Barton(Beds) Aerodrome

Read the forum code of contact

Member for

15 years 4 months

Posts: 114

Thanks to those that have PM'd me with information, if I have not got back to you please be patient (working away from home at this time) I will get back to you all asap.

local search turned this up....

BEDFORD SCHOOL OF FLYING, BARTON.The contents of the above, including:
Workbenches, trestles, quantity of mild steel and aluminium,
large quantity of various scrap metals.

De Havilland Moth, Avro Avion, Aeronca and Marenz special air frames,
Gipsy I, VI, Cirrus III and Hermes II aero engines,
air screws and numerous other Effects.

To be Sold by Auction by QWAFFIELD & QON
(Henry Swaflield, N. B. Foster, Leslie J. Swaffield),
at BARTON AIRPORT, BEDS, on THURSDAY, 19th DECEMBER, 1940, at 11 a.m. punctually.
May be viewed Wednesday, the 18th instant, between
10 a.m. and 3.30 p.m., and on morning of
sale, and catalogues with Conditions of Sale obtained
from the Auctioneers, 35, New Bedford Road,
Luton (Telephone: 2016), and Market Place, Ampthill
(Telephone: 11).

OK another twist...

taken from the USAF air crash records..
441212 P-51D 44-13769 BARTON-IN-THE CLAY, HITCHIN 361
from this do I correctly read:
date: 12/12/44
P-51D: a mustang!
44-13769 the aircraft registration number?
HITCHIN 361... no idea!

the 375th Fighter squadron (the Yellow Jackets) lists:
44-13769 P-51D 375 E2-N Snyder Capt. Alton B Jr
stationed at Little Walden escorting B-17s

also:

Type: Miles Magister Mk.I
Operator: RAF ATA
Registration: L8223
C/n / msn: 690
Fatalities: Fatalities: / Occupants:
Airplane damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location: Barton-in-the-Clay, Bedfordshire - United Kingdom
Phase: Landing
Nature: Military
Departure airport:
Destination airport: Barton-in-the-Clay
Narrative:
DBR in heavy landing.

can anyone shed light on ..."Air Britain RAF Aircraft L1000 - N99999" quoted as the source?

this source states this as 16th August 1944, but the ATA had moved from Barton(Beds) to Thame just a few weeks previously?

Jenna

Member for

16 years 9 months

Posts: 1,323

From my records :
No 24 EFTS was based at Luton from 22.7.40 and used Barton as a Relief Landing Ground from that date until 7.2.42 using Miles Magisters i.e. P6452 "47". a few Tiger Moths(for spin training).
From 26.6.42 A flight of the ATA EFTS at Thame was detached to Barton using 30 Magisters until closure in April 1945. The pupils mostly women were bused over each day from Thame for flying lessons.

http://www.airtransportaux.org/history.html

Member for

16 years 9 months

Posts: 1,323

The Bedfordshire School of Flying used Avro Avians G-EBWK and G-AAHK, Aeronca C.3 G-ADYS (still flying)DH Gipsy Moth reg unknown and Short Scion G-AEZF. The Luton Minor as the Luton Aircraft LA.3 G-AEPD made its first flight there in 1936. Designed by C.H.Latimer-Needham. Also the Luton Buzzard G-ADYX was built and flown there in 1936. Marendaz built 2 aircraft the Trainer G-AFZX in 1939 (picture at Barton in "British Civil Aircraft Vol 3" by AJ Jackson) and the Marendaz Mk 3 G-AFGG an advanced design for its day.

Try searching through old Flight magazines online archive at FlightGlobal, under Civil Air Guard flying school reports for 1938/9.

Member for

16 years 9 months

Posts: 1,323

The NA Mustang P-51D belonging to the 361st Fighter Group crashed on the airfield piloted by Joseph Wolfe. It was serialled 44-13769 coded "E2:W" and named "Snitz" after its original pilot Capt Alton Synder.

