Hello Everyone

I'm Johhno and have just joined this group after thinking about it for a long time. I have read some of the topics being discussed and found them fascinating. I live in Hampshire, England and have been interested in military history and former military sites for many years. I have a particular interest in aerodromes and often wander the New Forest sites. Over the last five years I have managed to visit all of the Norfolk WW2 bases, most of those in Suffolk and a number in Essex. The place that fascinates me most is the Ashley Walk Bombing Range in Hampshire which fortunately is not too far from where I live. Folks around here have different opinions about the New Forest National Park authority but whether you love them or hate them they should be complemented for promoting the New Forest's military history and they have unearthed quite a lot of interesting photos. This is after the Forestry Commission that used to run the New Forest had spent 40 years trying to remove all traces of its military past. I hope I will be able to make interesting contributions the AiE.

Nice to meet you all!

Hi Johnno, welcome to the forum from another Hampshire resident. I'm not too far from you at Chandler's Ford.

Like you, I spent a lot of time perusing this site before deciding to join recently. I also spend a fair amount of time wandering the New Forest airfields, and have done since since I was a nipper in the sixties. I have vague recollections of Beaulieu and Stoney Cross almost intact, indeed I had my first 'driving lesson' sat on an uncle's lap haring along one of the runways at Beaulieu!! Such a shame it's almost all gone. Over the years I've found (and lost, unfortunately) quite a few artifacts at Beaulieu, particularly on the old defence site at Stockley Cottage. It included such things as cups, wash bowls, bottles and a couple os badges. I've even found a pile of discarded .303 cases alongside a dispersal near the firing butts. You can still find the odd spent bullet at the site of the firing range.

I've only ever walked Ashley Range once (a short walk only), so it's on my list for another visit. Maybe when the weather improves we could meet up sometime and you can point out where everything was.

Dave

Welcome to you both . I am an ex- Christchurch resident and have in the past 7 decades visited all the New Forest fields.
My website deals with them along with all other Hampshire fields....and Christchurch in detail.

I learned to drive both car and motorbike at Holmsley in the 50s.In those day there was a lot of live ammo laying around both there and at Beaulieu and Stoney X.

My site ....
www.hampshireairfields.co.uk/

Thanks for the welcome Daveg4otu!

I am aware of your website - have spent many an hour perusing and improving my knowledge of the airfields local to me. Congratulations on a very informative site!

Dave