After the Americans left, Raydon was transferred back to RAF Fighter Command on 20 December 1945. Surely the biggest grin on the field that day! The weather and surroundings were beautiful and the Peacock family had many photos of past reunions to share making the visit especially enjoyable. 357th Fighter Group North American P-51B-1-NA Mustang Serial 43-12123 of The guns were not place to fire head on or down, so we flew under the flak and put some emplacements out of business by firing into them head on. Shes just not dependable. To add to these problems, Glenn Duncan had lost a wingtip from the aircraft in combat on September 23, 1943 so you can imagine that McCollom was probably not sorry to lose the aircraft. The party then split with some choosing to visit the Imperial War Museum at Duxford and some heading into Cambridge for lunch at the Eagle Pub (famous for the aircrew signatures on its ceiling and walls) followed by a tour of Kings College Chapel and Queens College. In the evening, there was a farewell dinner at the Rose and Crown for the families and local people. Scott Bishop has been in touch with some further information and pictures from his stepfathers wartime album. This agreement, and the associated fee, must be renewed annually. This post is made with condolences to the families of Frank King and Jack Walsh and with thanks to Susan King (daughter of Frank) and Marilynn (daughter of Jack) for passing on the the sad news. Barry Anderson, Army Air Forces Stations (Alabama, 1985) / Freeman (3 books) + Bowyerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Raydon Farewell Meal at the Rose and Crown, Colchester (353rd FG Archive), With the events now at an end, we can reflect that it really was a very successful visit. This news is posted with condolences to his family at this time and with thanks to his niece, Melinda Callahan, for notifying us of this sad news. I followed my flight commander down, our propellers inches above the grass. contained 2 classrooms, one with aircraft simulators, and Cheryl York reported on an Cheryl York showing the former Ruston Airport hangar, which remains Interest parties should make enquiries with Babergh District Council Rates Department on 01473 433851. I welcome enquiries from people interested in Masters (taught or by research) and PhD doctoral projects covering many aspects of American history, but particularly those relating to the military and social history of the American military in Britain during WWII. Communications, Within a garden/park/churchyard/enclosure/Marketplace. North American P-51D-10-NA MustangSerial 44-14593 of the 351st Fighter Squadron. The 353d was assigned to the 66th Fighter Wing, at Sawston Hall, Cambridge. Frank was credited with 105 missions. Barracks sites were dispersed in fields further to the east. He later recounted the grim realities of this type of mission: It was a balmy April day. Im sure you will join me in thanking Laurent for all his endeavours to ensure Lt. Keywan is remembered and in congratulating the people of the area for such a moving tribute to a member of the 353rd who made the ultimate sacrifice. WebRaydon airfield preservation society building, Raydon, Suffolk, England, Stock Photo, Picture And Rights Managed Image. The aircraft continued in Armstrongs hands, but was lost along with 1st Lt. Victor L. Vogel on January 11, 1944. He is survived by his wife, Emma, brother Earl Walsh of Angels Camp, CA; daughter Marilynn and husband James Griffin of Boise, two grandchildren Gail Tosh Crumpton of Fort Worth, TX; Gary Griffin of Fairbanks, AK; and foster grandson, Spencer Farrell of Phoenix, AZ. (courtesy of Jim LaRue via Cheryl York). Sadly, the day had to end and a tired and contented group headed back to the hotel. Help us to tell the stories that deserve to be told, by contributing information to the archive. Members of the 353rd families helped place the wreaths (Glenn Duncan Jr with Mr Tom Peacock, Gary Bargerhuff with Cllr Jim Lowe, and Lou Rosatone with Bob Gooding). WebThe Raydon Airfield Preservation Society (RAPS) formed in 1993 with the idea of bringing together local enthusiasts with an interest, in Raydon's wartime connection to the USAAF. the charity can fund. The party then boarded the bus and headed to lunch as guests of the Raydon Airfield Memorial Group at the Case is Altered Pub in Bentley. Travel Company. Deck bar. The 1956 USGS topo map depicted the "Ruston Capt McGraw told me to take the one on the left. Therefore, 97') used for major engine repairs. After McCollom, the aircraft then became the assigned aircraft of Lt. Gordon L. Willits, but there are few records indicating that he ever flew it operationally. site covers airfields in all 50 states. In the evening Graham Cross, 353rd Fighter Group Historian, gave a presentation to the party on the history of the unit. bad or Poor condition or where there is a serious Concern. You will need to be registered and logged in to 2 runways, with a hangar & a few smaller buildings on the west is eligible. Earl A. Dunn. which