The Brits Invade Camden–Again!

An audience of about 75 persons on May 16, 2010, enjoyed the comfortable seating of the beautiful chapel at Camden Military Academy in Camden during the informative and entertaining lecture by Dr. Gilbert S. Guinn on the Southern Aviation School that had operated at that site during World War II.  The program was titled, “The Brits Invade Camden–Again! – World War II British Aviation Cadet Training, with American Pilots, at the Southern Aviation School at Woodward Field in Camden.”  Specifically, Dr. Guinn focused on the training of British pilots there as part of the Arnold Scheme, topic of a book he authored on the subject. Afterwards, the audience enjoyed refreshments and walked on the airport field to inspect a restored vintage Stearman airplane such as had been used there for training during World War II.

Guest Speaker:  Gilbert S. Guinn, Author of “The Arnold Scheme.”  Gilbert S. Guinn of Greenwood, Emeritus Professor at Lander University and a contributor of the Guinn Collection to Cooper Library, USC, was born and grew up near Woodward Field in Camden. Here the Southern Aviation School operated from 1941-1943. Its traces are still observed at  Camden Military Academy where we will meet and at the Camden Airport.  Dr.Guinn’s 2007 The Arnold Scheme, includes details about SAS at Camden.

The Arnold Scheme is available from online vendors and may be previewed at Google Books.

More Resources on the Topic:

• Read here Aviation Special Issue, Fred Ogburn’s extensive articles on the Southern Aviation School that appeared as “A Kershaw County Historical Society Special Issue” in the April 28, 2010, Kershaw County Current, with thanks for the PDF provided us by that publication.
• Snapshots of World War II training in Camden may be viewed on the webpage journal of SAS British flying cadet Anthony Johnstone.  Although the text at this site includes his journal throughout the war, all photographs were taken at Camden.
• More snapshots of training in Camden may be viewed on the webpage devoted to the webpage story of SAS British flying cadet Allan Gent. His son would appreciate any identifications or further information that can be provided. The page also links to a copy of a 1941 publication of Goggles  by the UK cadets, including personal signatures of the some of them.

Built in 1932, Camden Airport hanger used by the Southern Aviation School. SC Archives and History Center photo.