Local History - Flying over Findon by Valerie Martin

Flying over Findon, Sir Alan's Flying Circus

By Valerie Martin

Here is my story of early flying over the wide Findon sky. One man played a greater part than any other in convincing world opinion that flying could - and in all probability would become the accepted means of travelling. The name of this aeronautical daredevil was Alan Cobham. Born on 6th May 1894 the young Alan John Cobham began working life with clothing wholesalers in the City of London. Following a brief exposure to agricultural work he joined the Army's Veterinary Corps at the outbreak of WW1. As the war progressed, Alan began to recognise the importance of mechanical transport and in 1917, (by then a Staff Sergeant), he secured a transfer to the Royal Air Force. On 1st January 1919, he found he was a civilian once more. Determined to secure a post-war career in aviation, he joined the British Aerial Transport Company. It was a promising start flying over war-torn England, but was, however, short-lived and soon afterwards he helped form the Berkshire Aviation Company. During the latter half of 1919 and early months of 1920, he toured Great Britain giving joy-rides in a war surplus Avro 504K. A deteriorating financial situation put an end to it all. You can’t keep a good man down and Alan rapidly gained valuable experience as an aerial photographic pilot. Following this and, fortunately for him, on 1st Jan 1921, Geoffrey de Havilland (who had been Airco's Chief Designer throughout the war years) engaged him as the first pilot for his newly formed de Havilland Aeroplane Hire Service. In support of his new company's proud claim to 'Fly Anyone - Anywhere', Alan was rarely found out of the cockpit of his aircraft. He was endowed with not only charm and luck but also great energy and enthusiasm. Routine photographic work was supplemented by air taxi and charter flying which included long distance journeys throughout Europe and the Middle East. Within a year, he was de Havilland's senior pilot. His duties also embraced the test flying of new aircraft and entering them in performance competitions. In the 1930s Alan Cobham brought his Flying Circus to The Wicks in Findon (off Long Furlong A280, immediately on the right heading west after leaving the roundabout on the A24). This is how Sir Alan's Flying Circus came to be in the sky over Findon. Passengers could enjoy having a joy ride above the clouds and loop the loop over the village! There were no flying restrictions in the 1930s. Part crusader part showman, Sir Alan helped popularise flying by taking many of the Findon villagers on their very first flight. By 1932, Sir Alan's enthusiasm turned towards providing his own touring air show. Although formally registered as National Aviation Day (later Display) Limited, his travelling fleet of aircraft and airborne performers was popularly referred to as 'Cobham's Flying Circus'. Spectacular aerobatic pilots, wing-walkers, parachutists and novelty turns excited crowds the length and breadth of the country, and during the winter of 1932/33, at locations throughout South Africa. In August 1933 Sir Alan piloted a twin-engine airliner leading a formation of his flying circus as he flew over our skies. On one occasion he landed in front of large crowds in the grounds of Goring Hall (now Goring Hall Hospital) where he offered to take bystanders on joy flights and, even more surprisingly, many of them accepted his invitation that day. In Findon, the Wicks field was used as an airstrip and the displays were given by two aircraft, giving twenty minute trips for 2s. 6d in an open cockpit and accommodating two persons. The display of thrilling flying went on for 2 days for the enjoyment of crowds and bringing exhilaration and drama to the village. These were the innocent days of open cockpits with wind screaming past fragile wings; of dangerous landings on mud or grass where no plane had been before.

Above is one of the aircraft after landing in the fields along the Long Furlong road. After retiring to British Virgin Islands, Sir Alan returned to England and died on 21st Oct 1973.