RAF Sculthorpe – The Cold War continues but the end is in sight (4)

February 10, 2024January 29, 2024 / Aviationtrails / 8 Comments

In Part 3, Sculthorpe had undertaken reconnaissance flights over Soviet territory risking all out war with the Russians. New bombers were arriving and Sculthorpe had reached its heyday. As the Cold War continued, new aircraft would arrive and mistakes will happen.

Mid 1955 would then see a change leadership at Sculthorpe with the departure of the Station Commander Colonel M. Jones, himself a veteran of the famous Tokyo raid led by General Doolittle. He would be replaced, in time, by another veteran, the former commander of RAF Attlebridge, Brigadier General Joseph Holzapple.

It was during this same year that a further and more serious disaster would strike at the heart of Sculthorpe personnel, when on the 9th December, an F-84F (#52-6692) of the 55th Fighter-Bomber Sqn/20th Fighter-Bomber Wing, was flying from Sculthorpe on an instrument training flight. Whilst over the Derbyshire countryside the aircraft flown by Lieutenant Roy Evans, a 24 year old from Polaski, Tennessee, ran low on fuel and suffered an engine flame out. After several attempts to relight the engine, Evans decided it was time to eject as the aircraft was losing height. The tower at RAF Burtonwood, could hear the pilot but he could not hear them, as he informed them that he was leaving the aircraft. At the time of the ejection the jet was said to be at about 2,500 ft and losing height rapidly.

Evans ejected, landing on the moors east of Hathersage injuring his ankle in the process. The aircraft meanwhile, hit the ground at around 300 miles per hour, some six miles away at Lodge Moor Hospital in Sheffield. The Thunderstreak struck the roof of Ward ‘North Two’ ploughing through Ward ‘North One’ before eventually coming to rest in two parts by the garage and mortuary. One person inside the hospital was killed whilst seven others received minor injuries and shock*⁸.

One version of The Daily Mirror of 10th December, led with the story with the headline “Pilotless Jet Crashes on Hospital“, and gives details of the incident which could have been much worse as the jet narrowly missed a huge petrol storage tank and ambulance station. Whilst Lieutenant Evans survived this incident, he would later lose his life in another accident this time involving a reconnaissance version of the F-84 the ‘Thunderflash’ (#52-7349) on 21st August 1958 in Morocco.

Throughout the closing years of the 1950s, Sculthorpe and the 47th remained at the forefront of the nuclear tactical force. But changes were coming and already the move toward nuclear missile delivery systems was happening. The Tornado was becoming old and outdated yet it remained as the main aircraft with the USAF in Europe. The RB-66A ‘Destroyer’, a Douglas built all weather reconnaissance aircraft was being developed at this time, and would soon be delivered as a direct replacement for the Tornado. The RB-45s had performed well, but their record was not flawless either, a matter borne out in 1953 when between March 9th and 13th May, there were five incidents due to engine fires in RB-45As. In all there were thirty-seven serious mishaps including seven serious engine fires which marred the B-45’s record at Sculthorpe, some of which had resulted in fatalities*⁹.

Douglas RB-66B #54-506 Between 1957 and 1959; it flew with the 19th TRS (66th TRW) (wikipedia)

Advances in in-flight refuelling were also made their presence felt. At Sculthorpe three KB-50 tankers joined the KB-29s of the 420th Air Refuelling Squadron bringing the advancement of three point refuelling replacing the single boom as used previously. The change would not be smooth though as on February 2nd 1957, two of the Sculthorpe aircraft collided in poor weather near Morigny, twenty miles from Saint-Lo (Manche), Normandy, thirteen crewmen were killed as a result of the crash.

The arrival of the RB-66A ‘Destroyer’ in early 1958 was quite a step forward for the crews at Sculthorpe. Training and conversion courses became a priority, and the aircraft was generally liked by those who flew it.

The thought of nuclear weapons being stored locally raised a number of issues. People were naturally concerned about the security and safety of such weapons being located on such an important airbase, and in particular what the consequences of any accidents would be. Their fears were fuelled in 1958 when a weapons technician suffering from mental illness, locked himself in an atomic ‘bunker’ with a pistol for some eight hours.

The US authorities naturally played down the event, not quite reaching the point of denying it ever happened, but local people connected with the base, knew better. The base was put into ‘lock down’ and all staff were confined to quarters. Eventually the crisis was aired in the Commons, but reassurances from the American authorities did little to alleviate the worries of the local people.

By the summer of 1958, the B-45s’ days had finally come to a close and they were replaced by the B-66. But the introduction of any new aircraft can be difficult and the B-66 was no different.

One of the first incidents to befall the type at Sculthorpe was on April 14th 1958, when B-66 #54-0422 of the 19th TRS crashed on approach to Sculthorpe whilst attempting a blind landing. The weather at the time was good, but the aircraft was under instruction from the tower and so operating in ‘blind’ conditions. In the accident, which occurred just four miles from the airfield, all three crewmen were sadly killed.

In other cases, a number of aircrew found themselves without hydraulic fluid due to leaks in the undercarriage system. Unable to lower them by hand, they were faced with a difficult decision, and it would not be long before the first such incident would take place.

On July 3rd 1958, RB-66B #54-433 of the 19th TRS, was approaching Sculthorpe after having ‘gone around’, and was unable to lower the port landing gear. Both the starboard and nose wheels were down but the crew were unable to release the port. Deciding to eject from the aircraft, they set the autopilot to take the aircraft out to sea and then ejected.

Unfortunately, and for whatever reason, the aircraft flew in large circles until running out of fuel some twenty-six minutes later crashing just short of thirty miles from the airfield. There were no injuries in the accident but it would be one of several similar incidents to befall the model.

In all though, the B-66 at Sculthorpe only suffered four fatal accidents during its time in Britain, a rather more favourable record than that of its predecessor*⁹.

Long range operations of the 47th BW were gradually taken over by other branches of the US Strategic Air Command (SAC), reaching such a point that inevitably, the 47th’s services were no longer required. On June 22nd, 1962 they were officially disbanded and staff posted elsewhere. The designation was removed from the US military inventory and their remarkable achievements condemned to the history books. Cold War tactics now changing with long range bombing being replaced with more short range tactical aircraft and missiles.

Their departure left just two units at Sculthorpe, the 420th refuelling squadron and a detachment of a weather squadron with a handful of WB-50Ds. Any possibility of a nuclear air strike from Sculthorpe was now completely eliminated.

After this, political talks and imposed de-escalation strategies between the Cold War factions, prevented further deployment of large-scale US bombers on European soil, and so further deployments on this scale would not be seen again in the UK.

Gradually, as nuclear deterrents turned to both missiles and naval based platforms, Sculthorpe’s activity began to slow. Speculation then grew as to the future of the airfield. As early as 1961 it was suggested that there was truth in the reports and that the airfield would close in the near future, a rumour that came as a blow for the locals who had developed good relationships with the Americans.

A year later the announcement was made that it would close, and a gradual run down began. The bitter-sweet pill was made worse by the announcement that the US were also ‘phasing down’ Alconbury and Chelveston, whilst also closing RAF Bruntingthorpe in Leicestershire, all ex-wartime airfields extended by the US in the Cold War.

A possible reprieve due to the Cuban Missiles crises led to nothing, and the gradual wind down continued. By March 1964, the number of US personnel on the base stood at around 1,700 plus their dependants, a few civilians and Air Ministry employees*⁷. The 420th then with their outdated KB-50s also departed, and with no staff to administer, the admin and support group (7375th Combat Support Group) was also disbanded. There would be no more operational units to serve at Sculthorpe.

Then the base was returned to RAF ownership, and quickly placed into care and maintenance once more, held open by only a small detachment of support staff. Sections of the site were then sold off and preparations made for the disposal of the rest of the airfield. Some of the housing was retained however, for use by staff at various other airfields locally, primarily West Raynham and Marham.

For two years the base languished. The usual vandalism and stripping of any useful materials took its toll and the the base quickly fell into disrepair. However, all was not yet lost, two years after its closure in 1966, Sculthorpe saw yet another reprieve, when the USAF returned once more after being given their marching orders by the French. The base would act as both a storage facility and a support airfield for the American units at RAF Lakenheath, but the extensive damage was going to take time to repair and cost a considerable amount of money.

Grand ideas for the future of the base were put forward, even using it to test Concorde, the Anglo-French Supersonic airliner that would eventually end its days following a tragic crash in France. But none of these ideas materialised and Sculthorpe remained a standby base used for dispersing aircraft from other airfields.

This reprieve lasted for the next twenty years, but with minimal staffing and no operational units, it was a shadow of its former self. This change of luck did however, temporarily bring new life back to the airfield, with American F-4 Phantoms, C-130s, Galaxys and A-7 Corsairs appearing regularly. The RAF, needing a similar facility for RAF Bolthole operations (used when other airfield runways were resurfaced) also used Sculthorpe as a temporary base; Coltishall for example, basing their Jaguars here temporarily. As a storage facility it would also be used to store and convert foreign aircraft, F-100s, F-104 ‘Starfighters’ and T-33s from air forces overseas. French Mysteres and North American Sabres were also brought here for scrapping and disposal, first bids going to local museums, a process that went on well into the late 1980s. Sculthorpe became a mecca for plane spotters for at least another few years.

Eventually, with the Cold War ending, all this too ceased and in October 1992, Sculthorpe was officially closed, and the remaining handful of staff were posted out elsewhere.

The rise in ‘Soviet Aggression’ and post conflict tensions during the Cold War had secured the immediate post-war future of Sculthorpe. Not only were atomic weapons stored here ready, but a wide range of US aircraft that would otherwise not have been seen on British soil, were also based here. The demise of world peace had been the saviour of Sculthorpe’s future.

Looking at Sculthorpe, it is hard to believe its origins were in the Second World War. Being a real monster of the Cold War, Sculthorpe is clinging on by the skin of its teeth. The accommodation blocks that once housed 10,000 personnel have decayed and are severely vandalised, refurbished areas are now sold off and accommodating local families. A small industrial area has been developed from the technical area, and the local farmer grazes his cattle on the far reaches of the site. Many of the older original buildings have been left to rot and fall down. The MOD still retain ownership of the main part of the site, with a large part of the ancillary areas in private hands, such ownership does prevent some access but a good deal of the site is visible from permissible points.

The original guard-house is no longer manned, and a number of other buildings close by are also empty. A small public track that once took eager plane spotters to the rear of the airfield, still allows views across the north of the now quiet site where a blister hangar continues to stand alone. The control tower that was visible in the distance from this point was demolished with little or no warning in 2022, and a number of original Nissan huts and Second World War buildings still remain hiding amongst new buildings and old developments.

The original name board returned to Sculthorpe 2023.

RAF Sculthorpe – The age of the Jet Bomber (3)

February 3, 2024January 19, 2024 / Aviationtrails / 8 Comments

In Part 2, the war finally came to an end and Sculthorpe closed only to be reopened as a Very Heavy Bomber Base. Reconstruction has taken a number of years and although not fully ready, it starts to accept its new residents.

The first of the aircraft, two of Boeing’s huge B-29s, touched down at Sculthorpe on the 7th February 1949 late in the afternoon. However, six others also deployed to Sculthorpe, had to divert to RAF Lyneham due to the pilots not being able to see the runway in the bad weather. These aircraft would not arrive in Norfolk until later on, and so it was not to be the grand opening that many had wished for.

The deployment of US heavy bombers was seen by some as an extension of the US, and that Britain was becoming a ‘puppet’ of the US Government. The British Government try to make it clear to the public that this was not the case, and that these aircraft were only here on a temporary basis (90 day rotations), and that they were both ‘invited ‘ and did not have a nuclear capability. The Press on the other hand, did not see it quite so clearly.

It didn’t take long before the US 92nd Bomb Group were established at Sculthorpe. A veteran group of the Second World War, the 92nd had a prestigious history and one they would preserve and build upon. Formed of three squadrons, 325th BS, 326th BS and 327th BS, their numbers would swell staffing levels to almost 1,400, including both RAF and US personnel.

Various officials attended Sculthorpe’s many opening events, but the start of a new era was marred by a tragic mishap in late February, when an armourer, Corporal Turcell, was killed when one of the B-29’s guns he was cleaning accidentally discharged. It would unfortunately be the first of many tragedies to befall those at Sculthorpe over the coming years.*⁷

In March the airfield was officially opened with both the Union Flag and the Stars and Stripes being raised simultaneously. Behind the scenes however, construction work continued, with only half of the proposed six ‘Z’ blocks ready to take new residents and only sixty-two of the proposed married quarters being completed, it was far from ready.

A large part of Sculthorpe has been left to rot, piece by piece. These are the former RAF HQ and later the USAF Wing HQ.

The work carried on throughout the initial deployment and 90 days quickly passed. The 92nd’s placement at Sculthorpe soon came to an end and no sooner had they arrived then they began their journey back home to the United States. A relatively uneventful opening had come to a close.

The next of the rotations would take little time in coming. The intensity of each deployment getting greater each time, and even though the Berlin Blockade had come to an end, tensions remained very high right across Europe.

As the 92nd pulled out, a further three squadrons of B-29s began to arrive. Having already been in Japan, the three units the 343rd, 344th and 345th BS began by carrying out a number of exercises with the RAF, which included over June and July, the first multinational exercise code named “Foil“. Like many that would follow, this involved mock attacks by US and RAF bombers whilst fighters from the UK, US and Netherlands attempted to intercept them using camera guns. A successful exercise it gave rise to some interesting comparisons between the US and RAF aircraft, with many surprises in store.

