Position of marker is approximate.
Notes from IDJ:
Field Cottage was the headquarters of the Hong Kong Flying Club.
It was situated at the north-west corner of the airfield on one of the few roads remaining from the Kai Tak Investments estate’s layout. Most of the incomplete estate was situated in streets on or near the Bund.
It is not known how it gained its name as its hardly a cottage, more a mansion. Or who built it or originally owned it.
The building appears to be a solitary one with no others in the vicinity. It can be seen in the background of a number of the airfield pictures from that period. At a later date, it disappears from Kai Tak pictures, so presumably demolished. Possibly as its height and bulk was interfering with aircraft landing and taking off. Especially when night flying started.
Photos that show this Place
Comments
Re: Field Cottage
Earliest references in HKGRO and HKPL of the Field Cottage can be traced back to 1930. Although the Hong Kong Flying Club had been formed earlier, Governor Peel attended the opening ceremony to launch the Club's career on 31 May 1930. In an article in the HK Sunday Herald the next day, it was noted that "R. Vaughan-Fowler, the founder and sponsor of the Club had been at Home (U.K.) studying air conditions and upon his return it would no doubt afford him great gratification to witness the development of the estate once known as Field Cottage - now the headquarters of the new Club."
Demolition Date
208. Demolition of Field Cottage, Kai Tak: - Demolition was commenced in January and completed in March. A credit of $850.00 was received for old materials.
Source: 1936 PWD Report
1928/30 Newspaper References to Field Cottage
Newspaper references:
1928
A youth was charged with the theft of a clock from "Field Cottage", Kowloon City, the residence of Mr. Wong Kwong Tin. China Mail 17 October 1928 refers.
1929
Death of Mr. Wong Tin Tseung at "Field Cottage". He was the proprietor of Wai Hang jeweller's firm at Queen's Road Central and the Tai Sang Hong general merchandise at Bonham Strand West. Hong Kong Daily Press 26 July 1929 refers. (Mr. Wong Kwong Tin, listed above was his son). Probate of the will was granted to his two sons in April 1930.
1930
Under supplementary estimates provided by the Public Works Department to the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council, $13,550 was requested for additions and improvements to "Field Cottage", Kai Tak to make it suitable as Headquarters of the Flying Club and residence of the Superintendent of the Aerodrome. Hong Kong Daily Press 13 February 1930 refers.
(It would appear that Government had taken over the lease or property known as "Field Cottage" upon the death of Mr. Wong Tin Tseung. The RAF also had a mess (likely shared with the Flying Club) and rooms for senior officers at "Field Cottage" prior to the completion of RAF buildings and quarters on the eastern side of the aerodrome)