A Lancaster came down at Barton cutting on 21/22 June 1044 at 02:43 hrs. It was abandoned near Henlow by its crew on return from Wesseling,Germany. It was serial ME795 of No 630 Squadron code "LE:?" based at East Kirkby,Lincolnshire.
Interesting story of one of the parachutes arriving on the front end of a steam train at Luton station in "Lancaster At War " Volume 1 by Garbett/Goulding.

Member for

16 years 9 months

Posts: 1,323

In the meantime, a typical pre-WW2 'into wind' type airfield with no marked runways looks like this! (from a typical pre-WW2 'into wind' type aeroplane!)

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i199/kingpinmedia/29102007073.jpg

Ahh !! Bicester Happy days flying in gliders there and cross country to.

Member for

15 years 4 months

Posts: 114

thanks T-21 for the replies.

How sure are you on your dates as a few don’t tie up with those I already have ( but I could easily be wrong!), the information about the site still being used as late as 1945 is news to me, many thanks.

I have approached the ATA through various sources for help but as yet they have not made a response at all.... Ironically I thought finding out about the history of the airfield during its ATA use would have been the easiest part :dev2:

I have spent the best part of week going back through the Flight Archive and have best part of 100 .pdfs with various snippets of information, but it mainly concentrates on the pre war use of the site.

Member for

19 years 7 months

Posts: 1,772

It's actually a legal requirement for copyright that a copy of every book published in the UK is lodged in the Libraries of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, the National Library of Scotland, the Library of Trinity College Dublin and the National Library of Wales. I know this is being pedantic, but the actual British Library 'depot' is in Yorkshire, which means that the London Library - near Kings Cross as you say - would have to order a copy down for you - so you cannot just 'turn up and see it'!

It's a little misleading to say "It's ....a legal requirement for copyright that a copy of every book published in the UK is lodged" with them. While this helps enable ISBNs and aids copyright enforcement, there are many UK self-published works not lodged in this way but their author's copyright still exists in law.

Tim

Member for

20 years 6 months

Posts: 8,195

It's a little misleading to say "It's ....a legal requirement for copyright that a copy of every book published in the UK is lodged" with them. While this helps enable ISBNs and aids copyright enforcement, there are many UK self-published works not lodged in this way but their author's copyright still exists in law.

Actually, Tim, it is a legal requirement, but not particularly for the author's copyright.

Publishers and distributors in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland have a legal obligation to send one copy of each of their publications to the Legal Deposit Office of the British Library within one month of publication.

http://www.bl.uk/aboutus/stratpolprog/legaldep/index.html

Details here, but not a key explanation why, just that it's a good idea for authors and publishers. (Which it is.)

Jenna - 'Air Britain' is an organisation that, among other other things produces books on aviation, including many of indescribable excitement* containing large lists of numbers - including those serial numbers of British Military aircraft.

Generally military aircraft have serial numbers (US being year-number 43-1234, British being letter-number eg: L1234) and civil aircraft have registrations - UK bring G- then four letters. Aircraft will usually have a manufacturer's construction number, but that's rarely quoted, except where other forms of registration are unavailable.

It's worth getting to grips with the concepts of primary and secondary source material, and not ask people 'if they are sure', but what their source is. (Wikipedia will help with definitions here.) Photos are great, with reservations, books good.

HTH.

*Or not.

Member for

19 years 7 months

Posts: 1,772

James,

I stand corrected .... I always thought for self-published work it is was voluntary especially if the author opted to give away rather than sell the reproductions. I had assumed that "publisher" related to a narrower definition than is described on the link you provided..... interesting, thanks. I wonder where you draw the line, I'll bet there are many small soft cover books produced and issued by small groups (religious groups etc) that never get lodged. I still stand by my understanding, however, that whether or not copies are lodged the author(s) retain copyright of the material in law.

Tim

Member for

20 years 6 months

Posts: 8,195

EDITED - .

Publisher - They offer a definition on the website I cited; if that's not enough for someone, they'll clarify. But basically, if you produce a book for sale, you need to send it in...

I don't see it as a proof or copyright as such, that's a spinoff. It's about the British Library having a really, really big, cool collection of books.