As with the first deployment, the arrival of the B-29s did not all go to plan though, as on July 21st 1949, whilst transferring across from the US, one of them #44-62191 ‘suffered problems’ when its number 3 engine caught fire causing it to crash in an orchard at West Walton, 2 miles east of Wisbech in Cambridgeshire. The aircraft, a Boeing B-29A-65-BN, had a crew of twelve on board, and when it became clear that they were not going to make it, they decided to abandon the aircraft and leave it to its fate.

All twelve of the crew successfully departed the aircraft landing nearby, but in doing so, two of them sustained serious, but not thought to have been life threatening injuries after exiting. The worst, suffered by the pilot, was a possible fractured skull whilst a second crewman suffered a fractured leg; it is believed both airmen made full recoveries. The aircraft itself ultimately crashed, landing in a field east of the small Fenland market town. The remains were quickly retrieved and some parts ended up in the local Fenland and West Norfolk Aviation Museum located in Wisbech. Now sadly closed, they were transferred to the Sculthorpe Heritage Centre located at Sculthorpe.

The 90 day rotations continued unabated. The next deployment bringing two different models; firstly the 63rd BS (43rd BG) with the extended B-29 the B50A ‘Stratobomber’ along with three refuelling aircraft the KB-29M, also a modified version of the B-29 with its turrets removed and refuelling facilities added.

What was perhaps more significant with this move was that the B-29 ‘Lucky Lady II‘ was part of this group. She and her crew had completed a ninety-four hour flight non-stop around the world, being refuelled four times in the air. This achievement sent out a major message to all those would be aggressors, wherever they may be in the world, that they were not beyond the range of the US heavy bombers.

As 1949 drew to a close, one other unit, 19th BS (22nd BG), would complete its rotation at Sculthorpe replacing the 63rd in November. It too brought another version of the B-29 the RB-29, a reconnaissance version of the heavy bomber. In support of this, a further unit would arrive in December, the 23rd Reconnaissance Squadron, bringing yet more versions of the B-29 to the airfield.

Tragedy then struck again in June 1950 when an RB-29A #42-94081, took off on a routine air test and gunnery exercise. During the exercise the outer engine was hit by the aircraft’s own guns setting it on fire. The aircraft was then difficult to control and the pilot ordered the crew to bale out. As the B-29 hit the sea, three airmen, including the captain were still onboard; he failed to reach the aircraft’s dingy and sadly died as a result. Of the thirteen airmen on board seven lost their lives that day.

The watch office in a setting sun. This was ‘secretly’ demolished at short notice in March 2022.

The east/west crises continued with the war in Korea. The threat of an escalation spilling over into Europe led to a call for all US bases in Europe to be brought to full strength and further sites opened. Sculthorpe began its preparations and as the 301st BG and the 72nd Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron both departed for other UK bases, the site was left ready for the arrival of the 97th Bomb Group and their B-50Ds.

This move signalled the beginning of a huge influx of men and machinery at Sculthorpe. Anti-aircraft batteries were brought in, along with ground units to defend the site from any possible attack. A range of aircraft support units also arrived boosting staffing considerably. With just over 400 RAF personnel, 1,800 US personnel and in excess of 600 army personnel, the quantity of men and women on the base was now as high as it had been during the Second World War.

With further deployments and new, larger aircraft arriving, not only was the need for further accommodation matched by the need for larger additional hardstands for the new bombers – the B-50 and B-36 ‘Peacemaker’, but the runways had to be extended even further, and an additional 1,200 feet was added calling for yet another diversion of the local road network.

In early 1951, after some friction between the RAF and US staff on the base, Sculthorpe, like both Mildenhall and Lakenheath, was officially handed over to the US forces, and although they all retained their RAF designation, they would be operated and maintained by US personnel; a standard that applies even today. It was a move that finally ensured America had its desired firm and permanent foot hold on UK soil.

The Cold War would then take a more devious turn. The arrival of the 323rd Reconnaissance Squadron (of the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing) began its 90 day rotation with RB-45C ‘Tornados’, a reconnaissance version of the B-45 four engined bomber – the first if its kind to land on British soil. After landing at RAF Manston, the 323rd moved to Sculthorpe, where it would carry out ELINT (Electronic Intelligence Gathering) and mapping operations of western Europe. This intelligence gathering was not new, but since the end of the war, it had become more clandestine and difficult due to the clamp down by the Soviets on western spies.

Sculthorpe had now entered a new world, the Soviets had developed their own atomic bomb, and using a B-29 obtained at the end of the Second World War, reversed engineered it to provide a means by which to deliver it. The West had to find out more, and aerial reconnaissance was the only viable method with which to establish the location and number of such facilities.

There then followed extensive talks between the US and British Governments regarding Soviet ‘overflights’, western aircraft flying through Soviet airspace photographing and recording Soviet ground positions, SAM sites, airfields etc. Whilst not a new tactic, it was certainly a dangerous one, and one that could lead to all out atomic war should it go wrong.

Sculthorpe’s last remaining Blister hangar in a low setting sun.

As a result of these talks, the ‘Special Duties Flight Sculthorpe’ was formed, working in conjunction with the various squadrons of the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. RAF crews consisting of two pilots and a navigator, were flown to America for a period of extensive training on the RB-45. By the end of 1951, the course was complete and they returned to Sculthorpe to continue with further training along side crews of the 91st Wing in Norfolk.

This was a British unit, led by Squadron Leader John Crampton (who replaced the initial choice Sqn. Ldr. Micky Martin of the ‘Dambusters’ fame, as he had failed a high altitude medical examination) and was designed in part, to perform deep penetration flights into Soviet airspace carrying out reconnaissance missions for Britain’s planned ‘V’ Bomber force. It would also supply the Americans with substantial information for their own tactical use.

Four RB-45Cs were converted (including one spare), flown to RAF West Raynham they were stripped of all their American markings (allowing them to deny any knowledge of such activity) before their RAF insignia were applied (The RAF would deny ever having operated these aircraft). They were then returned to Sculthorpe as British aircraft operated by British crews. The flights would be code named Operation ‘Ju-jitsu‘, and would follow the same track that the British ‘V’ bombers would take in the event of all out war.

Initially three routes were chosen, one of which took the aircraft close to Moscow; a second flew to the Baltics and the last to southern Russia. To ‘protect’ crews, they were issued with false papers and maps, and told, if caught, to explain that, rather implausibly, they had simply become incredibly lost! Failure of the mission would therefore require a high degree of gullibility on the part of the Russians.

Only two such flights were ever made, each with three aircraft; the first on 17th/18th April 1952, and the second on 28th/29th April 1954*⁶. The first occurred without any Soviet intervention, but they were understandably outraged and an investigation was carried out immediately.

After the first flight, the crews were congratulated by General LeMay, and the unit was then disbanded. However, it was reformed again, also at Sculthorpe, in 1954 (after a second such temporary reformation in September 1952 which was quickly disbanded again) and a second flight was made. This time the Soviets were ready for them. After having evaluated their air defence network they were far better prepared and the RAF crews were at a much greater level of danger than during their initial flights.

Whilst Soviet SAMs (Surface to Air Missiles) were impotent in that they had no guidance system, and it was thought Flak was unable to reach the high flying RB-45s, the trip would still be a dangerous one and strict radio silence was to be maintained by the crews. The flight itself turned out to be relatively uneventful, but Squadron Leader Crampton did witness Flak, and noticing that, whilst generally ineffective, it was indeed exploding at their height. Bursts were sufficiently close to convince the crews on board that a hasty return to the West was the better option, and a halt was called to the flight.

Some time after the operation, it was revealed that Soviet Mig pilots were instructed to ram the RB-45Cs as they had no suitable radar with which to track the intruders. However, no such contact was made and so thankfully the need never arose.

The unit was then again disbanded and all flights by them ceased for good. The consequences and risk of flying over Soviet territory now considered far too high.

1952 was a busy year at Sculthorpe, it went on to see the deployment of the 47th Bomb Wing (formally the 47th BG) of the Strategic Air Command from the United States. This wing consisted of the 84th, 85th, and 86th BS, along with the 420th Refuelling Sqn and the 19th Tactical Reconnaissance Sqn. These units operated a number of aircraft types including both the aforementioned B-45C and RB-45C, along with the B-66, KB-29, and KB-50 aircraft.

The 47th was activated on March 12th 1951, initially as the 47th Bombardment Wing (BW) but with just two squadrons – the 84th and 85th. As a new unit, it had the honour of being not only the first, but the only jet powered medium bomber Wing in the US Air Force. With NATO becoming more established and nuclear weapons arsenals expanding at a great rate of knots, the 47th were posted to Sculthorpe to provide an airborne nuclear strike force in support of NATO forces who would be operating on the ground in any future conflict.

The B-45 achieved many “firsts.” It was the first US four-engine jet bomber to fly; the first American production jet bomber; the first jet bomber capable of carrying an atomic bomb; and the first multi-jet reconnaissance aircraft to refuel in mid-air. These were based at Sculthorpe between 1952-1958, with the 47th Bomb Wing (Light) along with RB-45Cs from the 19th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron and Royal Air Force (RAF) Special Duty Flight. These RAF RB-45 crews flew highly classified reconnaissance missions deep into communist territory. (National Museum of the USAF)

A year later, a third squadron would arrive to join the Group, that of the 422nd BS. Within a month or two of its arrival though, the unit was re-designated as the 86th BS a move that brought it in line with its two sister squadrons. For six years the 47th would operate out of Sculthorpe acting as a nuclear support unit for NATO forces in Europe.

The influx of US personnel not only impacted on the immediate and local community, but much further afield as well. In 1953, it cemented strong relations with the people of Norfolk as a whole and in particular those of the coastal town of Hunstanton, when severe floods claimed over 300 lives nationally and 100 locally; some of these were families of those located at the base living in austerity houses near to the seafront.

However, it was more the actions of the personnel at Sculthorpe that led to this unique relationship. When the floods came, staff at Sculthorpe rallied round and attempted rescues of those stranded by the high waters. One such man was 22 year old Airman 2nd Class, Reis Leming of the 67th Air Rescue Squadron, who even as a non-swimmer, braved the freezing waters to rescue no less than twenty-seven people using dinghies from B-29s. His brave and selfless act won him the Soldier’s Medal from the US forces and the British George Medal.

Airman 2nd Class, Reis Leming of the 67th Air Rescue Squadron was awarded the George Medal for his brave act on the night of 31st January 1953.

Various other personnel also received awards for their bravery. These included Staff Sergeant Freeman kilpatrick, (George Medal); Airman 1st Class Jimmy Brown and Technical Sergeant John Germaine (Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct); Airman 1st Class Jake Smith (British Empire Medal) and Major Julian Perkinson (Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire). Both Leming and Kilpatrick have roads in Hunstanton named after them and a plaque dedicated to those who lost their lives stands by the town’s war memorial alongside the Union Flag and the Stars and Stripes*⁷.

As the 1950s progressed the influx of personnel reached its maximum with some 10,000 personnel being associated with the airfield. The 47th remained the main force located at Sculthorpe but as a division, there would be other, more tactical short range aircraft, also present here. At any time, the 47th could put up between forty and fifty aircraft*⁷, predominately the B-45, in response to events either in Europe or across the world.

Joint operations continued between the Americans and RAF; including ground forces carrying out training operations ‘attacking’ the airfield to test the defenders in case of war, and training flights assisting gunnery battalions along the north Norfolk coast.

The build up of nuclear weapons also increased, weapon sizes were now more modest although the punch they packed was considerably greater than the original bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Smaller and faster aircraft could carry these weapons and both were being stored at Sculthorpe. The unfortunate release of this information, soon became media headlines, and quickly became widely known. This plainly identified Sculthorpe as a major site from which any future nuclear attack would come.

The swelling of personnel numbers at Sculthorpe would be further aided by the arrival of the 19th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (TRS) and yet more RB-45Cs. Headed by the wartime and Korean veteran Major John Anderson, they would photograph Soviet movements along with installations both along and over the delicate east-west border.

In the final part, Sculthorpe maintains its status as a leading nuclear bomber base, housing US bombers and reconnaissance aircraft on this enormous site. East-West relations deteriorate further but there is hope for the future. In the meantime, bigger and more powerful jet bombers arrive.

The full story can be read in Trail 21.

RAF Sculthorpe – The War ends and the Americans arrive (2)

January 27, 2024January 29, 2024 / Aviationtrails / 5 Comments

In Part 1, we saw how Sculthorpe was developed and how it became an airfield in its own right. 2 Group had taken charge and brought in it light bombers, but all would no go to plan.

Meanwhile 464 and 487 Sqn had both been flying operationally, October 9th being the blackest day yet for the New Zealanders, when twelve Mosquitoes were dispatched for the first operations over occupied territory. An attack on Metz was planned but owing to bad weather only one or two aircraft managed to find the target. After dropping their bombs it wasn’t clear whether the target was hit or not, but worse news was yet to come. The formation, which had been dispersed due to poor weather, was being led by Wing Commander Alan G. Wilson DFC along with his navigator F.O. Donald C. F. Bridgman of 487 Sqn. During the attack the formation encountered severe anti-aircraft fire, and Wilson’s aircraft (HX965) was repeatedly hit. The navigator sustained mortal wounds and the aircraft was set on fire. In a desperate attempt to clear the fire, Wing Commander Wilson had to douse the flames with his hands resulting in extensive burns and injury. After fighting the fire, Wilson managed to eject the now smouldering material from the aircraft, but considerable damage had been done. Now flying on his own with his mortally wounded companion beside him, Wilson showed extreme courage and determination, flying the stricken aircraft back to England where he made a successful crash landing at RAF Manston in Kent.

