[Bryn Clinch]

I own up to using this pic. from GE as I cannot get out at present due to serious illness. Not sure whether this building is listed. If it isn`t. . . . . . . .

[HERB COLLECTOR]

The only excitement at the airfield.................. came at 00.45hrs on the 20th May 1918, when Gotha GV/979/16 crashed close by.

Have just found this photo of the Frinsted Gotha, posted by Riding with the Angels, May 03, 2009.
www.kenthistoryforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=3190.0
Does anyone know the exact location?

[HERB COLLECTOR]

The Gotha's captain, Leutnant Joachim Flathow and pilot Vizefeldwebel Albrecht Sachtler were both killed and buried at nearby St Dunstan's church.

Should read '.........both killed in crash and buried at nearby St Dunstan's churchyard.'
Could mods please alter, thanks.

[HERB COLLECTOR]

The only excitement at the airfield, apart from a Camel writing itself off in a collision with the wire fence at its northern edge, came at 00.45hrs on the 20th May 1918, when Gotha GV/979/16 crashed close by.
The Gotha had been attacked by Major Sowrey of 143 Squadron in a SE5A, and by Lieuts Turner and Barwise of 141 Squadron flying a Bristol Fighter.
According to the Gotha's gunner, the wounded pilot was attempting to land on the Frinsted flarepath.
The Gotha's captain, Leutnant Joachim Flathow and pilot Vizefeldwebel Albrecht Sachtler were both killed in the crash and buried at nearby St Dunstan's Churchyard.
Later moved to Cannock Chase?

[HERB COLLECTOR]

Have you passed this on to the A.R.G?

Yes.

I have had a look on Google maps.
Extending roughly south-east from the lower corner of Copes Wood is a "line" to the Frinsted-Ringlestone Road, this formed the north edge of the airfield. The west edge of the airfield was the line to the east of the white dotted line.
The airfield`s hanger backed onto the road in the narrow section to the east.

[cliveh]

Frinsted landing ground was midway between Frinsted and Ringlestone, to the west of the Frinsted-Ringlestone road and just north of the oast house.
Two nearby farms are Yewtree farm and Park farm, who may be able to help with ownership.

From a survey of Kent airfields taken by 50 Wing in 1918, via 'Throwley 1917-1919' by A.J. Moor. Page 105.

"Frinsted 2nd class landing ground.
This ground is 4 miles s of Sittingbourne and the nearest Railway station is at Harrietsham. The ground is 530ft above sea level and is 600 yards long by 350 yards wide.
The ground is flat and bound by low hedges.
The surface is good.
Ground signals are placed near the Guard Hut towards the NE corner.
Landings can be effected from the NE, SW and E by night and from any direction by day.
There is a wire fence on the northern boundary.
A distinguishing flare is set out as this ground is over 500ft above sea level."

Well done HERB COLLECTOR. Have you passed this on to the A.R.G?

cliveh

[HERB COLLECTOR]

Frinsted landing ground was midway between Frinsted and Ringlestone, to the west of the Frinsted-Ringlestone road and just north of the oast house.
Two nearby farms are Yewtree farm and Park farm, who may be able to help with ownership.

From a survey of Kent airfields taken by 50 Wing in 1918, via 'Throwley 1917-1919' by A.J. Moor. Page 105.

"Frinsted 2nd class landing ground.
This ground is 4 miles from Sittingbourne and the nearest Railway station is at Harrietsham. The ground is 530ft above sea level and is 600 yards long by 350 yards wide.
The ground is flat and bound by low hedges.
The surface is good.
Ground signals are placed near the Guard Hut towards the NE corner.
Landings can be effected from the NE, SW and E by night and from any direction by day.
There is a wire fence on the northern boundary.
A distinguishing flare is set out as this ground is over 500ft above sea level."

[cliveh]

Today's 'Kent Messenger' contains an article with an appeal from The Aerodrome Research Group for any information on the above. They believe that land at Yokes Court, Frinsted may have served as a RFC second class emergency landing ground in the Great War.

They are seeking any information on the exact location and the ownership of the land today. If anyone can help they can be contacted directly on 0208 402 4157 or via the KM's reporter Alan Smith on 01622 695666. It'd be good if some info could be shared on here too!


cliveh