It's not like patent registration, I understand; Intellectual Property resides whatever - that's a different issue to being able to prove it if you have to. A registered deposit copy solves your problem, but that's not why it's deposited.

Cheers,

Member for

19 years 7 months

Posts: 1,772

James

I modified my input while you were answering it and messages got crossed - hope my edited message makes more sense - I don't disagree with you and after reading their definition of publisher I can see what you mean.:)
Tim

Member for

16 years 9 months

Posts: 1,323

I got my details from the late (and great)Ray Sturtivant. Bit miffed at posting all this info and it is disputed .

Member for

20 years 6 months

Posts: 8,195

I got my details from the late (and great)Ray Sturtivant. Bit miffed at posting all this info and it is disputed .

G'day T21 - not disputing anything, just some notes on methodology. I absolutely agree that Ray was a great researcher and writer, but no one is immune from error, and uncited material can't be traced back to confirm its strength against other accounts.

As I'm sure you'd agree a bit of information posted on a website without an origin from what are essentially anonymous posters (most are happy to give who we are - but not always) is difficult to prop up against a better supported view!

Thanks for the input, of course. As ever it looks like a very useful discussion for many of us, not just the original question gets covered.

Cheers,

Member for

16 years 9 months

Posts: 1,323

Thanks JDK,its taken years just to get snippets of information on this very neglected aerodrome. The other problem is that people get it confused with Barton ,Manchester which adds to the confusion.
I applaud Jenna's efforts at recording the history and will do whatever I can to assist and there probably will be mistakes on dates.events,etc but at least we are trying to collate information which makes it such fun.

Member for

16 years 9 months

Posts: 1,323

From "Wimpys To Mustangs ",A Pictorial History Of Steeple Morden Airfield 1940-1945 by Ken Wells,1999 Page 66 from a Military policeman's diary:

With 4 others they were sent in a jeep from the 355FG,Steeple Morden to Barton-In-The-Clay to guard a crashed Mustang. On arriving at the airfield it was uninhabited except for four mechanics. The pilot was on instruments because of fog and low on fuel. With a break in the clouds the pilot spotted open ground and decides to land. On landing he overshot,clipping a telegraph pole with his wing,which toppled over hitting the cockpit bracings,but fortunately leaving the hood intact. The landing gear was sheared off and he finally bellied into a farmer's field where he escaped without injury.

Member for

15 years 4 months

Posts: 114

as always thanks for the replies that keep coming, I am constantly amazed with members of this forum.

James, is there any established pecking order for the source of information?

I have to say I think the small off topics actually add to the information as the people that this information will eventually end up getting to ( the residents of the village) are probably less clued up about aviation than me! :eek:

T-21, many thanks for the quote that gives me a few new things to look into!... can you tell me a bit about Ray Sturtivant?

I will post up a bit of the new information soon but in the mean time I have found a village resident who can remember the airfield in use... I also have been told that the parish council and Church Friends group have agreed to run a 2 week 'village centenary celebration' in 2010 ( information is sketchy as is not public info yet!) which would also coincide with the airfields 75th aniversary.... thanks to a forum member here I have also tracked down the only surviving a/c as used by the flying school.

Just a byline... I have always used "...Barton(Beds) aerodrome..." to try and not confuse this site with that of Barton Manchester ( now 'City') where coincidentally my other half is from ( lived under a mile from the end of the main runway). Should I be using the term "Barton(Beds)" or "Barton In The Clay"?

Member for

16 years 9 months

Posts: 1,323

Jenna, A thought, all the ATA records are held at the RAF Museum Hendon Archives Dept might be worth contacting direct.

Member for

15 years 4 months

Posts: 114

yes may be the best option.

A question....

your extract from "Wimpys To Mustangs " states ..."jeep from the 355FG".. was dispatched. I can find no links between the downed P-51D and the 355 Fighter Group other than they had P-51D's as did the 361st. so would these men have not come from the 361st or did they have a special job ?