Accomodation blck adjacent to the guard room

Blocks adjacent to the Guard Room.

A second aircraft (HX912), flown by Flt. Lt. Phillip C. C. Kerr and F.O. Bernard J. E. Hannan (464 Sqn) – was less lucky, both pilot and navigator being killed when the aircraft dropped its bombs at low level. It is believed the subsequent explosion also blew up the Mosquito they were flying.

On a separate operation to attack the aircraft engine factory at Woippy in France, Mosquito HX938 piloted by Sqn. Ldr. Walter F. Wallington DFC and navigator P.O. James H. Fawdrraf, dropped its bombs by accident and crashed. This time, both airmen managed to bail out, but some thirty people on the ground were killed. Sqn. Ldr. Wallington managed to evade capture but P.O. Fawdrraf was not so lucky and was soon picked up by German ground forces.

The same fate did not befall two more 487 Sqn airmen that day. Flt. Lt. Edgar W. P. Court and Flt. Lt. Jack B. Sands were both killed when their Mosquito (HX937) blew up whilst flying on one engine near to Antwerp. It had been a very sad day for the Wing, and the loss of several ‘good’ men would be deeply felt by both squadrons.

More rain and strong winds eventually turned Sculthorpe into something that resembled a “seaplane base”, by the end of the month, the entire site was waterlogged. The winds were so severe they were reported to have lifted hut roofs off their mountings causing even more problems for those inside.

On the 22nd – 23rd October, the foul weather momentarily broke and allowed for some bombing practice to take place. On return from the range, one of the 464 Sqn Mosquitoes (HX948) overshot due to an electrical failure with its instruments and crashed onto a hedge at the end of the runway blocking a road as it did so. On the 23rd, in more foul weather, one of 487’s Mosquitoes ‘T’ for Tommy (HX831), did exactly the same thing, coming to rest only feet from the wreck that was previously a Mosquito. As if that was not remarkable enough, a few minutes later one of 21 Sqn’s aircraft (HX956) also overshot, colliding with the 3-ton crane that had been brought in to recover the first aircraft, landing directly on top of the wrecked Mosquito! Miraculously no one was hurt in any of these incidents, but according to 21 Sqn’s ORB “considerable loss of public property sustained“, presumably referring to the pile of wood chippings now sitting at the end of the runway.*⁴The fact that no one was hurt was a miracle in itself, and all the cockpits remaining intact was a sight that gave the personnel at Sculthorpe a great belief in the strength of the Wooden Wonder! But the catastrophe would begin a series of events that would eventually lead to 140 Wing leaving Sculthorpe for good.

By October’s end, the crews of all squadrons were now fully conversant with the new Mosquito, and the supporting Conversion Flight was disbanded; specific training units taking on the role elsewhere.

The harsh winter of 1943-44 would see a special visitor come to Sculthorpe. Wing Commander Leonard Cheshire arrived to discuss, with Pickard, the plausibility of dropping food and clothing to his brother in Sagan (Salag Luft III) using the Mosquito. Cheshire knowing Pickard’s vast experience, thought he was the ideal person to speak to. Whether this was a personal effort to provide comfort to his brother or whether Cheshire was considering the Mosquito for low level precision attacks is not known, but the latter befell the Wing not long after Cheshire’s visit.

The December of 1943 would then bring major changes here at Sculthorpe. On New Year’s Eve, two months after the initial three Mosquito accident, the Wing, along with Pickard and all three Mosquito squadrons, would leave the Norfolk site, taking their Mosquito VIs to RAF Hunsdon. A much smaller airfield, where the overcrowding experienced at Sculthorpe must have been considerably worse.

It was from Hunsdon that Pickard would famously make his last flight. A story goes that Pickard had left his dog ‘Ming’ at Sculthorpe to be looked after whilst he was away. On the day he was shot down, 18th February 1944, on the Amien raid, the dog fell gravely ill. Pickard’s wife, Dorothy, went to get him and sensed that Pickard had been killed after seeing the state of the animal. It took months for Ming to recover, and some years later whilst living in Rhodesia, Ming went outside, looked up to the sky as he always did when Pickard was flying, heard a whistle, collapsed and died.*²

The departure of the Wing effectively left Sculthorpe with no operational units, until on January 6th 1944, when a new and very different squadron began to move in.

Crews from 214 (Federated Malay States) Squadron based under 3 Group at Downham Market, arrived in two waves, the initial group coming across in early January 1944, whilst the main body continued operations flying their Stirling bombers. Those that arrived here quickly settled in, but a lack of decent paths meant that initial training was mixed with the unenviable task of digging and laying of new paths. Whilst attending lectures and link training were the primary tasks for the pilots and Flight Engineers, the gunners and other aircrew were given the more ‘practical’ task of constructing the new paths ready for the remainder of the squadron’s arrival.

Sculthorpe’s bomb store was relocated in the late 1950s and was nuclear capable.

Then on the 25th, the remaining crews and staff of the squadron departed Downham Market, thus ending their link with 3 Group. Once here, flying circuits and more lectures became the order of the day. Additional training on ‘Monica‘ equipment, fighter affiliation tasks and local cross countries then took the squadron to late spring at which point operations began to take place.

The arrival of 214 Sqn heralded more than just a new bomber squadron though, for they would not be flying the Stirling as they had been; instead, they were set up as part of 100 Group, becoming an official member in mid January 1944. Their arrival here would not only see them change Groups but would also see them convert to the American built B-17 ‘Flying Fortress’. Now designated 214 (BS) Sqn, their arrival would bring another major change to Sculthorpe, a change that would continue for the next five months, but would have repercussions for many years to come.

Operating in the Electronic Warfare role within 100 Group, they would carry out radio jamming operations, an early form of Electronic Counter Measures (ECM). The urgency of the conversion, led to the unit taking on fourteen UK based B17-Fs , their ordered ‘G’ models being used as a trade off*³.

The British B-17 (designated Fortress I, II and III) crews were joined by personnel from various U.S. units. Their role was to train and support the air and ground crews in both flying and maintaining the new aircraft, a role they performed well, right into the early summer of 1944. The set up was so successful that American personnel were soon posted in to fly alongside the RAF crews, thus expanding the influence of the Group.

Flying along side other bomber formations, 214 Squadron would use systems including ‘Monica‘ to track or jam enemy radar, they performed ‘spoof’ missions to entice enemy fighters up to them rather than the main force that was attacking targets elsewhere; a rouse that worked well initially.

Fortress B Mark III, HB796, at Prestwick, after being fitted with radio counter-measures equipment by Scottish Aviation Ltd. It served with No. 214 Squadron from November 1944. Equipment fitted included American AN/APS15 radar in the large radome under the nose, Airborne Cigar (ABC) radio-jamming equipment (shown by the large aerial on top of the fuselage), and an Airborne Grocer aircraft radar jamming installation, the aerials of which can be seen on either side of the tail turret. HB796 failed to return from a bomber support mission on 9 February 1945. (© IWM ATP 13090E)

Other operations flown by the Group, included: jamming or swamping German radio communications, jamming navigation aids and searching for new signals that may suggest new or improved German radar.*³ The successes of 100 Group, prompted the setting up of the U.S. 803rd (Prov) BS (H) in March that year, a US Group who would learn from, and perform in the same role as 214 Sqn. Initially taking six veteran crews, all having reached 25 missions, from 96th BG at Snetterton Heath combined with those already at Sculthorpe, they would soon build up to a strength of twelve aircraft all based here at the Norfolk airfield. Of these initial six all but one were fitted with Carpet and Mandrel jamming equipment, whilst the sixth (B-17G) had jammers and search equipment in the form of SCR-587 and Hallicrafters S-27 VHF signals intelligence receivers (SIGINT) to track Luftwaffe radar and radio transmissions.*⁵

However, the initial set up of the unit was seen as ‘messy’ and disorganised with no real focus, a problem that led to delays in preparation, organisation and training. As D-day appeared over the horizon, the U.S. group was distinctly lacking in preparation and action was needed fast. To assist in the training and operations of the Fortress, a further new separate unit was also set up here at Sculthorpe.

From April 24th 1944, 1699 (Fortress Training) Flight who operated each of the Fortress I, II and III, carried out the conversion and training role for these crews, and to speed the process up, they also used the B-24 Liberator along with some smaller examples such as the Avro Anson and Air Speed Oxford. By this time, personnel at Sculthorpe amounted to some 104 RAF Officers, 233 Senior NCOs, 705 airmen, 190 WAAFs of various ranks and 1,073 US Officers, NCOs and airmen*^7.

Then, five months after their arrival, both 214 Sqn and the 803rd were both posted out to RAF Oulton, (May 1944), where they continued with their ECM roles. The 803rd, now commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Clayton Scott, began to work on the support of Operation Overlord, and even as late as June 5th, equipment was still being fitted to the aircraft. The Fortress Training Flight moved with the two ECM units and in October it was disbanded and immediately reformed as 1699 (Bomber Support) Conversion Unit, a designation it used for a year before being renamed once more.

The departure of the three squadrons (along with the resident non-flying units) was not a coincidence, for Sculthorpe had been earmarked for redevelopment into a Very Heavy Bomber base (VHB). As soon as the personnel had moved out, it was placed into ‘care and maintenance’ and the workmen from Taylor Woodrow moved in; taking up residence in the now empty nissen huts on Site 3.

And so, US development specialist moved in, after which followed a period of sustained redevelopment of the site. This included the removal and reinstatement of longer runways along with the construction of twelve very heavy bomber hardstands. Surrounding public roads were also diverted and further properties were demolished to make way for the airfield’s expansion. New accommodation blocks, ‘Z’ blocks, were built, and new married quarters were created. The whole process took around three to four years to complete during which time the station was basically closed with only an occasional use keeping it alive; one such operator being the 1510 Beam Approach Beacon System Flight (BABS) based at nearby Bircham Newton.

A further deterioration in east-west relations then led to the Berlin crisis and what has famously become known as the Berlin airlift. The political situation in Europe essentially forced the hand of both Governments to make a final decision, one which resulted in the deployment of sixty (2 Bomb Groups) Very Heavy Bombers at various UK airfields. Whilst these deployments were on a temporary basis only, the decision would however, be the first step on the ladder to the US establishing itself officially, on UK soil for many years to come.

The lack of use over the last few years had meant however, that much of the accommodation at Sculthorpe had deteriorated to an unacceptable level. Damp and rot had set in and more work was now needed to bring it back up to standard before further deployments could take place. Even as this was being carried out though, bombs and other supplies along with, in February 1949, an advanced party of US personnel from the 92nd Bomb Group, began to arrive. As they passed through the main gate so began a new page in Sculthorpe’s history, and soon it would be ready to be an active base once more.

By December 1948, Sculthorpe, operating as a satellite to RAF Marham, began to prepare for its official opening. A somewhat premature move as reconstruction work was still going on and there was much to do before the airfield would be truly ready for its new residents.

In Part 3, Sculthorpe develops further, it receives its new residents and a new page is turned. As relations with the East becoming difficult, a new age dawns and nuclear weapons become the way forward.

The full story can be read in Trail 21.

RAF Sculthorpe – The Beginnings of a New Airfield (1)

January 20, 2024January 21, 2024 / Aviationtrails / 8 Comments

Not long before Christmas, I had the opportunity to return to RAF Sculthorpe to revisit the small collection they had in the Heritage Centre not only before it closed for the season, but before it moved to its new location in the former Chapel on the base. The Chapel itself, was hugely overgrown and in a very poor state after being left vacant for many years, but has been painstakingly refurbished, by the volunteers at the centre, with an aim to opening early this year (2024).

This gave me an opportunity to also revisit the airfield and see how it had fared.

RAF Sculthorpe

Sculthorpe airfield is located a few miles to the north-west of the town of Fakenham in Norfolk, in a parish that has links as far back as the Romans and even pre-historic eras. The airfield itself however, has its origins more recently in the latter part of the Second World War, but it has a much larger claim to fame , and one that it still retains to this day.

A former American school and more recently a shop now derelict and forgotten.

Designed initially as a heavy bomber site, and satellite to RAF West Raynham, Sculthorpe would initially be built with three runways, ten accommodation sites, a bomb store and a large technical area. Over time, these runways were extended to one of 12,000ft and two of 6,000ft, and all made of concrete. By the end of its life, its accommodation area would have grown enormously, as would its technical and administration sites, housing at its height, 10,000 personnel and their families. Such enormous facilities along with the fact that it was capable of holding around 100 aircraft, gave Sculthorpe the ability to boast being one of the biggest airfields in Western Europe, an honour it retains to this day.

Built by a collection of major companies including: Bovis Ltd, John Laing & Sons, and Constable Hart & Co. Ltd; it would boast as many as five major hangars – one B1 and four T2s, along with nine blister hangars all located around the site. Around the perimeter there would be 36 hardstands, many of which would be absorbed during extension work leaving 29 by 1958.

Although built in the Second World War, Sculthorpe had a limited War life, its heyday coming much later in the Cold War, during which time it became a major nuclear capable airfield housing American bombers on 90 day rotations.

Initially though, following a reshuffle of Bomber Command, it fell under the control of 2 Group Bomber Command but the first users of the airfield were not the bomber crews but the personnel of the 11 Heavy Glider Maintenance Section along with 2 Heavy Glider Maintenance Unit, who both moved in during early 1943, before the site was officially opened. As non-flying units they prepared, repaired and maintained thirty-two Horsa gliders, many of which would have been used the following year in the Normandy invasion. These units remained in situ at Sculthorpe for almost a year, departing mid March 1944.