remains standing on the east side of Federal Boulevard. Frank arrived in Britain 6 June 1943 and completed theatre training at Goxhill. This olive drab Thunderbolt was an early aircraft with the Squadron. A highlight of the ceremony was the joint unveiling of the new information board by John Madson (350th Fighter Squadron) and Mr John Peacock. An undated view (courtesy of Patrick Griffith) of the After the war flying ceased, part of the airfield was sold in 1954 and the rest of the airfield followed in 1958. During the Second World War it was known as USAAF Station 157 . Web483 Green Lanes, Enfield, London, N13 4BS 53.48 miles from the centre of raydon ipswich suffolk Website 07432 608464 E Food Hub Is this your business? In a nearby field a farmer had abandoned his ploughing and was lying in a furrow, his arms wrapped around his head. We were also lucky to have Jean Freeman (wife of the late Roger Freeman) attend. There is a nice colour photo of this aircraft available from the Jeff Ethel collection HERE though I have seen other versions of this photo but cannot establish who actually has the copyright. This depicted at all on the June 1963 Denver Sectional Chart (courtesy If the Im going to have to give Butch II up. There was then an opportunity for some photographs before a flypast by Maurice Hammond and Rob Davies in P-51 Mustangs Janie and Marinell. It really was quite a surprise for the 353rd families as they grouped for a photo around the memorial while the Mustangs approached from behind them coming along the course of the old runway. The outline of the airfield can clearly be seen on google enquiry has been made and can read the response to avoid duplicate enquiries. Raydon is one of the more complete Second World War USAAF airfield (bases) in East Anglia that was not used by the United States Air Force during the Cold War. The Peacock family, the Raydon Memorial Group and Raydon Parish Council then laid wreaths at the memorial. Lt. Vogel was lost flying this aircraft January 11, 1944. Ruston Field, as depicted on the March 1946 Denver (353rd FG Archive). At some point between 1949-54, the field was layout of Ruston's 4 unpaved runways. paulandterryfreeman@gmail.com. Raydon was primarily a fighter station for the Eighth and Ninth United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). WebBoxted Airfield Museum. standing (for the time being). Republic P-47D-30-RA Thunderbolt Serial No. Once submitted He also leaves behind 5 great grandchildren. | Fax: 0300 123 0765 I also had the pleasure of meeting him at several reunions in the United States and spending a very pleasant day with him at the Wright Patterson USAF museum in 1998. 320 acres. To our new American friends we say safe journey and Haste ye back!. His civilian occupations included Training Representative and Manpower Development Specialist for New Jersey and State Supervisor, retiring in 1985 as Regional Director of Manpower Training, for the U.S. Department of Labor. Colonel Duncan directs three squadrons of 12 aircraft with an escort of eight P-47, 351FSand 352 FSon a mission bombing and strafing against enemy communications in the region of Evreux Dreux. consider a donation of an equivalent amount, at the least. man who was like a piece of history there. One of the more complete 2nd WW USAAF bases in East Anglia that was not used during the Cold War. During World War Two, although constructed as a bomber airfield, the airfield was used by 357th and 358th Fighter Groups of the United States Army Air Force as Station 157. A recent query from the 8th Fighter Command research community has prodded me out of inaction on the aircraft histories part of this blog. It took him 3 years to get photo of Louis "Gus" A 2002 photo by Patrick Griffith of an original Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images The flak was terrific, but we took care of it. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. However some of the taxiways and part of the main runway is still intact. The party then were able to have some free time to explore Colchesters sights and shops. WebPage 1 of 9 HISTORIC STRUCTURE ASSESSMENT STATE HISTORICAL FUND ANNOTATED SCOPE OF WORK REVISED 2014 THIS ANNOTATED SCOPE OF WORK was developed to Here he flew new aircraft to combat bases, including P-47, P-51, P-38, B-26, A-26, B-24, B-17, and C-47. When the 353rd Fighter Group were stationed there, it was known as "The Auger Inn". airport office building, which remained in use as the Flight Some of the photos from Lt. Bishops album are posted here with thanks to Scott Bishop for sharing this fascinating further information. A spur was built into Raydon Wood on the northern perimeter of airfield. Select from premium Raydon of the highest quality. At the same time, Capt McGraws target started into a spin and a wing broke off. Image availability cannot be guaranteed until time of purchase. side. Griffith for pointing out this field. The Raydon Airfield Preservation Society (RAPS) founded in 1992 set about planning a memorial project with the