Also following along from the info you gave i can now add a little more...

the Mustang was as you said piloted by Lt. Joseph B. Wolfe, its previous pilot Capt Alton Synder named her after his wife who's nick name was ...."Snitz".

Capt. Alton B Jr is listed in the 361st archive as taking part in an offensive in Czechoslovakia 17th April 1945 where he is sadly KIA.

The mustang was one of several at Little Walden, some of which just a few short months before had taken part in a photograph that was/is widely known... the Bottisham Four...
"-Famous photograph named 'Bottisham Four' showing Mustangs from the 361st FG 375th FS in Summer 1944.
Bottisham was the base of the 361st FG. The nearest aircraft is P-51D-5-NA 44-13410 E2-C 'Lou IV'.
Of note is the 'mixed bag' of versions and markings in this photo; the 2nd aircraft (E2-S, serial # 44-13926)
already is equipped with the fin-fillet, the furthest a/c is a P-51B-15-NA (E2-H, serial # 42-106811).
The yellow colour on the noses also shows different patterns..."

..the Bottisham Four.
http://www.raidxtreme.eu/webpics/airfield/bottisham1.jpg

... Lt. Joseph B. Wolfe ( and Jerry Lundin)
http://www.raidxtreme.eu/webpics/airfield/JoeWolf&JerryLundin.jpg

Member for

15 years 4 months

Posts: 114

The timeline for Barton Aerodrome (so far!!!) based on the history of DMK Marendaz only. Dates are based on various sources which I will list with the final draft... some entries may seem to not be linked but i am following leads that support their inclusion at this time!

1897-
17th January: Donald Marcus Kelway Marendaz- born Upper Court Farm, Margam, Neath, Glamorgan, Wales

1907-
Sir Charles Rose (former MP for Newmarket) obtained the site of the Old War Office in Pall Mall for the Royal Automobile Club.

1910-

1911-
GWK starts production. (Arthur Grice, J Talfourd Wood and C.M. Keiller) Beckenham, Kent

1912-
GWK moves to Datchet, Buckinghamshire

1914-
GWK move production to Cornwallis Works in Maidenhead

1915-

1916-
DMK Marendaz joins the Royal Flying Corps in 1916

1918-
DMK (Donald Marcus Kelway) Marendaz (Royal Flying Corps) serving as a pilot in France until invalided out with the rank of lieutenant
DMK Marendaz marries Dorothy Robinet Evans, Pembroke Dock, Pembroke, Wales.
DMK Marendaz joins Alvis, but was sacked and shortly afterwards moved to start Marseel with a Mr Seelhart, a company making gearboxes for the Emscote car. Emscote didn't take all the gearboxes they made so the surpluses were used with Coventry-Simplex engines to make complete cars.

1920-

1922-
GWK temporary liquidation

1923-
Emscote changed its name to Marseal and Seelhart leaves company.

1925-
Marseal ceases production from Coventry with a total production of 1200 cars (estimated)

1926-
DMK Marendaz Ltd (Marendaz Special cars) start production in Brixton Road, London SW9, England

1928-
Desoutter Aircraft Company Ltd. Croydon formed.

1930-
29th August: (‘flight’) THE London Gliding Club is without a gliding ground, having received notice to give up the site secured near Tring, on the borders of Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
7th November : On November 7th 1930 damages of £1850 were awarded to a Mrs Yvonne Harvey Brown against Mr(not Captain) Marendaz and DMK Marendaz Ltd of Brixton in connection with the death of her husband on the Kingston by-pass on November 30th 1929 due to "negligent driving". Mr Brown's car was apparently hit by another while crossing the Kingston by-pass at Woodstock Lane, Thames Ditton.

1931-
GWK cease production at Cornwallis Works, Streamline Cars Ltd take over the factory.

1932-
Marendaz Special cars finish production in Brixton Road, London SW9, England and move to Maidenhead, Berkshire, England until 1936 estimated production run of 30-50 cars.
Marendaz Special Cars Ltd is formed and moves to ‘Cornwallis Works’ Maidenhead where GWK and Burney cars had been built previously using Marendaz parts.
Desoutter Aircraft Company Ltd ceases trading after its main customer (National Flying Services, Hanworth) goes into liquidation.