2 Group were formed primarily of light bombers, and on May 15th 1943, the first of the main residents arrived in the form of Boston IIIAs belonging to 342 (Lorraine) Squadron.

342 Sqn had originally been set up as a Free French squadron in September 1941, operating in the Middle East with French crews. Their time there had not been good though, with many losses as a result of flying what were now considered ‘out of date’ aircraft – the Blenheim. It was then decided, after talks between the RAF and General Valin, the Commander of the Free French Air Force, to bring these men back and retrain them on more modern aircraft, and so in September 1942, orders from the UK directed many of these airmen back to the UK. Sadly however, during their return voyage, two of the four ships that were used to transport them, were sunk by German U-boats, and many of the personnel were lost at sea.

Once in the UK, refresher courses were undertaken with 342 Sqn being officially re-formed on April 1st 1943, using these French personnel at nearby RAF West Raynham . Once formed, training continued, followed not long after by the first loss, when one of the aircraft attempted an emergency landing after running out of fuel. That aside, the Boston IIIa, or A20, they were now using, was considered a much improved model compared to the Blenheim, with both greater power and better armament, and was far more suited to the role it was about to perform.

Following further training, the squadron finally transferred over to Sculthorpe on May 15th 1943, where crews attended lectures on “evasive action and fighter control”. Two further crashes would cost the squadron several more airmen, some of whom were highly experienced and valued members of the unit.

As the saying goes, any port in a storm, and Sculthorpe provided that port. On May 19th, an American B-17 was forced to make an emergency landing at the airfield. On board the aircraft were three injured crewmen, the ball turret gunner, and the two waist gunners. The Ball Turret Gunner was given urgent medical assistance, but unfortunately he later died from those injuries, whilst the two waist gunners, both with frost bite to their hands and ears, thankfully survived. A second B-17 landed some time after the landing and collected the crewmen, transferring them back to their own base where they received further medical assistance.

There then came yet another change at Sculthorpe, as the Free French unit was combined with two other squadrons, 88 and 107 to form the new 137 Wing; a Wing made up of both French and British units. On June 12th 1943, under the new Wing, 342 Sqn’s first operational flight took place, a ‘circus’ raid undertaken in conjunction with 107 Sqn. These types of operations would become the norm for the next month, and whilst there were some losses, they were thankfully light. In mid July, orders came through for the unit to depart Sculthorpe and move to nearby RAF Great Massingham, a move that was well organised and one that went smoothly. By the evening of July 19th all but two aircraft had departed Sculthorpe, and crews were settling in well to their new home.

There was no let up at Sculthorpe though, as over the next two days two more squadrons would move in to the now vacant premises. Orders for the transfer of both 464 (RAAF) and 487 (RNZAF) Squadrons were received with mixed emotions though. To make things worse, the transfer of both men and machinery did not go totally to plan and only happened following a change in operations and planning. Both Squadrons had been flying from RAF Methwold, an airfield not far from Sculthorpe, as light bomber units with Lockheed’s Venturas. They regularly attacked targets in western Europe, often without fighter escort, which resulted in some heavy losses for the units.

The Commissary and BX next door are still on site today

It was whilst at Methwold that Sqn. Ldr. Leonard Trent would perform so bravely receiving the Victoria Cross for his actions on May 3rd, 1943, with 487 (RNZAF) Sqn. The whole process began in mid June with an initial order requiring 464 (RAAF) Sqn, to move to Dunsfold, however, that move never materialised, the order being cancelled on July 4th. This meant that preparations would stop, and the squadron would remain at Methwold. They then entered a period of training, the weather having curtailed many operational flights for both this unit and others across the UK.

Then on July 10th, the weather broke just enough for an operational flight to be carried out by 464 Sqn, attacking targets at St. Omer. These were hit with great success; the 487 squadron commander commenting “a wizard piece of bombing”, but still the squadron awaited, with anticipation, news of its next posting. Then two days later, whilst a contingent of the Australian press where visiting, news came through that the two units were to change its aircraft for Mosquitoes, and that the pilots would be fully trained within 6 weeks. The swap although not what was expected, was generally accepted well by the squadrons, but it brought disappointment for both the wireless operators and air gunners of each unit, who would have no place on board the two-seat ‘Mossie’, and would have to be transferred out.

Following a period of further training, the long awaited news finally arrived. For 487 Sqn it arrived on July 16th, noted as ‘Panic day’, and on July 17th for 464 Sqn. Both squadrons would now transfer over to Sculthorpe. In preparation, 464 Sqn’s station adjutant visited the new airfield on the 19th to assess its condition, but he was not impressed! He reported that “there was very little of it to work in comfort and everything is drastically dispersed.”*¹ His aggrieved feelings about the site were further exasperated by a lack of office space, the only silver lining to the whole move, being that more accommodation was apparently ‘in the pipeline’.

487 were the first to transfer. On the 19th, the advance party left Methwold followed in the early afternoon of the 20th by the main road party. The aircraft and crews then transferred over an hour or so after them. On the 21st the aircraft of 464 Sqn also departed Methwold, the departure tinged with sadness as many were sorry to be leaving what had been a good home. The weather typical as it is, once again closed in, and several aircraft had to try two or three times before finally getting down safely at Sculthorpe. Fortunately there were no mishaps and all crews and aircraft arrived safely.

By the evening all personnel were unpacked and settling down for the night. The lack of buildings became quickly evident though, a fact made worse by the lack of bicycles, Sculthorpe being so widespread meant it was difficult to get around without transport. As a result, more bikes were needed and an order was placed with an urgent request. Coinciding with this, was a memo informing staff, of the impending move to form a new headquarters here, a move which would see both new recruits along with an increase in staffing levels. This was a further worry as there was still insufficient accommodation for those already here.

The month ended on a better note however, with good weather, night sorties and training on new equipment gave a hint of things to come. A new station Commander also arrived at this time, in the form of Group Captain P.C. Pickard DSO, DFC, once again hopes for the two squadrons were rising. Pickard’s arrival was by no means a coincidence – a new Wing was being formed and he had been chosen to lead it. Pickard’s record as a leader was outstanding, and he had been hand picked, for the role, by none other than Air Vice Marshall Basil Embry.

Pickard’s role here at Sculthorpe was to set up and command 140 Wing, a new unit consisting of three Mosquito squadrons, under the control of 2 Group of the Second Tactical Air Force headed by Embry himself. Even while the new Wing was being formed, training continued for those already here at Sculthorpe. On August 18th, whilst on one such flight, one of the Venturas (AE668) of 464 Sqn crashed into a Welsh hillside at Llandwrog, with the loss of all four crewmen. What was unusual, and concerning, was why the aircraft was so far off course at the time; the Welsh mountains not being where the aircraft should have been. It was not known why the aircraft crashed nor indeed whether the deviation of course was a factor in the accident, but it was a heart felt tragedy and the squadron’s first accident whilst at Sculthorpe.

Three days after this, on August 21st, the first of the new replacement aircraft arrived, two D.H. Mosquitoes, a milestone that coincided the following day with the setting up of a Mosquito Conversion Flight. The purpose of the Flight was to convert Ventura aircrew from both 464 and 487 Sqns over to the Mosquito.

Flying was slow to start with, as appalling weather prevented any chance of taking off even in the day-time, a situation that would prevail for some time. By now, the new postings for the surplus gunners of both units had begun to filter through, and gradually, one by one, they trickled out of Sculthorpe to their new respective squadrons elsewhere. It wasn’t just the aircrew that were being posted out either, a number of tradesmen were also posted out, but oddly enough, they were not being replaced. The distinct lack of skilled technical personnel soon raised alarm bells amongst the units, for as a Mosquito squadron, 487 had no carpenters, and other skilled workers were becoming distinctly lacking.

Mosquito FB Mk VIs (HX965 ‘EG-C’ leading) of No. 487 Squadron, lined up at Sculthorpe, prior to taking off on the first Mosquito raid mounted by No. 140 Wing. 24 aircraft from 464 and 487 Squadron RNZAF successfully attacked two power stations in France without loss. (©IWM HU 81325)

By early September Mosquito numbers had reached well into double figures, the lack of manpower was now the issue which was being made worse by the lack of spares, a situation that led to many aircraft being classed as unserviceable. A common problem seemed to be the undercarriage, repairs taking longer than usual keeping aircraft annoyingly grounded.

The 15th September 1943 saw another significant turn in the status of Sculthorpe, as it gained its own independence and became an operational airfield in its own right. With this, Sculthorpe had finally grown up. On the 28th, the numbers of aircraft on the books had reached over 70 when another squadron (21) arrived to join both 464 and 487 thus completing the formation of the Wing. The ORB for 464 Sqn stating that the airfield was not built for three squadrons (and a conversion flight) and that overcrowding was now a major issue for those based here at a cold and wet Sculthorpe.

21 Sqn was another Ventura unit, themselves having a history as far back as 1915, and very soon after their arrival, they too, would begin to receive the Mosquito. As with 464 and 487 Sqns, pilots were quickly placed on the conversion course flying with the Conversion Flight at Sculthorpe, the transition from Ventura to Mosquito being expedited with all speed.

By the 4th October, virtually all pilots had converted and completed cross country solo flights at low level. Only the incident on the 1st, when Flt. Lt. Henderson suffered engine trouble and subsequent fire, marred the otherwise rapid and clean transfer across. In the incident, Flt. Lt. Henderson managed to bring the aircraft down safely at RAF Attlebridge. Other good news for the unit was that those in the administration offices were now able to move from their cold and unsuitable temporary accommodation block to a new permanent building, this new block being the ‘best they had experienced since leaving RAF Oulton‘. Improvements were indeed coming but they were somewhat slow.

In Part 2 the two squadrons fly operationally, but it would not be the great start they had wished for. There would be further changes and more new arrivals at the airfield and larger four-engined bombers would also arrive.The full story can be read in Trail 21.

Memories of a Vulcan XH558 Restoration Volunteer.

May 29, 2021May 8, 2021 / Aviationtrails / 6 Comments

I was recently contacted by Trevor Danks, a volunteer during the restoration of Vulcan XH558, until 2015, the world’s last flying Vulcan bomber. Trevor very kindly sent me his memories along with a selection of his photos, taken whilst working as a volunteer during the aircraft’s restoration.

The Vulcan’s final farewell flight took place on October 28th 2015.

My sincere thanks go to Trevor for sharing his memories and photos with me.

Memories of a Vulcan XH558 Restoration Volunteer.

I joined the 558 Club at the RIAT 2000 at RAF Cottesmore. At that time I was unable to play any active part due to work commitments. However by 2005 I was semi retired and when the request came out for volunteers to help out with the restoration of XH558, I replied immediately.

I had been an Airframe Mechanic during my National Service in the RAF between 1955 and 1957. I had been fortunate to be posted to 232 OCU Valiant Squadron at RAF Gaydon and became a member of a ground crew on a Valiant. So the prospect of being in close proximity to the Vulcan was an exciting prospect.

Following the first call for volunteers an e-mail was sent out asking if anyone knew someone who could do a drawing of the hangar at Bruntingthorpe, at minimum cost. I replied by e-mail to say that I would do it on my CAD system at no cost as part of my volunteer work. So on a cold April morning in 2005, I met Colin Marshall at Bruntingthorpe to discuss what was required. The first task was to take measurements of the hangar. I was also supplied with a drawing of the Vulcan which had to be shown in position in the hangar. Another volunteer, Derek Bates, helped with the measuring of the hangar. The original drawing was to be part of a document for the Heritage Lottery Fund. However as time passed the drawing was amended a few times and the later version is shown below, which shows the visitors walkway.

Hangar Layout (Bruntingthorpe).

The Hangar layout at Bruntingthorpe (Trevor Danks)

I became a member of the Wednesday Crew (See photo) together with a number of other volunteers. On that day there were a basic six of us who, from the start, did a variety of jobs. In the beginning we helped to set up the hangar to meet the requirements of Marshall Aerospace, the hangar becoming part of their engineering facilities located at Cambridge. Apart from the tidying up, dismantling or erecting shelving and racking, we participated in the setting up of the technical library, under the supervision of Frank Edmondson, this held all the Air Publications (AP’s).

Our main task lay with the 600 tons of spares held in the Deep Store, better known as “The Shed”. Over the days of the restoration we sorted, counted, placed in boxes and put the spares in the racking. This information was input to the computer. After which we then had to find and retrieve spares as and when required by the engineers. All this was carried out under the supervision of Simon Chipman. We were a happy bunch beavering away in The Shed, sometimes very hot and sometimes very cold depending on the time of the year. During tea and lunchtime breaks in the Airfield Diner we would reminisce about our days in the RAF or times past when the Vulcan was flying at displays.

In August 2006 it had reached a critical point where more finance was need to be able to complete the restoration. A fund raising operation had been carried out but the trust was still £500,000 short so the paid employees had been put on notice to end their employment. Everyone was convinced that it looked as this was to be the end of the project. After the aircraft had been rolled out to loud cheers a louder cheer went up as Sir Michael Knight, Chairman of VTTS Trust, announced a donation of £500,000 had been received from a mystery donor. The donor turned out to be Jack Hayward, owner at the time of Wolves football club.

When the Vulcan finally got to the stage of emerging from the hangar for such as engine runs we joined together with all the other volunteers who came on other days of the week. This usually required us to do a ‘FOD Plod’ which entailed us doing a walk of where the Vulcan was to pass, picking up any debris lying about. The first time the Vulcan was taken out for an engine test run, it was taken to a dispersal pad on the edge of the airfield. Having run the engines individually the time came to run them together up to 75% full power. I and a colleague were stationed on the perimeter track to prevent anyone coming along it. As the power increased we noticed a shed on the side of the perimeter track beginning to move. We quickly flagged the ground crew to shut down before the shed disappeared into the trees. The aircraft was then repositioned to continue the engine run.