landowner. After three years of hard work and fund raising they achieved their aim. If it He founded the Raydon Airfield Preservation Society and was Chairman for the airfield memorial project. US Armed Forces Geographical Marker: : The memorial is on the site of the WW2 airfield. Activate it now 9 Chatsworth Road, Hackney, London, E5 0LH 53.94 miles from the centre of raydon ipswich suffolk Website 07508 443217 Your Own Local Directory - Yold Is this your business? The Federal Heights Airport, also northwestern side: a single hangar. Ruston Airport the ever-present new homes. along the west side of the field. A P-47 Thunderbolt of the 353rd Fighter Grroup Sign up now to receive news and communications from American Air Museum in Britain charity. @ 0.125 --> Keywords task completed, 2023 agefotostock - stock photography agency. Releases: No signed releases for this image. The first is an accident at the hands of Reavy H. Giles while landing at RAF Woodchurch on April 23, 1944. There is, or at least was, a Raydon Airfield Preservation Society. McColloms diary for the time recorded that shes a little rough Im afraid on September 7, 1943 and then Butch II is still a little rough and not as fast as Butch on the following day. Royal Air Force Station Raydon or more simply RAF Raydon is a former Royal Air Force station located just to the northeast of the village of Raydon, about 6 miles (9.7km) from Ipswich, England. Second World War airfield, built 1942-3. Today RAF Raydon retains many of the buildings of the old technical site, including two T-2 hangars in very good condition (one used by the farmer and the other used for car storage). please support War Memorials Trusts work. Stan then completed 100 hours in P-40s at Fort Myers and Page Field where he served with the 15th FS of the 53rd FG. Pilots Association: ____________________________________________________. In the meantime, thank you for all your comments and support with the blog over the last year and I send my best wishes to you for the holidays and New Year. | Privacy Policy The 358th was initially assigned to the 66th Fighter Wing, at Sawston Hall, Cambridge, then transferred to the Ninth Air Force on 1 February 1944 in exchange for the 357th FG. The families then presented copies ofJonahs Feet Are Dry that they had all signed to Maurice Hammond, Rob Davies and John Anderson in thanks for the huge contributions they have made to making this event and those in the past possible and so successful. It was depicted as having a 3,900' unpaved runway. We chose Colchester as the base camp for the weekend as it was a popular destination for group members when they were on leave from their duties. will require ever-increasing funding to pay its expenses. WebMemorial bricklayer and member of RAPS ( Raydon Airfield Preservation Society), celebrates it's completion. His assigned aircraft was YJ-Y Birmingham Anne (a/c 44-11191). 44-33240 of the 356th Fighter Squadron. According to Cheryl York, Between Colonel Glenn E. Duncan of the 353rd Fighter Group A P-47 Thunderbolt of the 353rd Fighter Grroup http://wikimapia.org/18291131/Notley-Industrial-Park. Please be aware that a summary of your enquiry, without your contact details, He scored two ground claims on April 16, 1945 (1 Ju88 destroyed and 1 Me109 damaged). The airfield was equipped with three concrete runways and two aircraft hangars (Type T2), one on each of the east and and west sides. Occupiers may be able to benefit from full business rate relief. office building remained standing on the west side of the property. It reminded me of ground gunnery practice in the States. view shows one remaining element of Ruston Airport remains on its Monday August 24 saw the heavens truly open and the rain descend in a way it only can in England. There were bomb stores and an ammunition dump on the north side of the airfield, the technical site was on the east side. Pic. (S Bishop), A page from a map belonging to Lt. Bishop showing the location of Raydon (S Bishop), The Thunderbolt Theatre at Raydon (S Bishop), Left to right are Bishop, Stump, Milligan [looks like Maguire], Compton and Fuchs [Intelligence Officer] (S Bishop), Left to right are Rosen, Murray, Stump (with Capt. Trust, Totally He also graduated from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and Air War College. Field / Federal Heights Airport, Federal Heights, CO, 39.88, -105.02 Raydon, Suffolk Polished black granite was the material of choice for many memorials erected in the 1990s. Where we hold a names list for the From a genuine desire to commemorate the local American sacrifice, but also the social pressures facing the community, emerged a plan to construct a memorial on the airfield site itself. The Raydon Airfield Preservation Society (RAPS) founded in 1992 set about planning a memorial project with the landowner. When the 353rd Fighter Group were stationed there, it was known as "The Auger Inn". Although never used as such, Raydon was built during 1942-43 as an Eighth Air Force bomber base, with three concrete runways, 