of obstacles as it was intended to use the area as an Emergency Landing Ground. Three pillboxes were erected around the airfield's perimeter. Between March and June 1940 the airfield was used by No. 15 Elementary Flying Training School at RAF Redhill as a relief landing ground.{{sfn|Sturtivant|2007|p=103}} Knotley Hall was again requisitioned for use as the officers' quarters, although the tennis courts were off-limits.

During the Battle of Britain, on 27 October 1940, a Messerschmitt Bf 109E flown by Fw Lothar Schieverhofer, of 3 Gruppe, Jagdgeschwader 52,{{cite journal|url=http://www.74squadron.org.uk/Newsletters/Tiger%20News%2048%20for%20website.pdf |title=Peter Chesters |first1=Simon |last1=Muggleton |first2=Craig |last2=Brandon |journal=Tiger News No. 48 |publisher=No 74 (F) Tiger Squadron Association}} was damaged in a dogfight with Supermarine Spitfire IIa P7494 of No. 74 Squadron RAF,{{cite web |url=http://www.spitfires.ukf.net/p004.htm |title=Spitfire aircraft production, page 004 |publisher=Spitfires |access-date=14 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100501000441/http://www.spitfires.ukf.net/p004.htm |archive-date=1 May 2010 }} flown by Plt Off Peter Chesters. The Messerschmitt made a wheels-up landing at RAF Penshurst, where Chesters also landed a few minutes later as he was short of fuel. Chesters dragged the German from his aircraft. Schieverhofer spat in his face, and a fist-fight developed with both combatants swearing at each other in German. The fight was broken up by the arrival of an ARP Warden, a policeman and a soldier. Chesters was forced to hand back Schieverhofer's Iron Cross, which he had snatched as a souvenir, and instead took the first aid kit from the Messerschmitt. Schieverhofer was taken away from RAF Penshurst as a prisoner of war.{{cite web |url=http://www.bbm.org.uk/as-chesters.htm |title=The Airmen's Stories – P/O P Chesters |publisher=Battle of Britain Museum |access-date=14 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090105235754/http://www.bbm.org.uk/as-chesters.htm |archive-date=5 January 2009 }}

On 4 August 1941 No. 268 Squadron RAF were deployed to RAF Penshurst from RAF Snailwell. They were based here for four days before they returned to RAF Snailwell on 8 August. At the time, 268 Squadron were operating the Curtiss Tomahawk IIA.{{sfn|Delve|2005|p=198}} On 7 September 1942,{{sfn|Delve|2005|page=199}} No. 653 Squadron RAF was deployed to RAF Penshurst, bringing their Auster AOP.5 aircraft with them. The squadron departed on 17 August 1943 but returned again on 17 September.{{sfn|Delve|2005|page=199}} On 13 January 1944, an Auster was presented to 653 Squadron in memory of Scottish aviation pioneer Bertram Dickson.{{cite web|url=http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205210483 |title=CH 12002 (photograph) |publisher=Imperial War Museum |access-date=1 July 2012}} Another was presented to the squadron that day by a Mrs Law in memory of her son.{{sfn|Humphreys|2001|p=146}} 653 Squadron departed Penshurst on 27 June 1944.{{sfn|Delve|2005|page=199}} LB264, one of 653 Squadron's Austers which operated from RAF Penshurst, is preserved at the Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon.{{cite web |url=http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/collections/aircraft/aircraft_histories/X002-9988%20TAYLORCRAFT%20AUSTER%201%20LB264.pdf |title=TAYLORCRAFT AUSTER 1 LB264/G-AIXA, MUSEUM ACCESSION NUMBER X002-9988 |publisher=Royal Air Force Museum |access-date=19 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212035116/http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/collections/aircraft/aircraft_histories/X002-9988%20TAYLORCRAFT%20AUSTER%201%20LB264.pdf |archive-date=12 December 2009 }} On 27 June 1944, 653 Squadron relocated to Normandy.{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalcoldwarexhibition.org/explore/squadron.cfm?number=653 |title=No.653 Squadron|publisher=National Cold War Exhibition |access-date=13 January 2010}} Another Auster squadron, No. 661 Squadron, moved into Penshurst the day 653 Squadron left, like 653 Squadron, 661 followed them to France on 7 August 1944.{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=103}}

