大象传媒

My name is Roy Limbrick, My grandfather took over Home Farm in Sherborne Cheltenham in 1947 part of which was an active Aerodrome known as Windrush. At the time it was being used as a training school and a relief landing ground for Little-Rissington. On the 18th August 1940 Sgt Pilot Bruce Hancock was taking part in a night flight training exercise in an unarmed aircraft. At the same time 23.50.hrs a group of 50 German Bombers attacked Windrush dropping 10 50kg bombs. Sgt Pilot Bruce Hancock was spotted by an enemy aircraft and chased, flying at an altitude of approximately 1000ft,as the Heinkel closed in the gunner opened fire.
Hancock emmediatly switched off his navigation lights and banked to the left, did a roll and dived, then climbing steeply he found himself directly under the enemy aircraft, having no armery whatsoever he decided his only option was a drastic one and proptly rammed the Heinkels underside.
Both aircraft fell to the ground tangled together and in flames, all crew from both aircraft were killed. The German crew were buried at Northleach church with full military honours. Sgt Pilot Bruce Hancock was buried at Hendon.

After the war the airfield was closed down, the Landlord took it back and my Granfather rented it. Over the years the airfield and perimiter road came into dis-repair. However, 10yrs ago it was decided to restore the Control Tower,the airfild was being used as an parachute training ground. It is now in good order, one of only a few in the country. There are also a lot of undergound air-raid shelters in good condition. Also 1 Blister hangar and 2 Misson Huts along with several brick built buildings.

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