First Flight.

The most enjoyable FOD Plod was on 18^th October 2007 when we were all out on the runway at 7.30am as dawn broke. The expectancy on that day was electric; our little crew had been appointed as the emergency team in the team bus with the task of dashing to an emergency entrance on the edge of the airfield. This was to let in emergency vehicles in the event of a mishap. Fortunately the day blossomed into a beautiful day both weather-wise and the rebirth of a much loved aircraft. When the crew of XH558 let off the brakes and that famous engine “Howl” was heard, one minute it was rushing down the runway and the next 100 feet up as it went past us in the viewing area. We cheered like mad and hugged each other with not a dry eye in the house.

Sqd. Ldr Dave Thomas – VOC Display Pilot: AEO Barry Masefield – VOC AEO & Radio Op.: Sqd Ldr Al McDicken – Marshalls’ Test Pilot

This was not the end but the beginning, as much had to done to get it to the stage of giving a display at the Waddington Air Show in 2008. There were other engine runs and flights, with XH558 getting her certificate to display just two days before the first day of the Air Show. All the time the Vulcan remained at Bruntingthorpe I continued to visit there on a Wednesday. When it moved to RAF Lyneham and the office to Hinckley, I changed my visits to Hinckley and became part of the education team. From this I developed my Power Point presentation to give talks about the restoration time. However I retain the happy memories of our days at Bruntingthorpe and count myself very lucky to have been part of what can only be described as a great adventure. I was at Waddington for that first display and also managed to attend the day she flew with the two Lancaster bombers.

Since those days I have managed to visit Robin Hood Airport on a couple of occasions. The last time I managed to get the signatures of Taff Stone and Andrew Edmondson added to all the other signatures in my copy of Vulcan 607.

Photo Collection.

Weds crew John, Trevor, Peter, Dave, Bob and Vic.

‘The Wednesday Crew’ – John, Trevor, Peter, Dave, Bob and Vic.

Volunteers with ‘Brunty Bear’ (XH558 Mascot) On head centre front row.

Roll Out Day – XH558 Outside for first time August 2006.

With Starboard Undercarriage Leg on Roll Out Day.

First Flight.

Nose Wheel Off for First flight.

Starting Fod Plod along runway April 2008 ready for display Season (John, Bob, Trevor)

RAF Leuchars – one of Britain’s oldest airfields (Part 5)

May 15, 2021May 12, 2023 / Aviationtrails / 9 Comments

After Part 4, in this, the final part of Trail 62, we round off our look at RAF Leuchars. We have seen how to grew from a balloon training ground in the pre-war years to a training station for early flyers. Then on to maritime patrol, the Cold War and QRA status. Now as the years pass, defence cuts rear their heads once gain, Leuchars is once more under threat from politics.

The 1970s would see a return to training here at Leuchars with both the RAF and the Royal Navy embarking on new ventures with the Phantom – McDonnell Douglas’s all round, all-weather, multi-role aircraft. With new models, come new training units, and with the arrival of 111 Sqn the famous ‘Treble One’, in November 1975, also came a training support unit – the Post Operational Conversion Unit (later known as the Phantom Training Flight). The primary role of this unit was to train Fleet Air Arm aircrews for carrier borne models of the Phantom.

A No. 111 Squadron McDonnell Douglas F-4K Phantom FG.1, an aircraft closely associated with RAF Leuchars. (License: GNU Free Documentation License 1.2)

By the early 1970s, the shortcomings of the Lightning were now more than apparent, a lack of range and loitering ability becoming more obvious as the Phantom’s capabilities outshone it. A slower, but far more advanced Phantom, was proving to be more than just a suitable replacement for the now ageing ‘rocket of the skies’.

Whilst the Phantom was phased in and the Lightning phased out, pilots of the Lightnings continued to be wary of its tendency for engine fires, a problem that had been present for some time. One such incident saw Lightning XS918 catch fire before the pilot (Flying Officer Doidge) manged to eject over the North Sea, West of The Bell Rock, 9 miles East of RAF Leuchars. Unfortunately controversy surrounded several aspects of the pilots kit, after he ejected he became detached from his survival kit, an inquiry highlighting ‘modifications’ to his clothing that may or may not have led to his tragic loss of life. In what appears to have been common practice amongst many airmen, changes were officially made to the kits supplied to aircrew in light of the accident.

The transition between Phantom and Lightning was a smooth if not rapid one. At Leuchars, the final farewell was made at the annual open day in September 1975, when six of 23 Squadron’s Lightnings and and four Phantoms of 43 Sqn formed a flypast. The Lightnings passing over the airfield in dramatic style saying a last farewell to the station where it has performed its duties so well for many years. With their disbandment in October, the baton and well and truly been passed over to a new breed of aircraft.

Between 1972 and 1978, Leuchars saw further sporadic returns of the Royal Navy, with 892 Squadron from HMS Ark Royal utilising the ground space for its operations. By 1978 though, 892 Sqn was disbanded, and their ship – the Ark Royal – decommissioned, bringing an end to this relationship between the navy and Leuchars. However, the FG.1 Phantoms used by 892 were absorbed into 111 Sqn, replacing the FGR.2s they had been operating before.

The end of 892 Sqn was marred by a tragic accident When rehearsing for the final solo display, the aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG 1 ‘XT868’ flown by Cdr. C. C. N. Davies and his navigator/observer Lt J. Gavin, suffered multiple engine failures whilst flying low, downwind along the runway axis. The aircraft entered a tight right hand turn through 180º to fly dead stick back along the runway. The Phantom’s right wing then struck the ground, and with the aircraft now perpendicular to the runway, the pilot ejected followed almost immediately by the observer. In their exits, the pilot was severely injured whilst the observer was sadly killed.

The decision to scrap the angled-decked carriers of the Navy would in turn have an eventual knock on effect at Leuchars. With both naval Buccaneers and Phantoms transferring to the RAF, no new training would take place – the Navy now looking toward the introduction the Harrier. The Phantom Training Flight would for now, remain at Leuchars though its role ‘downgraded’ to performing refresher training, ensuring that a round the clock, carrier based status was maintained in the UK.

It was also at this time that another film crew arrived – this time from the BBC – who used Ark Royal and her on-board flying units, including 892 Sqn, for their documentary ‘Sailor‘. The iconic insight into carrier operations was perhaps made even more famous by its theme tune of a similar name sung by Rod Stewart.

The 1970s saw continuous and increased intrusions into the the northern airspace around the UK, and as a result QRA scrambles became more common place at Leuchars than any other UK station. A massed show of force on Lenin’s centenary provided a massive ‘target’ for the QRA aircraft, with no less than 60 ‘Bears’ and ‘Badgers’ filling the skies on one day alone over the North Sea. A major headache for the QRA crews, it did however provide an excellent photo opportunity even allowing for a Marham Victor to shadow a Soviet Tu-95 ‘Bear’ much to the annoyance of the AOC No.1 Group when he got to hear about it.

With continued use, the runway needed a further resurfacing, and after the Phantoms of 43 Sqn had departed to Kinloss for a ‘Bolthole’ (where Station based aircraft deploy to temporary locations) deployment to carry out QRA operations from there, and those of 111 had left for Coningsby, Leuchars was left to the developers, and for an estimated eight months the airfield was effectively out of front line action.

Now with restricted runway use, the Whirlwind and Wessex helicopters and later Sea Kings, of 22 Sqn, would be the main users of Leuchars; their Air Sea Rescue operations combining with the Scottish Mountain Rescue teams, saving not only downed aircrew but stranded climbers as well . They would also be joined by the University Air Squadrons from nearby St. Andrew’s, Aberdeen and Dundee (later amalgamated to form the East of Scotland Universities Air Squadron) who would use Leuchars for training with their Scottish Aviation Beagle Bulldogs.

Once completed, a second phase of work was then undertaken, new hardened aircraft shelters (HAS) were to be built. Common place on bases in Germany, these were designed to withstand conventional attacks, providing protection for individual aircraft whilst dispersed around the airfield. In an announcement made by Sir Michael Beetham the Chief of the Air Staff, Leuchars and five other airfields were to receive these ‘new’ shelters. It would take several years though before those at Leuchars were ready with its QRA aircraft safely tucked inside.

As the 1980s turned into the 1990s, the Phantom had now reached the end of its life and the new Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) the ‘Tornado’ would soon be appearing. The two Leuchars based squadrons, 43 and 111 were both stood down, the Phantoms removed and the Tornadoes brought in. 43 Sqn, who had been based at Leuchars since 1969 being the first to receive the new aircraft, a transition that saw all the Phantoms gone from the Scottish base within a year.

The introduction of the Tornado was not without its own political and military wrangling. Doubts cast upon the ability of the multi-role aircraft to perform as well as those aircraft it was designed to replace were raised by the military. History had shown some dramatic failures on this score whilst others, such as the Mosquito, had shown it more than possible with great success. Politicians however, seemed more drawn between upsetting the Americans who were trying to sell the F-15, and the multi national consortium Panavia Aircraft GmbH, who collectively built the Tornado. The decision would be a fine balance.

With the fall of the Berlin Wall, Soviet incursions around the UK’s airspace would drop, the need for interceptors had now seemingly reduced, and so a review of the RAF’s front line operations was once again on the cards. The withdrawal of both the Phantom and shortly after the Buccaneer, left the Tornado as Britain’s only front line defence aircraft.

With the Gulf War in the 1991, the Tornadoes of Leuchars would play a major part and all eyes would be on them, scrutinising their every move. The gradual phasing out of Buccaneers and Jaguars leaving a lot on the shoulders of Tornado crews.

In 1995 two 43 Sqn Tornadoes from Leuchars were involved in a mid air collision over the North Sea. One of the aircraft ZE210 collided with the second, ZE733, during a joining up manoeuvre at 12,000ft whilst using night vision goggles. The pilot of ZE733 lost control and the two crew (Flt. Lt. McCarry and Flt. Lt. Booth) safely ejected, being rescued by an Air Sea Rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer. The second aircraft, ZE210, suffered damage to the hood and electrics, which knocked out the navigational aids. On landing, it took a considerable time to extract the crew due to the damage sustained to the hood. The aircraft was not repaired instead being used for spares before finally being dumped at St. Athan. *⁸

Further cut backs to finances meant the final departure of the Jaguars from bases in England. For Leuchars it would see the reforming of the University Air Squadrons into the ESUAS. A single training unit operating in conjunction with the three Scottish Universities .

After 2010 the Tornadoes were replaced by the Typhoons of 1 and 6 Sqns. 1 Sqn was reformed here on 15th September 2012, and joined 6 Sqn who had been reformed here on 6th September 2010, this offered an almost seamless transition from Tornadoes to Typhoons. These modern fighters now formed Britain’s front line of defence against potential aggressors taking over the QRA status for the north. But in 2014, orders came through to move the RAF out of Leuchars transferring the aircraft, personnel and role to Lossiemouth in Moray. On 31st March 2015 at 12:00 hrs, ownership of Leuchars officially passed over to the Army, Leuchars’ named was changed to Leuchars Station, and its history as an operational airfield had finally come to an end.

Designated an emergency landing ground, (Master Diversion Airfield or MDA) between 2015 and 2016 no fewer than fifteen aircraft used Leuchars for ’emergency’ landings. These included: Tucanoes (Linton-on-Ouse), Tornadoes GR4 (Lossiemouth); Hawks (Leeming); Typhoons (Coningsby) and F15s from Lakenheath in Suffolk.

A minor respite in 2020 saw the QRA Typhoons return briefly as work was carried out on Lossiemouth’s runway. Within a short period of time though, this was completed and the aircraft departed once more leaving Leuchars quiet again.

This move signified the last full use of Leuchars by the Royal Air Force, responsibility of this long standing Scottish airfield being handed over to the the British Army who now based the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and the Royal Engineers here. Various other non-flying units do serve here including The Military police units and 612 (R) Squadron, a medical unit of the RAF.

Whilst the defence cuts of 2010 indicated the closure of Leuchars, in October 2020, it was confirmed by the Ministry of Defence that they were looking into increasing both civilian and military usage of the airfield at Leuchars. Whilst there remains no intention to retain, or base aircraft here, the installation of fuel facilities does give hope that aviation will return in some form in the future. The indications are that by opening Leuchars to civilian traffic, it could bring revenue in to the hard pressed MOD*⁷.

Leuchars played a major part in two World conflicts being used primarily by the RAF throughout its life. The Royal Navy (Fleet Air Arm) have also been based here, as have the Army who are now the current main residents of the base. Other users include: the Dutch, the Norwegians, the Canadians, Australians and New Zealand Air Forces as well as civil aviation organisations and University Air Squadrons.

More recently, with it being located closer to international airspace which is regularly penetrated by Soviet aircraft, the RAF’s Northern QRA aircraft were based here for many years before moving away to Lossiemouth in Moray, someway further north. Leuchars’ history is therefore long and very varied, covering a wide range of users in a multitude of roles.

RAF Leuchars has a history going back over 100 years. It was never upgraded to ‘A’ class status, and has only ever had two runways. Originally built from concrete and wood chip, the surface was upgraded to accommodate the jets of modern warfare, and the infrastructure has been added to as the airfield grew.

It has been home to a considerable number of front line squadrons along with an extensive collection of support flights, training flights and non-flying units. The number of people that have passed through its doors probably uncountable. It performed during the first World War, trained air crew in the inter-war years, and carried out vital work during the Second. Post war, it formed the front line of defence against potential Soviet aggression before returning to training through the University Air Squadrons across Scotland. Now home to the British Army, it is at least for the time being open for business, but as a flying military site, it is all but closed.

