The Line of Maple Trees

Releasing on all platforms Friday 20th June 2025.



         

Mick writes:

Fabulous Rockfold Studio, the Hit Factory, Home of the Blues, is located quite near to Dunsfold Aerodrome, in Surrey, England. The aerodrome recently become known as the home of the 'Top Gear' TV show, but it has a hell of a history as an airfield. The Hawker 'Jump Jets' were developed there, as was the Hawker Hunter fighter plane. In 1953 a Hawker Hunter piloted by Neville Duke took the world speed record (727.63 mph) flying out of Dunsfold.

The aerodrome was actually built by Canadian Sappers during World War II and the base was used to train Canadian pilots flying Mitchell B25 Bombers, along with active missions by RCAF Mustangs and P40 Tomahawks and RAF Mitchells, Typhoons and others through D-Day and beyond. During the course of their time at Dunsfold there were several crashes, with Canadian crews lost.

When the Canadians finally left the aerodrome, at the end of the war, they planted a line of Maple Trees in nearby Cranleigh, as a thanks to the locals and a tribute to those lost during the war. The trees are still flourishing today along the High Street.

So as Canada is getting a rough time at the moment from a local bully, I thought I would dedicate a song to them, especially as there is this strong local link. There's probably some artistic license in the lyrics, but then that's in the best tradition of the folk ballad. Anyway, If you're ever in Cranleigh, Surrey, check out the line of Maple Trees.

I've no idea what this is - Country, Rock, Blues, Americana, Canadiana? It's just a song I wrote and recorded. I hope you enjoy it. When I was recording it I often had to stop because I found the lyric quite emotional. Dedicated to all those who flew from Dunsfold with the RCAF, USAF, RAF and others during the Second World War.

Photo shows a Mitchell B25 bomber on the ground at Dunsfold Aerodrome during WWII.



Links:

https://dunsfoldairfield.org/history-of-aerodrome/

https://dunsfoldairfield.org/raf-1943-1944/

https://regdaymuseum.co.uk/dunsfold-aerodrome/

https://dunsfoldairfield.org/b25-mitchell/