Youngsters pictured near the windmill, Wimbledon Common
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| Partial / Incomplete Date | c.1909 |
|---|---|
| Area | Wimbledon Village |
| Picture Reference | Wim_21_1-102 |
| Original Format | Postcard |
| Notes / History | During the middle phase of World War I, two BE2 aircraft from the Royal Flying Corps were stationed near this part of Wimbledon Common. The pilots were trained to fly in darkness, as the enemy raids of 1915-17 took place at night. The British fighters’ only action took place on 31st January 1916. It ended in disaster as one plane stalled and the other hit trees on Parkside, crash landing in a garden. The temporary aerodrome was abandoned soon afterwards. |