Its location has been in many ways its saviour. Operating maritime patrols and clandestine operations into occupied and neutral Europe. The Fleet Air Arm were formed from its units, and the Air Forces of several nations have been based here. It has a history that is so diverse and dynamic that very few other airfields in Britain can match it. As with other airfields across the country, its future hangs in the balance, I hope that this long living and prestigious site remains alive and well to honour all those who over the last 100 years have served from its runways.

Leuchars as an operational military site is not accessible to the general public and views across it are limited. It is thought that two rare First World War Double Royal Flying Corps General Service Aircraft Sheds are among the few original buildings that survive on the site. The accommodation areas have now been sold off to private buyers, but the airfield is intact as it is used as an emergency landing ground and by the ESUAS. With care, opportunities are there to see this historic and fascinating piece of Britain’s aviation history.

The full story of Leuchars can be seen on Trail 62.

Sources and further reading

*¹ Fatal Air Accidents website 12th November 1918 – November 1919

*² Royal Flying Corp Website

*³ An interesting film of 489 Beaufighters with invasion markings appears on the IWM website, it shows the take off and formation flying of the squadron along with some interesting ground shots too.

*⁴ For additional information and pilot stories about the ‘ball-bearing’ run see the Royal Institute of Navigation Blog.

*⁵ Thirsk, I. “de Havilland Mosquito – An illustrated History Vol.2“, Crecy 2006

*⁶ Further details about the BOAC Mosquitoes appear n ‘Mosquitoes on BOAC Service ‘.

*⁷ The Courier.co.uk newspaper website.

*^{8, 11} Aviation Safety Network Website.

*⁹ National Archives AIR 27/2612/1

*¹⁰ Defence Transformation Volume 531: debated on Monday 18 July 2011 Dr. Liam Fox’s announcement to Parliament. UK Parliament House of Commons.

Gracie’s Guide to British Industrial History website.

Flying Magazine, (August 1972) website.

National Archives: AIR 27/1383

AIR 27/624/29

AIR 27/624/33

BAE Systems Website accessed 6/3/21.

For first hand stories of MRT work see Heavy Whalley’s blog

For a detailed account of life at Leuchars, read “Northern Q – The History of RAF Leuchars” by Ian Smith Watson.

RAF Leuchars – one of Britain’s oldest airfields (Part 4)

May 8, 2021April 15, 2021 / Aviationtrails / 9 Comments

As Leuchars emerged from the Second World War in Part 3, it entered a new phase in its long and distinguished life. No longer operating maritime patrols, it was now entering the Cold War, and under a new Command, that of Fighter Command, it would take on a new role with a new breed of aircraft.

Throughout the war Leuchars had been a maritime operations base, with submarine hunts, convoy patrols and anti-shipping flights taking the role of its front line squadrons. But with the last of the long range patrol aircraft being posted out, Leuchars’ role would now change, and a new breed of aircraft would be seen along its runways.

The Cold War brought a new dimension to warfare, nuclear weapons and the arms race were the flavour of the day. With both sides fearing preemptive attacks, fighters and bombers capable of carrying these potent weapons were in great need. Whilst bomber airfields across the length and breadth of Britain were modified to accommodate newer and bigger aircraft, Leuchars physically changed very little. However, being transferred to the control of RAF Fighter Command, Leuchars would be propelled to the forefront of RAF operations, with both day and night fighters soon shattering the quiet of this post war airfield.

This new focus would mean that the 1950s would see Leuchars aircraft participating in a number of high profile exercises ‘Coronet‘, ‘Premraf‘, ‘Kingpin‘, ‘Formulate‘ and ‘Fabulous‘ which often required the deployment of detachments to airfields around the United Kingdom. These exercises, varied in their structure, would often include Leuchars aircraft acting as the enemy trying to attack shipping or other targets at altitudes from very low level up to 50,000 feet. Air-to-air gunnery was also involved as war air-to-ground rocketry.

With this transfer came further changes. The first jet to arrive was the Meteor in the form of the F4. with 222 Sqn in May 1950. After staying for seven years upgrading to the F.8 and then returning back to the F.4, the unit was finally disbanded in 1957 only to re-emerge as a Bloodhound operator at RAF Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire.

The next squadron to arrive, 43 Sqn, arrived in November 1950, and also brought the Meteor F.8. On 22nd October 1952, one of these aircraft Meteor F8 VZ461 ‘W’ was lost on route from RAF Acklington to Leuchars as part of three-ship formation. The aircraft (number two in the formation) suffered problems when its artificial horizon failed. The pilot, Pilot Officer Maurice William Prior, notified the lead pilot who instructed him to make a starboard turn and rejoin the group above the clouds. Unfortunately the Meteor descended instead, and struck the sea near to Coquet Island off Amble, Northumberland. In the accident, which was put down to ‘instrument failure’, the pilot lost his life.*⁹

Hunter F.1s of 43 sqn RAF Leuchars, in a vertical climb. © IWM RAF-T 42a

43 Sqn retained their Meteors until 1954, they then replaced them with the Hawker Hunter; flying marks including the: F.1, F.4, F.6 and F.G.A.9 in a front line role. After transferring to Nicosia in 1961 and eventual disbandment, the squadron was reformed here at Leuchars in in 1969 with the McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1. An upgrade to the FGR.2 in May 1988 eventually led to the Phantom being replaced by the Panavia Tornado F.3 in 1989. This made 43 Sqn one of the longest standing front line squadrons to reside at Leuchars in its entire history.

1951 would see another long standing resident unit at Leuchars. But the early months were noted for more short stay units. The ‘sister’ of the Meteor, the DH. Vampire, made a presence through 602, 612 and 603 Sqns between April and July that year, each reflecting Leuchars’ war time record and staying for short periods before moving on. For a while over the summer months, Leuchars would be home to no less than six front line squadrons, five of them with Meteors or Vampires with a sixth flying that old favourite the Spitfire.

Then in September 1951, 151 Sqn was reformed, an ex-wartime unit it had its roots firmly in 1918. Initially flying the Vampire NF.10, Meteor NF.11, and then in September 1955, the Venom NF.3, it left for a spell at Turnhouse before returning to Leuchars in 1957 with the Delta Winged Gloster Javelin FAW.5. In September 1961, the squadron disbanded again being reformed a year later at Watton. During the war it had operated as a night fighter unit, a role it continued here at Leuchars. Donned with the Saltire of St. Andrew, the flag of the patron Saint of Scotland, it would make a good companion for 43 Sqn with whom it had flown with during the Battle of Britain with Hurricanes.

In 1952, a 222 Sqn Meteor from Leuchars took off on a low level training sortie over the Scottish mountains. The aircraft, an F.8 ‘WA882’ piloted by Pilot Officer Brian Lightfoot, departed Leuchars at 9:58am in poor conditions. Snow covered the mountains and frequent snow showers were experienced over the area. At 10:20, a witness reported hearing a crash and seeing black smoke rising from the Scottish mountain Oxen Craig, in the Bennnachie hills, Aberdeenshire. The Meteor had struck the mountain killing the pilot. It took some two weeks to locate the wreckage, most of which was buried at the scene by RAF rescue teams, after which a small memorial was built to commemorate not only the life of P.O. Lightfoot, but also the crew of a Westland Wallace ‘K6028’ which had crashed at the same location in September 1939. The official cause of the pilot’s death was attributed to “poor definition of snow covered mountains in the prevailing conditions”. It was one more loss in the Scottish hills*¹¹.

The 50s saw a more permanent move by some RAF squadrons. 264 Sqn who only stayed for six months in 1952 with Meteors led the way. In 1954 ‘C’ Flight of 275 Sqn arrived, this signified another change in role for Leuchars as it brought the first of the helicopters to the airfield – the Sycamore HR.14. This squadron, formed in 1941 continued to perform its role of Air Sea Rescue (a much needed but over looked service during the war), and the Flight stayed here until the entire squadron was disbanded in 1959. As an Air Sea Rescue unit it understandably had Flights based at a number of sites around the UK, and took on the Whirlwind HAR 2 and 4 prior to disbandment. Working in conjunction with the Mountain Rescue Teams, many civilians as well as aircrew owe them a great deal of gratitude.

1957 then saw Leuchars enter the film industry when a crew arrived to make a film using 43 Sqn as its main squadron. Headlined by Ray Milland (Wing Commander Rudge), Bernard Lee (Flight Sergeant Harris), Leslie Philips (Squadron Leader Blake) and John Le Mesurier as the Commandant, it was about a Commanding Officer of an RAF Training School (Cranwell) who must deal with a difficult cadet. The problem was not the cadet’s behaviour so much as the fact that he reminded the Commandant of himself when he was young. The film included shots of 43 Sqn in low level, gunnery and aerobatic manoeuvres which were filmed until the end of the year when the days were too short to carry on.

The squadron initially identified with the ‘starring role’ was 111 Sqn, who had only that year been recognised as the RAF’s official Fighter Command Aerobatics team, pipping their Leuchars stable mates, 43 Sqn, at the post. ‘Treble One’ took the name of ‘Black Arrows‘ and with their nine ship formation went on to be as famous as the Red Arrows are today. 43 Sqn’s ‘Fighting Cocks‘ were a four ship group and the disappointment of not achieving the status of their Leuchars partners, ended a decade of pageants, displays and European tours where they had been centre stage across many countries.

As the decade drew to a close, so July 1958 would see the arrival of yet more Meteors with 29 Sqn. These NF.12s were operated until replaced by the Javelin, Gloster’s delta wing fighter, before they departed to Nicosia in 1963. This time would also see the arrival of another Air Sea Rescue detachment, that of ‘C’ Flight from 228 Squadron also with the Sycamore helicopter. Throughout the war they had flown in Sunderland flying boats, including from the Scottish West coast base at Oban in 1941. The detachment had remained here until 1964 when it was renumbered as 202 Sqn.

The next forty years would see more front line jet squadrons, 25 Sqn with Javelins FAW.7s who retained these until their disbandment in 1962. They were followed by 23 Sqn who had disposed of their Javelins in preparation for the mighty Lightning, which they received a year after their arrival here in 1963. For eleven years they flew both the F.3 and the F.6, before they too were disbanded in preparation for yet more modern upgrades.

The arrival of the Lightning also heralded the arrival of the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) status, the Lightning proving to be a huge step forward in terms of aircraft speed and climb rate compared to its predecessors, was an ideal interceptor; only the appalling fuel consumption and limited armaments of early models prevented it from being the ultimate attack aircraft.

Although QRA’s origins are associated with the Lightning, the Hunters of 43 and 222 Squadrons had previously retained a two minute readiness with aircrew remaining in the cockpit at all times, a rota that kept aircraft at the ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Sitting in the cockpit for many hours, waiting for the chance to intercept a Soviet aircraft, must have been somewhat tedious on occasions – a draining but very necessary part of the job.

Two more units arrived in 1964, 74 (Tiger) Sqn and 202 Sqn. 74 Sqn had had the honour of being the first Lightning squadron in 1960, and for bringing the first Lightning to Leuchars, roaring into the Fife skies in August that year. They remained here for three years whilst another detachment from 202 brought the Whirlwind HAR.10 strengthening Leuchars’ role in Air Sea Rescue. For the next twelve years the helicopters of ‘C’ Flight would operate from here, with other detachments at similar sites including Boulmer and Coltishall.

Lightning F.6 of No 74 Squadron, RAF Leuchars. Armed with Red Top air-to-air missiles, and carrying over-wing long range fuel tanks.(© IWM RAF-T 6973)

74 Sqn soon took on the upgraded Avon powered Lightning F.3, this proved to be a godsend as the MK.Is were soon becoming worn out, regular faults being difficult to repair meant that flying hours were starting to fall. This upgrade was followed in September 1966 by the F.6. With this new aircraft they, and Leuchars, would participate in the sixth ‘Tiger Meet’, which saw a gathering of NATO ‘Tiger’ units from across the European and American nations. As Leuchars was hosting the gathering, it would mean a range of unusual aircraft types would appear here, if only for a short period of time. For four days in July 1966: F-100D Super Sabres, Super Mystére B2s, F-104G and CF-104 Starfighters along with F-4D Phantom IIs and a range of support aircraft, would all be present in these operations. This brought a multinational collection of pilots and crews from France, the US, Belgium and Germany to this Scottish airfield.

Unfortunately, the event was marred by the death of French pilot Capt. Joel Dancel, whose Armée de l’Air Super Mystère B.2 struck the ground shortly after take off killing him. As a mark of respect the final days solo displays, which he was practising for, went ahead with the flags of all nations at half mast.

Then followed the infamous Labour Government’s decision in 1965 to axe large parts of the defence budget, thus cancelling numerous projects such as TSR.2. This meant that Britain’s future strike capability was seriously weakened. The various separate commands were rapidly becoming no longer viable, and so now the nearly non-existent Bomber Command and Fighter Command were both amalgamated to form the new Strike Command. It was this Command that would take Leuchars on into the 1970s and beyond.

With more Lightnings arriving in April 1967 with the reforming of the fighter squadron 11 Sqn, a stay of some five years would see the Lightnings continue the role of policing Britain’s North Sea airspace. The RAF’s ongoing interest in Leuchars would also be kept alive and well by the the newly formed 43 Sqn, who joined 11 Sqn in 1967 with the Phantom FG.1. 43 Sqn would remain at Leuchars for over forty years, taking over where the Lightning left off, and eventually taking on the Tornado in 1989/90.