On 6 July 1944, Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress 43–37527 N7-X The Prowler of the 603d Bombardment Squadron, USAAF made an emergency wheels-up landing at RAF Penshurst.N7 was the Squadron Code for 603d Bombardment Squadron, X was the individual identity letter for 43-37527 The aircraft was returning to RAF Nuthampstead from a raid on Saint-Omer, France.{{cite web|url=http://www.398th.org/History/Veterans/History/Haas_6thMission.html |title=The Sixth Mission |first=Jim |last=Haas| publisher=389th Bombardment Group |access-date=13 January 2011}} Eight of the eleven crew bailed out before the aircraft landed.{{cite web|url=http://www.398th.org/Images/Images_Aircraft_B-17/Aircraft/43-37527-N7-X_19440706_GR.html |title=Sleaman's Crash at Kent – 6 July 1944 |publisher=389th Bombardment Group |access-date=13 January 2011}} Although a Leigh resident recalled that the aircraft was later repaired and flown out at a light load and taking advantage of favourable winds, official records show that the aircraft was written off.{{cite web|url=http://www.398th.org/Images/Images_Aircraft_B-17/Aircraft/43-37527-N7-X_194406xx_HA.html |title=603rd on Training Flight over England – Middle June 1944 |publisher=389th Bombardment Group |access-date=13 January 2011}} In December 1944, personnel based at Penshurst numbered 26 officers and 166 other ranks. On 2 February 1945, No. 664 Squadron RAF was deployed to Penshurst. They also flew Austers. On 23 March 1945,{{sfn|Delve|2005|page=199}} 664 Squadron were transferred to the Netherlands. On 10 July 1945 Douglas C-47A Dakota 42-108872 of the 23d Fighter Squadron USAAF crashed on landing at RAF Penshurst.{{cite web|url=http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/src/AARmonthly/Jul1945O.htm |title= July 1945 USAAF Overseas Accident Reports |publisher=Aviation Archaeology |access-date=13 January 2011}} The aircraft was written off.{{cite web|url=http://www.worldofcolin.co.uk/chaptertwo.html |title=The War |publisher=Colin Burchett |access-date=13 January 2011}} RAF Penshurst closed on 13 May 1946. The control tower was demolished in the 1970s.{{cite web|url=http://www.controltowers.co.uk/Plist.htm |title=WW2 Airfield Control Towers of Great Britain 'Then and Now', Panshanger to Pulborough |publisher=Control Towers |access-date=13 January 2011}} The crewroom was demolished in 1990.{{sfn|Humphreys|2001|p=181}} A hangar survived until 1991, when it blew down in a storm.

File:Blériot155 F-AICQ.jpg File:1. Flying flee.jpg

• On 20 August 1922, an aircraft flown by Thomas Baden Powell of Tunbridge Wells on a flight from Croydon crashed on landing at Penshurst. Baden Powell was subsequently convicted of flying an unregistered aircraft and flying without a valid pilot's licence. He was fined £40.{{cite journal|title=Legal Intelligence |journal=Flight |issue=19 October 1922 |page=618 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1922/1922%20-%200618.html}}

{{Cite newspaper The Times |title=Unlicensed Airman's Flights. Air Ministry Prosecution |department=News |date=16 October 1922 |page=9 |issue=43163 |column=D}}

