Cycling route Death Valley De Peel - Montgomery's airfield (#9)

Montgomery's airfield

A pre-war flying strip behind the farm 'De Heikrekel' served Montgomery well. The farm was located from Geldrop on the right-hand side of the Nuenenseweg just before the Eindhovensch canal and was demolished in 2003 for the industrial estate De Spaarpot. The Germans also used this runway as an alternative airfield. Montgomery had a special strip renovated and fitted with special landing mesh. His private plane was stationed there. It was an RAF Miles Messenger. A twin-engined plane with extra seats behind the pilot. He regularly made a scenic flight with his private pilot over Geldrop and the surrounding area. Many residents saw him happen in the bright yellow device at the bottom. For long distances he also has a special Dakota, also called C-47. With this he flew from Welschap airfield that was owned by the RAF. Sometimes he sought relaxation in a game of golf and then let his private pilot fly from his strip to Waalre and land there on the golf course.

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Source

• Text: TracesOfWar
• Photos: Jeroen Koppes (1, 2), Martin Damen (3, 4)