The end of the 1960s saw what was a first for not only 23 Squadron but perhaps even the RAF, when two Lightnings of the squadron left Leuchars to perform at an airshow in Toronto. The flight, made non-stop with the help of over-wing tanks and no less than six Victors for in-flight refuelling, was made by Sdn. Ldr. Ed Durham and Flg. Off. Geoff Brindle, supported by a VC10 carrying ground crew, supplies and spare pilots. The flight, which had lasted for some seven and a half hours, ended at Toronto in front of a massed crowd of well wishers and press, a real coup for the crews of Leuchars.

Leuchars personnel would also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the RAF in 1968, when it was granted the freedom of St. Andrews. A parade through the town was supported by all makes of aircraft stationed at Leuchars including no less than sixteen Lightnings. Whirlwinds and Chipmunks from both the Air Sea Rescue service and the University Air Squadron also took part, further cementing the strong bond that had existed between Leuchars and its neighbouring town.

The 1960s finally drew to a close, world war had so far been averted but Leuchars remained on the front line, monitoring and intercepting Soviet aircraft over the North Sea, at least for the time being.

In the fifth and final part of this trail, we see how Leuchars is affected by defence cuts. The QRA status is at risk as is the very future of this historic airfield.

The full story of Leuchars can be seen on Trail 62.

RAF Polebrook – the First USAAF Bombing mission (Pt 2).

March 9, 2019November 12, 2019 / Aviationtrails / 8 Comments

In Part One of RAF Polebrook, we saw how the airfield had been developed, how it had been used by the first B-17s in RAF service. We saw how the first USAAF B-17 had landed setting the wheels of history in motion. We also saw the first USAAF bombing mission, and the American’s first major losses of the war. By mid 1943 a new unit, the 351st Bomb Group, was now arriving at Polebrook and they too were preparing for combat and their first mission of the War.

On May 12th 1943, the 351st would be initiated into the conflict, but it was not the most auspicious of starts to their campaign. The Eighth Air Force put up a force of seventy-two B-17s from the 4 BW and a further ninety-seven from the 1 BW. The call required all fourteen 351st BG aircraft to head for St. Omer / Ft. Rouge in France. After the lead aircraft discovered a fault in the oxygen system, it turned for home, the remaining aircraft then became disorganised and returned to base without dropping a single bomb.

The 351st would improve and go on to attack many prestige targets including: Schweinfurt, Mayen, Koblenz, Hannover, Berlin, Cologne, Mannheim and Hamburg. They would later go on to target submarine pens, harbours and ‘V’ weapons sites. Ground support was provided for both the Normandy invasion, the Battle of the Bulge and other major ground battles up to and including the crossing of the Rhine.

Stone foundations poke through the undergrowth.

In October 1943, the unit received the first of its Distinguished Unit Citations (DUC), with highly accurate bombing in very challenging conditions raising the standing of this new group. A second DUC was to follow in January 1944 for action deep in the heart of Germany. During an attack on Leipzig in the ‘Big Week’ campaign of 20th – 25th February 1944, two crewmen of the 510th, 2nd Lt Walter Truemper (Navigator) and Sgt. Archibald Mathies*² (Flt. Engineer), both received Medals of Honour for taking over their stricken aircraft when both Pilot and Co-Pilot were injured / killed. B-17, TU-A ‘Ten Horsepower‘ (#42-31763), was directly hit by flak, both Truemper and Mathies nursed the aircraft back to Polebrook where they allowed the other crew members to bail out safely. On attempting to land the aircraft for the third time, it crashed (Great North Road) between Glatton (Trail 6) and Polebrook exploding, killing all three remaining crew members.

The last moments of B-17G “Ten Horsepower” (TU-A, #42-21763) piloted by Second Lieutenant Walter E Truemper and Sergeant Archibald Mathies, as it is guided by a fellow aircraft after the pilot was severely injured. Truemper and Mathies unsuccessfully attempted to land the aircraft at Polebrook and were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honour for their bravery, 20th February 1944. (IWM FRE 4724)

It was also during this time that (Cp.) Clark Gable was stationed at Polebrook, initially to make recruitment films for air gunners, flying five combat missions in total and taking a film crew on each one. The first was on 4th May 1943 and his last on 23rd September that same year. He was initially awarded the Air Medal, and later the Distinguished Flying Cross, finally leaving Polebrook with over 50,000 feet of film on 5th November 1943. In 1944, the film ‘Combat America’, narrated by Gable himself, was shown in theatres around the United States. The film covers the 351st from their departure from the United states through their campaign. Included is footage of the collision between the two B-17s on May 7th 1943.

Another remarkable record was set at Polebrook, between 13th June 1943 and January 11th 1944, when Maj. Eliza LeDoux would lead the 509th BS (351st BG) for fifty-two consecutive missions without losing either a single man nor a single aeroplane. An astonishing example set when at the same time other US Groups were losing aircraft at a rate of around 5%.

Major LeDoux, commanding officer of the 351st Bomb Group the cockpit of a B-17 Flying Fortress, 20 June 1943. Official caption on image:

Major LeDoux, CO, 509th BS, 351st BG, 20th June 1943. He led his squadron without loss for 52 consecutive missions.

The 351st remained at Polebrook until shortly after VE day, returning to the US and becoming deactivated on August 28th 1945. Polebrook then became quiet once more being put under care and maintenance until its closure in 1948.

During the three years the 351st were at Polebrook, they flew a total of 279 B-17s on 9,075 sorties with 7,945 of them dropping 20,778 tons of bombs. Air gunners on these aircraft were credited with 303 enemy aircraft destroyed. In all they flew 311 credited missions losing 175 B-17s in all.

One interesting point about Polebrook was that as a station under care and maintenance, it is thought that within its hangars was the last Short Stirling to be owned by the Royal Air Force. A MK.V aircraft, it was struck off charge in 1946, a point that ended a long and interesting career for an aircraft that has long been considered a failure. As a bomber, this was certainly partly true, the many teething problems it had suffered – a lack of altitude, poor climb rate, continued engine problems and a tendency to swing on take off – all giving it a bad name. However, it could out manoeuvre a Lancaster and it could give any fighter of its time a run for its money. By the end of its flying career, the Stirling was loved by its crews, it had been a successful transport aircraft, mining platform and had brought many POWs back home after the war. Sadly though, none survived other than as wrecks at the bottom of Fjords or as bits salvaged from various crash sites across Europe. The days of the Stirling were now over and the only person to gain any benefit from them was to be the scrap man.

3 Thor missile sites remain used for farm machinery.

But it wasn’t quite the same for Polebrook. Post war, and with the heightened threat from the Soviet Union, Polebrook was once more brought back to life, with three Thor missile sites being constructed in the centre of the main runway. These remained operational until August 1963 when they were finally removed and the site closed off. It was sold back to the former owners, at which point the airfield’s runways were dug up for valuable hardcore and many of the buildings were pulled down.

Standing on the site now, the wind howling across the open fields, it is easy to imagine how the site must have been all those years ago. A memorial stands on what remains of the main runway, a small section of concrete, overlooking the airfield.

A memorial looks over the remnants of the main runway.

Two benches carved in marble with a main triangular stone are beautifully carved and cared for. Trees planted in lines mark the threshold where many bombers would have left on their way to targets in occupied Europe. A guest book is supplied in a wooden box and signatures reveal visitors from all over the world.

Across the road from here, tucked away in the corner of a field, is the main battle headquarters. Originally a sunken chamber with communications centre and raised platform, it allows observers a full 360 degree view over the site and surrounding area. Built to specification 1008/41 it is sadly now flooded and standing proud of the ground. Both access points are open to the more adventurous, or fool hardy, explorer.

Battle Headquarters designed to drawing 1008/41.

The battle headquarters offers 360 degree views.

The single largest and most well-preserved building is the original ‘J’ type hangar. Used for farming purposes, it is well looked after and visible from most parts of the site. The T2 hangars that would have been opposite are gone. as has the control tower and other main structures.

The three Thor sites are still standing, used by the farmer for storage. They were (at the time of visiting) buried beneath hay bales and farm machinery. One is clearly visible however, the blast walls standing proud. Whilst careful exploring around the others reveals tracks and remains of the housing for the Liquid oxygen supply tank and hydropneumatic controllers, all ancillary buildings are gone.

The best evidence of life at Polebrook can be seen from the entrance to the ‘industrial’ site on the Lutton to Polebrook Road. This area, now woodland, is actually designated a nature reserve and access is freely available. This small road is the original entrance to the airfield and to both your left and right are the technical areas. Beneath the leaves and muddy floor, road ways still lined with kerbstones, are visible, and whilst the road way is not clear, it is possible to make out the general view of the site.

The original entrance to the airfield. The main road in the distance separates the technical areas, left and right, from the accommodation areas in the woods ahead.

Hidden amongst the trees and brambles, are a few good examples of the buildings once used. Most, are now piles of concrete, but quite a few shelters are still about and accessible. Storage tanks are open, the covers gone and so as a caution, tread very carefully amongst the bushes watching your footing.

From the entrance, to your left and a little further in, are two buildings, still shells but intact. The larger, I believe is the operations block, a smaller building next to it may have been a power or perhaps communications building.

One of the various substantial remains, possibly the operations block.

Polebrook is unique in that it has/had examples of twin looped pill boxes. Here one firing window is situated above the other. A few other more standard examples are also on site some easily seen from the road or track.

I believe that the office on the site contains a full-scale model of the airfield as it was, and that the owner is more than helpful to visitors. Unfortunately on the day I was there, I was unable to take advantage of this so a return visit is certainly on the cards for later.

I was amazingly surprised by Polebrook. It is a truly an atmospheric place with plenty to see for the visitor; remnants of a time gone by lay hidden amongst the trees and brambles of the now wooded area, and little reminders of lives lost, lay beneath the leaves. A howling winter wind replaced by summer sun, carry the voices of those young men across its open expanse and through its decaying walls of history.

Polebrook appears in Trail 19.

Sources and further Reading

*¹ Ashton Wold – Historic England information sheet List Entry Number: 1001715 accessed 6/2/19

*² Photo taken from Wikipedia open source. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Polebrook-Aug1948.png

*³ The story of Archie Mathies appears in the ‘Heroic Tales‘. The crew list of B-17 ‘Ten Horsepower‘ was:

Pilot: Clarry Nelson,
Co-Pilot: Roland Bartley,
Navigator: Walter Truemper
Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Archie Mathies
Bombardier: Joe Martin (POW)
Radio Operator: Joe Rex,
Ball Turret Gunner: Carl Moore,
Waist Gunner: Tom Sowell,
Waist Gunner: Russ Robinson,
Tail Gunner: Magnus Hagbo

Anton. T., & Nowlin. B., “When Football went to War” 2013, Triumph Books

Freeman, R., “The Mighty Eighth War Diary“, (1981) Jane’s Publishing.

Freeman, R., “The Mighty Eighth“, (1986), Arms and Armour Press.

For further information, see the superbly detailed website dedicated to the 351st BG with photos of crews and aircraft.

If time allows, the nearby Polebrook church also has a memorial dedicated to the personnel of the base.

Polebrook was originally visited in the latter part of 2014, the full Trail can be seen in Trail 19.

RAF Polebrook – The First USAAF Bombing mission (Pt 1).

March 2, 2019April 4, 2020 / Aviationtrails / 10 Comments

At the top of Northants, close to the Cambridge / Huntingdon borders, lie a number of wartime airfields. Relatively high up, they can be bleak and windy, but to those interested in aviation history they offer some amazing stories and fascinating walks. Some of these sites have been covered in earlier Trails e.g. Kingscliffe, Deenethorpe, Spanhoe Lodge and Grafton Underwood, but because of their close proximity, they could all be combined with this trip.

Our visit today in Trail 19 is the former RAF Polebrook, home to the famous Clark Gable, and the site that saw the very first official Eighth Air Force Bombing mission in August 1942.

RAF Polebrook (Station 110)

To the west of Peterborough, across the A1 and through some of the most gorgeous countryside this area has to offer, is Polebrook, a small village that once bustled with the sound of military voices. Originally designed for the RAF’s Bomber Command, Polebrook opened in May 1941, as a Class II airfield built by George Wimpey and Co. Ltd. It had three runways, the main one being (08-26) 1,280 yards in length, with two further runways (14-32) of 1,200 yards and (02-20), 1,116 yards, giving the site a substantial feeling of size. To accommodate the dispersed aircraft, it was designed with thirty hardstands laid mainly to the south-west and eastern sides of the airfield. The administration and technical sites were located to the north.

Aircraft maintenance was carried out in two type T2 hangars and one J type hanger, which sat next to each other, there were in addition, a range of technical buildings, a Watch Office (with Meteorological Section to design 518/40, to which a circular addition was made to the roof) and around 20 pill boxes built to provide defensive cover of the overall site.

To the north of the site across the main road, lies an area known as Ashton Wold Woods. Within the wood is the Ashton Estate, which was purchased and developed by the banker, Lionel Rothschild in 1860. It was after this that the estate was developed into a country home for his grandson, Charles Rothschild.

Charles, a banker by trade, set about creating a formal garden on the estate along with his wife Rozsika, and later his daughter Miriam. He had the grand honour of being the country’s leading expert on fleas, as well as a naturalist and conservationist who was responsible for forming the Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves in 1912.

After his death and subsequently Rozsika’s in 1940, the house passed to their daughter, but when the construction of the airfield began, the house and gardens were requisitioned for use as both as a hospital and accommodation site. During the war, the site suffered badly through neglect, and post war, Miriam set about restoring parts of the estate. Sadly it was not fully restored and parts continued to fall into disrepair*¹.

