Wilmington Aerodrome Traditional Cache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(micro)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This cache is a 35mm film pot placed at ground level. Sorry, it is therefore not accessible by wheelchair cachers.
This cache marks the southern boundary of the, once, Wilmington Aerodrome.
Wilmington Aerodrome, pre-WW2:
The aerodrome was opened in 1937 by Amy Johnson.
Google "Amy Johnson Opens Eastbourne Flying Club… 1937" to see the old British film of the opening.
I intend to add more information here soon.
Wilmington Aerodrome, during WW2:
The following text, source: (visit link) , suggests that the aerodrome was un-used for most of WW2:
Letter from the Ministry of Civil Aviation to Earl Amherst at British European Airways Corporation, dated 5th September 1946:
Dear Lord Amherst,
Air Services to Eastbourne.
We are in some difficulty over an aerodrome for Eastbourne. The pre-war civil aerodrome at Wilmington was requisitioned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries during the war and subsequently ploughed. Last year, however, it was again sown with grass and, if not ploughed again, should be suitable as an aerodrome in 2 to 3 years time. The Ministry of Agriculture are, however, raising very strong objections to the retention of the aerodrome as an aerodrome, on account of the excellent agricultural value of the land. I would be prepared to oppose the Ministry of Agriculture's objections to the retention of Wilmington if I had some assurance from you that the aerodrome was likely to be required within the next 5 years for use by air line traffic.
There is an aerodrome site which has been provisionally selected near Eastbourne (Crumbles) but at present we know little or nothing about it, or whether it can be developed. If, however, you agree that there is likely to be a demand for air services to Eastbourne, we will investigate either the possibility of retaining Wilmington, or of developing the new site. In giving your reply, I shall be grateful if you will also give some indication of the type of aircraft likely to be used.
Yours sincerely,
ALISON MUNRO
Note that the letter states: 'requisitioned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries during the war ...'.
I assume that this is why there a WW2 Pillbox (Wilmington Aerodrome) along its northern boundary. 
WW2 Pillbox:
There is a WW2 pillbox located at the northern boundary of Wilmington Aerodrome, here:
N 50° 49.673 E 000° 10.798
Unfortunately, it is ~600ft west of the public footpath so cannot be visited without the landowner's permission.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Jung! Lbh jnag n pbapergr uvag?