Maisoncelle - Pas de Calais - France
This small WW1 airfield was adjacent to the village of Maisoncelle in the Pas-de-Calais department - Hauts-de-France region of France. I know nothing of its WW1 career but the airfield is definitely shown on the maps. It may have been a landing ground for aircraft transiting to and from the UK.
In January 1919 103 Squadron left Ronchin at Lille and moved to Maisoncelle. Probably something to do with the mail runs they were undertaking one way and the other after the war.
On the 26th March 1919 103 Squadron left Maisoncelle for Shotwick in Flintshire where the Squadron was disbanded on the 1st October 1919.
A number of other Squadrons were based at this airfield from October 1918 to August 1919 when 57 Squadron cadre left for South Carlton in Lincolnshire.
The airfield, while being quite insignificant during WW1, has particular interest even so as it was very near to the site of the Battle of Agincourt 25th October 1415. Within a mile or so south east of the site of the battle.
On the map below the airfield is marked by a yellow triangle east of the D105 and the site of the battle is marked by a red oval.
There was also a small landing ground recorded at Tramecourt which is nearer still to the site of the battle.
Plan of the Maisoncelle airfield. The black squares are hangars
Above - The site of the old Maisoncelle airfield from the road.
Above - The Agincourt Battle Memorial by the road quite near to the site of the old Maisoncelle airfield
It is a good visit if you ever get the chance to go. Pay tribute to the great warriors of yesterday. That band of brothers who gave their all for God, King and Country and against all the odds gained the day.
Compiled by David Fell. Plan courtesy of Cross and Cockade
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