RAF Polebrook, Taken August 1948*2

A year after Miriam inherited the estate, the first RAF unit arrived, No 90 squadron (28th June 1941) with Fortress Is, otherwise known as Boeing’s B-17C, who stayed until their disbandment in February 1942. Although liked by their crews, the Fortresses were dogged by high altitude problems (freezing guns) and poor bombing results. This early version of the B-17 was not to be a record breaker and had a relatively short life before being replaced later by better models. Between 8th July and September 2nd, 1941 Polebrook Fortresses made 22 daylight attacks against targets including: Wilhelmshaven, Bremen, Brest, Emden, Kiel, Oslo, and Rotterdam. The RAF eventually decided to pull out of these daylight raids and the airfield momentarily fell silent to operational activities.

B-17C #40-2079 delivered to the RAFSerial: AN518 (Mistakenly marked as AM518 at the Boeing Factory) 90 Squadron

Delivered to the RAF [AN537] as part of Lend-Lease. This was the last B-17C produced; 90 Squadron [WP-L] Polebrook 13th May 1941. The aircraft later transferred to No. 220 Squadron at Alder-grove, Northern Ireland. (IWM UPL 31070)

Polebrook airfield was then handed over to the USAAF (June 28th 1942) and re-designated Station 110. It was felt however, that the current runways were inadequate for the American’s new model B-17s, and so a period of expansion then occurred. During this time the hardstands were increased to 50, the main runway (concrete and tarmac) was extended to 2,000 yards and the two secondary runways were both extended to 1,400 yards. Accommodation blocks were increased now allowing for 2,000 personnel, and the whole site was brought up to Class A standard; all-in-all it was a major redevelopment of the entire site.

The first American units were those of the 97th BG of the 1st Combat Wing. The 97th were constituted on 28th January 1942 and activated in the following February. Passing from MacDill Field in Florida through Saratosa they would make their way across the northern route to Prestwick. On route to their departure points, elements of the group were detached and sent to the Pacific coast, whilst the remainder continued on to Europe. The first manned B-17 #41-9085, ‘Jarrin Jenny‘ arrived in the UK on 1st July 1942 touching down at Prestwick in Scotland after a 3,000 mile long flight via Greenland, with the first ground echelons arriving via the Queen Elizabeth, shortly before on 10th June. Five days after ‘Jarrin Jenny’s‘ arrival, the aircraft would reach their new base, and the Northampton countryside would become a buzz of activity, as much from the curious locals as the Americans they were in awe of.

Bill Colantoni of the 306th Bomb Group with a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 41-9085) nicknamed

Bill Colantoni poses in front of B-17 #41-9085 ‘Jarrin’ Jenny’ at Polebrook, the first B-17 to arrive in the UK. (IWM UPL 6830)

Almost immediately after arriving int the UK the four squadrons of the 97th were split. Between June and the end of November the Headquarters unit, along with the 340th BS and 341st BS were based here at Polebrook, whilst the 342nd and 414th BS went to the satellite airfield at nearby Grafton Underwood (Trail 6).

Within a month of arriving on August 17th, the 97th BG would enter service flying the first operational mission of the USAAF from England, under the control of the Eighth Air Force. However, hastily formed, these early groups of bombers were made up of poorly trained crews, many of the gunners never having fired their guns at moving targets, nor had pilots flown at high altitude on Oxygen or in close formation. Such was the rush to get the aircraft overseas, that basic radio, flying and gunnery skills were all lacking, and if they were not to become easy targets for the more experienced and ruthless Luftwaffe, then they were going to have to endure a very steep learning curve indeed. Thus the early part of August was to be filled with intensive flying practice, with the RAF offering their services as mock enemy fighters, trainers and advisers, supporting the Americans through the tough training regime that would hopefully save their lives in the coming weeks and months.

By the 9th August it was decided that the 97th was combat ready and orders came through for their first mission. Sadly the 10th August brought poor weather, and the mission was scrubbed much to the disappointment of the those in the Group.

Two days after this, even before a bomb was dropped in anger, the dangers of flying in cloudy European skies would become all too apparent when a 340th BS, B-17E #41-9098 ‘Big Bitch‘ (not to be confused with #41-9021 ‘The Big Bitch’, which transferred to the 390th BG at Framlingham and was renamed “Hangar Queen“), collided with mountains in Wales whilst on a navigation exercise to Burtonwood, killing all eleven on board. The 97th were now racking up many ‘firsts’ adding the first B-17 fatalities to their extending roll.

August 12th saw the next call to arms, but again the weather played a cruel joke on the men of the 97th, the mission being scrubbed yet again; it was beginning to appear that someone was playing a rather frustrating joke at the expense of the eager young men.

Their next mission, detailed on the 16th was then again called. This time was ‘third time lucky’ and the following day the first official mission of the Eighth Air Force was given the green light. At 15:12 six B-17s in two waves of three left the runway at Polebrook and history was made. After rendezvousing with their ninety-seven RAF Spitfire escorts, they headed for the French coast only to turn away and head for home when just ten miles from the enemy’s coast. This time it was not the weather at fault, the mission was a planned feint to tease the Luftwaffe away from the main force following behind – a group of Twelve B-17s from each of the 342nd, 414th and 340th BS.

This mission was not only the USAAF’s first mission, but it also saw the testing of new electronic counter-measures equipment. Flying alongside this formation were nine Boulton Paul Defiants carrying the counter-measures equipment. Code named “Moonshine“, the equipment consisted of ‘repeaters’ designed to repeat back to the German’s their own radar signals thus giving the impression of a much larger and more formidable force. These first two Polebrook flights split, the first making their feint toward Alderney, whilst the second force flew toward Dunkirk, it was this flight that was accompanied by the nine Defiants. Before reaching the coast though, they turned and headed for home their job done. It was reported by the British that an estimated 150 Luftwaffe fighters rose up to meet the ‘massive’ force, but no interception took place and all aircraft returned to base.

Amongst the main force following on, were three of the Eighth’s most prestigious personnel; the Group’s Commander Colonel Frank Armstrong Jnr who sat beside Major Paul Tibbbets (Tibbets was to go on and drop the first Atomic bomb on Hiroshima thus ending the war with Japan) in ‘Butcher Shop‘; whilst in the second wave flew General Ira Eaker, Commanding General of the entire Eighth Air Force, in ‘Yankee Doodle‘. Bombing results were ‘good’, the clear skies proving to be the bombardiers best friend that day. All aircraft returned, the only casualty being a pigeon that hit the windshield of one of the B-17s as it approached Polebrook. The first mission was over, the ice had been broken.

This first mission, a trip to Rouen, preceded several attacks across the low countries, until in the November when the Group (previously assigned to the Eighth on September 14th) transferred to the Twelfth Air Force. They were now heading for North Africa. Over the period 18-20th November the air echelons departed Polebrook heading for Hurn before flying on to North Africa. The Ground echelons left shortly after, a point at which the 97th’s connection with Polebrook ceased leaving nothing but a legacy behind.

Original J type hangar built to specification 5835/39

The original Type ‘J’ Hangar still in use today.

In the short time the 97th stayed at Polebrook they would complete 14 missions over occupied Europe, dropping 395 tons of bombs. They would then go on to earn themselves two Distinguished Unit Citations and complete a number of ‘firsts’ whilst operating in the Middle East. But with the 97th now gone, Polebrook airfield would enter a period of relative calm and peace.

Then in April / May 1943, Station 110 once more resonated with American voices, with the arrival of the 351st BG. Another new Group, they were initially assigned to the 1 Bombardment Wing (1 BW) of the 101 Provisional Combat Bomb Wing (101 PCBW). After the USAAF went through periods of change and renumbering, this eventually became the 94th Combat Wing, (1st Bombardment Division). The 351st operated with B-17s of the: 508th (code YB), 509th, (code (RQ), 510th, (code TU) and 511th (code DS) Bomb Squadrons, distinguished by a triangular ‘J’ on the tail.

A film taken at Polebrook showing a number of aircrew and aircraft of the 351st BG. Several views of the technical and accommodation sites give a good contrast to the views of today, especially the ‘J’ type hangar that appears above.

The 351st were only activated in the previous October, and were, as ‘rookies’, to take part in some of the most severe aerial battles in Europe. Luckily for them though, training programmes back home had improved, and the gaps that were present in the first crew selections had now been filled.

As with all units new to the theatre of war, a short time was spent on familiarisation and formation flying techniques. Shortly before the 351st were deemed combat ready they were practising formation flying over Polebrook when tragedy struck.

Former Washington Redskins player Major Keith Birlem (508th BS) was piloting B-17 #42-29865 ‘YB-X’ when the plane dropped down severing the tail of another B-17 #42-29491 (509th BS) piloted by Capt Roy Snipes. Both aircraft fell from the sky landing as burning wrecks near to the perimeter of the airfield. The accident took the lives of all twenty airmen on-board the two aircraft. Major Birlem had flown his one and only combat mission just three days earlier, on his birthday, gaining experience as a co-pilot with the 303rd BG who were stationed at Molesworth.

In part 2 we see how the 351st entered the European conflict along with the further development and subsequent rundown of Polebrook immediately after the war. We also look at how the increase in tension of the Cold War brought Polebrook back to life once more, and how it eventually closed for good leading to the condition we find it in today.

Development News for Britain’s Airfields (3).

December 2, 2015November 29, 2015 / Aviationtrails / 4 Comments

A third proposal for airfield development had been released in this last week. The first two, RAF Downham Market and RAF West Raynham have been highlighted in previous posts. The third, is possibly the most significant so far and one that like RAF West Raynham, sets a standard by which future developments could proceed. This site is that of RAF Coltishall.

RAF Coltishall – The Future

RAF Coltishall was home to around 56 RAF Squadrons throughout its life, these included the Jaguars of 6, 41 and 54 Squadrons along with a wide range of aircraft from both the Second World War, Cold War era and the Gulf War. It is a large site that accommodated around 1,500 people at its height, with four hangars, a single runway and both extensive accommodation and technical sites.

Vacated by the RAF in 2006, it has been the subject of a public consultation since 2013. Questions were asked about the possible future use of the site which included light aviation with air displays, a change to affordable housing, industrial use and site redevelopment. Norfolk County Council took the future of the site very seriously, knowing how much it meant to both the local people of Norfolk and Britain’s aviation heritage. The results of this consultation have now been released and can be accessed through the link at the base of the page.

The Control Tower at Coltishall may be part of a Heritage Trail

As with West Raynham, a site like Coltishall, that is complete, offers a unique opportunity to develop the buildings and structures whilst retaining and highlighting the heritage value that it represents. The buildings and infrastructure are ideal for a small self-contained ‘village’ that encourages links with both the local and wider community as a whole.

Norfolk County Council have recognised the importance of this site in particular, and as a result, much of it is now listed as ‘ancient monuments’ or locally listed buildings. These include: the World War 2 dispersals, Cold War blast walls, hangars, tower and communal buildings. It survives today in its entirety, primarily because the entire airfield is designated a Conservation Area by Norfolk County Council. This status gives protection against some of the more virile development and ensures in part, the preservation of the site for future generations.

Norfolk County Council have now released their proposed plans for the site, which include a harmonic development of both the main technical and accommodation areas utilising the buildings in situ where they can.

These plans may mean the sad loss of the main runway and grassed areas, probably both being returned to agriculture or open green space. It would also suggest a loss of much of the perimeter track as well. However, their plans do include creating a public heritage trail, viewing platform and sign-age to promote and explain the uses of Coltishall, as it was throughout its aviation life. There are also suggestion of ‘interpretations’ of both cold war and second world war aircraft in their respective pens.

Just this week however, a private enterprise (led by a cycle shop owner) put forward a proposal to use the three-mile perimeter track as a cycle track for recreational and competition cycling opportunities. Further proposals include a £300,000 development of the former operations room into a cafe and cycle workshop. Landscaping would also be included making it a hub for recreational activities linked by cycles paths to Norwich, Hoveton and Aylsham.

Financial support has not yet been granted for this particular part of the proposal, but it is hoped that the site will be open mid 2016.

Norfolk County Council are considering the plans in line with their own heritage and development ideas. If it all goes ahead, then once developed, RAF Coltishall is likely to be the best preserved airfield in the UK that has not only been developed but opened to the public. Furthermore, if these proposals are to come to fruition, it could become a model for future development of Britain’s old wartime relics.

Details of the Council’s proposal can be found here.

The overall plan can be found here.

RAF Coltishall appears in Trail 7.

Aviation Trails

A trail around Britain's historical airfields many lost to developers or mother nature herself. Come along on a voyage of discovery and nostalgia.

cold war

RAF Sculthorpe – The Cold War continues but the end is in sight (4)

RAF Sculthorpe – The age of the Jet Bomber (3)

RAF Sculthorpe – The War ends and the Americans arrive (2)

RAF Sculthorpe – The Beginnings of a New Airfield (1)

RAF Sculthorpe

Memories of a Vulcan XH558 Restoration Volunteer.

Memories of a Vulcan XH558 Restoration Volunteer.

RAF Leuchars – one of Britain’s oldest airfields (Part 5)

RAF Leuchars – one of Britain’s oldest airfields (Part 4)

RAF Polebrook – the First USAAF Bombing mission (Pt 2).

RAF Polebrook – The First USAAF Bombing mission (Pt 1).

RAF Polebrook (Station 110)

Development News for Britain’s Airfields (3).

RAF Coltishall – The Future

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RAF Sculthorpe

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Memories of a Vulcan XH558 Restoration Volunteer.

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RAF Polebrook (Station 110)

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RAF Coltishall – The Future

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