White Waltham Airfield

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The airfield was set up in 1928 when the de Havilland family bought 196 acres of grassland to house the de Havilland Flying School. In 1938 the airfield was taken over by the government, and during the second world war was the home base of the Air Transport Auxiliary. The airfield was also home to Fairey Aviation. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was taught to fly at White Waltham in 1952, flying a De Havilland Chipmunk belonging to HQ Home Command Communications Squadron of the Royal Air Force. The airfield stayed in RAF hands until 1982, when it was purchased by the current owners. Until recently (2007), it was the base of Thames Valley air ambulance helicopter.cite web | url = http://www.wlac.co.uk/ | title = West London Aero Club | publisher = West London Aero Club | accessdate = 2008-01-09] cite web | url = http://www.airambulancetvac.org/index.asp | title = Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance | publisher = Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust | accessdate = 2008-01-09] cite web | title = De Havilland Chipmunk T.Mk10 WP912/8467M | url = http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/collections/aircraft/aircraft_histories/85-A-65%20%20DH%20Chipmunk%20WP912.doc | publisher = RAF Museum | accessdate = 2007-01-08|format=DOC]

On June 24th 1989, White Waltham Airfield was the venue for one of the largest Acid House raves at the time. Called the Sunrise Midsummer Party, it was organised by Tony Colston-Hayter and David Roberts. The event was attended by over 11000 ravers, and about 1000 vehicles were brought to the airfield. This caused 3 mile tailbacks on the approach road up to the 'Fairey' hangar (built by (Fairey Aviation) on the North side of the airfield where the rave was held. 'The Sun' newspaper ran a headline 'Ecstasy Airport' the next day.Fact|date=January 2008

References

External links

* [http://www.wlac.co.uk West London Air Club official site]
* [http://www.multimap.com/map/photo.cgi?x=485000&y=178000&scale=25000 Multimap aerial photo]