• {{main|October 1926 Air Union Blériot 155 crash}}

:On 2 October 1926, Blériot 155 F-AICQ Clement Ader of Air Union crashed at Southwood,Southwood was a large house on Scabharbour Lane. It was just within Leigh parish boundary, standing at {{gbmappingsmall|TQ 535 487}}. {{cite web |url=http://www.leighhistorical.org.uk/Buildings/Southwood.htm |title=Southwood – Leigh's "other" Stately Home |publisher=Leigh and District Historical Society |access-date=14 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825021335/http://www.leighhistorical.org.uk/Buildings/Southwood.htm |archive-date=25 August 2012 }} Leigh following an in-flight fire, killing all seven people on board. The pilot was trying to make an emergency landing at Penshurst.{{cite journal|title=Another Cross-Channel Air Service Disaster |journal=Flight |issue=7 October 1926 |page=665 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1926/1926%20-%200749.html}}{{cite web |url=http://www.goldenyears.ukf.net/reg_F-3.htm |title=Civil Aircraft Register – France |publisher=Golden Years of Aviation |access-date=14 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110118005851/http://www.goldenyears.ukf.net/reg_F-3.htm |archive-date=18 January 2011 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.ab-ix.co.uk/f-aaaa.pdf |title=FRENCH PRE-WAR REGISTER Version 270609 |publisher=Air Britain |access-date=14 January 2011}} This was the first in-flight fire on a civil airliner. The Coroner recorded a verdict of "accidental death" against all seven victims.{{cite news| title=Appalling Air Liner Disaster |newspaper=Tonbridge Free Press |issue=10 October 1926 |page=10}}

• On 2 May 1930, Farman F.63 Goliath F-ADCA of Air Union crashed in Penshurst after encountering a heavy squall during a flight from Le Bourget to Croydon.{{sfn|Humphreys|2001|p=77}}
• On 4 May 1936, Mignet HM.14 "Flying Flea" G-AEEW crashed at an airshow held at Penshurst,{{sfn|Jackson|1973|p=472}}{{cite journal |url=http://www.adventureflyers.asn.au/april06/airtalesapril06.pdf |title=Nostalgia |journal=Air Tales |issue=230, April 2006 |pages=10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706095859/http://www.adventureflyers.asn.au/april06/airtalesapril06.pdf |archive-date=6 July 2011 }} killing the pilot.{{sfn|Jackson|1973|p=472}}{{Cite newspaper The Times |title=Sudden Dive Of "Flying Flea" Test Pilot Killed, Suspension of Flying Recommended |department=News |date=5 May 1936 |page=10 |issue=47366 |column=C }} As a result of this accident, Air Commodore Chamier, secretary of the Air League, called for the Flying Flea to be grounded pending an enquiry.{{cite journal|title=Another Fatal "Pou" Accident |journal=Flight |issue=7 May 1936 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1936/1936%20-%201189.html}}

{{clear}}

{{reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite book |last= Delve|first= Ken|title= The Military Airfields of Britain. Southern England: Kent, Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex |year=2005 |publisher= The Crowood Press Ltd |location=Ramsbury |isbn=1-86126-729-0 }}
• {{cite book |last=Humphreys |first=Roy | title = Kent Aviation, A Century of Flight | publisher = Sutton Publishing |location=Stroud | year = 2001 | isbn = 0-7509-2790-9 }}
• {{cite book |last= Jackson|first= A.J.|title= British Civil Aircraft since 1919 Volume 1|year= 1973|publisher= Putnam|location= London|isbn=0-370-10006-9 }}
• {{cite book |last= Jefford |first= C.G. |title= RAF Squadrons |year=1988 |publisher= Airlife Publishing Ltd |isbn= 1-85310-053-6 }}
• {{cite book |last=Sturtivant |first=Ray | title = RAF Flying Training and Support Units since 1912 | publisher = Air-Britain | year = 2007 | isbn = 978-0-85130-365-9 }}

{{refend}}

{{Commons category|Penshurst Airfield}}

• {{Gbmapping|cap=1|TQ525468}}

{{Defunct airports in the United Kingdom}}

{{authority control}}

Category:Royal Flying Corps airfields

Category:Defunct airports in England

Category:Airports in Kent

Category:Sevenoaks District

Category:Royal Flying Corps airfields in Kent

Category:World War II airfields in the United Kingdom

Category:Airports established in 1916