7th April: There was also a case due to be heard on April 7th 1932: Clark v DMK Marendaz Ltd (no subsequent report)

1933-
6th June: Newsum Sons & Co v Marendaz Special Cars Ltd was due to be heard before an Official Referee

1934-

1935-
Desoutter became a partner with Morris Jackaman in Airports, Ltd to develop Gatwick and Gravesend aerodromes
26th March: Newsum Sons & Co v Marendaz Special Cars Ltd - due to be heard before an Official Referee (no subsequent reports)
10th April: Fitzpatrick v Marendaz Special Cars Ltd was held in the Court of Appeal
22nd May: Newsum Sons & Co v Marendaz Special Cars Ltd - due to be heard before an Official Referee (no subsequent reports)

1936-
Streamline Cars stop production at Cornwallis Works
Marendaz Aircraft Ltd formed
6th April: A Goldstein (Glass Merchants) Ltd v Marendaz Special Cars Ltd
22nd April: A Goldstein (Glass Merchants) Ltd v Marendaz Special Cars Ltd
23rd April: A Goldstein (Glass Merchants) Ltd v Marendaz Special Cars Ltd
19th May: Oxted Magistrates Marendaz was fined £50 and lost his driving licence for two years for a speeding offence at Whyteleafe. At the time he was described as living at Brayfield House, Bray. The original court report describes him as a motor manufacturer,
6th July: Marendaz Special Cars Ltd was compulsorily wound up
24th July: On appeal Oxted Magistrates with Marendaz case was cut to £10 and 12 months (plus £5 costs) described as "racing motorist".
27th August: (‘flight’) CAPTAIN C H. LATIMER-NEEDHAM, the designer of the Luton Buzzard, recently described in Flight, and other light aircraft, is relinquishing his position as Education Officer, R.A.F., at the end of the month, and will take over the post of managing director and chief designer of Luton Aircraft, Ltd. The company is shortly moving to a new and larger factory now being built near Uxbridge. The aerodrome at Barton will be retained as a testing ground only.

1937-
Marendaz Special Cars Ltd ceases production at Cornwallis works, with an approx run of 80 vehicles.
30th December: BEDFORD SCHOOL OF FLYING LTD.—Private company, registered December 1. Capital, £1,000 in 10,000 shares of 2s. each. Objects : To teach aerial navigation in all i ts forms ; to establish and maintain a club, etc. The permanent directors are :—Dorothy O. Summers, 26, Tilehurst St., Hitchin, secretary ; Leslie C. Hilditch, " Scylla," Pirton Road, Hitchin, flying instructor.
16th December: (‘flight’) DURING the last few months a good deal of useful work has been carried out in the development of the aerodrome at Barton, Bedfordshire, which is the home of International Aircraft. This concern has done the necessary work without assistance of any local authority, and in the three months since August,when the Air Ministry granted a provisional licence, 500 yards of cable have been laid underground, 20 acres have been levelled and sown, 300 trees and 1,500 yards of particularly tough hedge have been cut down and the necessary drainage has been done. The aerodrome now- has its own artesian water supply and the usual marker boards and circle are in place. A clubhouse is in course of construction for the use of the Bedford School of Flying, the chief instructor of which is to be Mr. L. C. Hilditch.

1938-
1st Jan : The Bedford School of Flying starts trading.
13th Jan: (‘flight’) The Bedford School of Flying, which makes Barton Airport its headquarters, started activities on January 1.
24th March: (‘flight’ advert) BEDFORD.—BEDFORD SCHOOL OF FLYING, LTD., Barton Airport, Beds.
Fleet: 2 D.H. Moths (one equipped for blind flying). Rates: Dual, £1 15s. {£1 17s. bd. at week-ends); solo, £1 10s.; special contract rates. Secretary: D. O. Summers. Firing Committee: D. O. Summers, L. C. Hilditch and A. E. Hill. Chief Instructor: L. C. Hilditch.
July: The Civil Air Guard is established to create a reserve of civil pilots of both sexes, which it will achieve by subsidising training in light aeroplane clubs across the country. When the scheme is launched, no fewer that 35,000 applied for registration, of whom 4,000 were already in possession of type 'A' pilot's licences.
9th June: (‘flight’)The first summer dance of the Bedford School of Flying was held on June 2, when 120 members and guests attended. The guest of honour was Miss Amy Johnson. Dawn Patrol to be held on June 12 Mr. A. C. Kelway completed his " A " licence tests.
14th July: (‘flight’ advert) MOTHS and Avians. From 25/- per hour or JY1 50/- per day.—Bedford School of Flying, Barton Airport, Beds. 'Phone: Luton 2396.
28th July: (‘flight’)Bedford School of Flying obtains 21 year lease of ‘Barton Aerodrome’ Messrs. J. Unwin,
W. R. Phillips and A. Dixon, obtained their "A " licenses, Messrs. F. R. Wilbraham and J. Godfrey made first solos.
4th August: (‘flight’ advert) LUTON.—BEDFORD SCHOOL OF FLYING, LTD., Barton Airport, Beds. (Tel. Luton 2396.)
8th October: (‘flight’) J. L. STANTON, who was recently announced as having joined the Bedford School of Flying as chief ground engineer, states that he is no longer connected with that organisation.
27th October: (‘flight’ advert)GROUND Engineer; A. and C. licences for Gipsy and Cirrus Moths and Avians; opportunity to graduate to B.; also to fly if desired.— Bedford School of Flying, Barton Airport, Beds. 'Phone: Luton 2896.
29th December: BEDFORD SCHOOL OF FLYING LTD. (Barton Airport, Barton, Beds).—
The nominal capital has been increased by the addition of £1,000 beyond the registered
capital of £1,000.

1939-
26th Jan: (‘flight’) The Bedford School of Flying has just taken delivery of its sixth machine—a Moth
19th October: General Airports Corporation Ltd formed, To carry on the manufacture of motor and aeroplane engines. Directors: S. Shaw and Dorothy 0. Summers. Registered office: The Airport, Barton, Beds
2nd March: (‘flight’ advert) GROUND Engineer for Moths, Avians, Cirrus and Gip%y I (8 G.Es. employed.—State experience and salary to Bedford School of Flying, Ltd., Barton Airport, Beds. 'Phone: Hexton 262

7th Sept: (‘flight’) BEDFORD.—BEDFORD SCHOOL OF FLYING, Barton Aedrodrome, Beds (and Eaton Bray aerodrome). Secretary: Miss D. O. Summers. Senior Instructor: T. A. Evans-Freke. Assistant Instructors: E. H. Feet, G D Garnett and E. Knight Bruce. Chief Engineer: A. R. Sarup. Entrance Fee: £\ is. Subscription: £1 is. Rates(normal): £2 per hour. Rates (C.A.G.): Normal.

29th Sept: (‘flight’)At the Bedford School of Flying very good weather has been experienced and two members flew to Lausanne. Among the C.A.G. members four " A " licences have been obtained since September 1 by Messrs. G. W. Dicker, W. L. Stoddon, C. R. Tapper, and J. S. Sproule. The latter is, of course, co-holder of the British two seater glider endurance record.

1940-
DMK Marendaz jailed on security charges but he was released after a few days post links to the British Union of Fascists

1945-

1950-

1954-
DMK Marendaz divorces Dorothy Robinet Evans whist in South Africa

1955-

1958-
July: The Times reports of, "Captain Marendaz" selling his collection of porcelain at Christie's for £5050

1965-
October: DMK Marendaz appears in court in Johannesburg, charged with "theft, fraud and contravening the company and insolvency acts" in connection with Marendaz Tractors Ltd. No further details ....

1972-
Marendaz returns to England from South Africa

1988-
DMK Marendaz dies at the age of 91. Asterby Hall, Asterby, Lincolnshire, England

if anyone can add or has information on any specific part/name/company please contact me.