50 loop and one pan hardstandings, and two dispersed T2 hangars. At the end of the war, like many Americans fighters, he was laid to rest in the Amrican cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. This olive drab Thunderbolt appears to have come into the Squadron in early September 1943. Pre-application enquiry form. As the 353rd families arrived, John Anderson welcomed them personally and the Wattisham Military Wives Choir treated them to songs. Please contact us, if you wish to license this image with exclusive rights. building[ to hangar., Bob Resling reported in 2005 that He soon found himself outclassed by 50 Messerschmitt 109 German. I saw bodies of gunners tossed into the air by the impact of our bullets. contact me at: paulandterryfreeman@gmail.com. War Memorials Trust will respond. of the field. Because of the congestion, my flight moved out to an auxiliary field nearby. He has given many public talks at locations such as the Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Savannah, Georgia, the Second Air Division Memorial Library, the National Army Museum and for the RAF Museum. The aircraft, which draws crowds of visitors, is looked after by the XM655 Maintenance and Preservation Society at the airfield. He gave us a very knowledgeable tour of the building and escorted us to the Mayors Parlour to see the 17th Century Rose Bowl given by the 353rd and 55th Fighter Groups to the town to commemorate the friendship in 1945. FROM THIS FORMER AIRFIELD, DURING WORLD WAR TWO, FIGHTER AIRCRAFT/ OF THE USAAF FLEW OPERATIONS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE/ ALLIED VICTORY IN EUROPE/ 833RD AVIATION ENGINER BATTALION/ 862ND AVIATION ENGINEER BATTALION/ 357TH FIGHTER GROUP/ 358TH FIGHTER GROUP/ 353RD FIGHTER GROUP/ AND THEIR SUPPORT UNTIS/ SINCERELY DEDICATED TO THOSE SO FAR FROM HOME, WHO CAME TO HELP US/ IN OUR HOUR OF NEED/ 10TH JUNE 1995, War Memorials Online c/o War Memorials Trust, 14 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W reported, As of 4/13/05 the Flight Deck Bar [the former Ruston His dry humor and engaging grin will be missed. There are six 353rd men buried at Cambridge and a further ten commemorated on the walls of the missing. Ruston Airport. Heights Airport as having 3 runways, and 3 small buildings At RAF Raydon the group's mission was to attack enemy communications and fly escort missions with the light bomb groups of the 9th AF. Bob was one of the first group veterans I got to know and it was always a pleasure to meet with this lively, animated man at reunions in Raydon and the United States. @ 0.124 --> GetKeywords: DocLastUpdate checked We knew a flak barrage protected Pocking airdrome and that expert camouflage concealed several hundred planes of all shapes and sizes. After this he travelled to Camp Kilmer and on August 4, 1944 embarked on a 15 day voyage to the United Kingdom arriving at Bristol. This I made pass after pass at them from every angle and one of them blew up, throwing debris sky high. Stan was very proud of his association with the Squadron and Group and returned to Raydon in 1995 as part of the reunion party that year. Pastscape. Choose the license that best suits your needs. He was released from active duty August 27, 1945 as a Captain. you enjoy this web site, please support it with a financial contact us. I pulled up behind mine and opened fire. An undated view (courtesy of Patrick Griffith) of the (Northwest of Denver, CO). Availability: Image availability cannot be guaranteed until time of purchase. For your sacrifice Richard: RIP (Rest In PEACE). For your sacrifice Richard: RIP (Rest In PEACE). Robert F. Hahn II writes that his father, Robert F. Hahn, passed away December 9, 2014 aged 93. this site was first put on the web in 1999, its popularity has grown Copyright 2023 | The Friendly Invasion - Conflict and Commemoration, Raydon Airfield - Fighter Station to Farmland, Ace in a Day: The Memoir of an Eighth Air Force Fighter Pilot in World War II, The Friendly Invasion - Conflict and Commemoration. He is a Senior Lecturer in American History at Manchester Metropolitan University. he showed me an arched doorway When it was being built Woodlands Road (the road that goes over level crossing at Raydon Wood station) was truncated at the airfield boundary. The following is posted with grateful thanks to Lt Col. McColloms daughter, Patty McCollom Bauchman. The weekend events were a stunning success and here is a full report of all the activities and celebrations. Colchester Town Guide Mr Ian McMeekin describes the Council Chambers to the 353rd Families (353rd FG Archive), 353rd Families explore the Moot Hall at Colchester Town Hall (353rd FG Archive), John Madson with Mr Paul Lind, the Town Sergeant, in the Mayors Parlour. If you believe your project is eligible for a grant you should complete the WebCustom Content. The Raydon Airfield Memorial Group (Mark Manning, Steven Silburn, Mervyn and Maynard Pizzey, Chris Elsey, Janice Rumsey, Bob Gooding and many others) had been working hard to brighten up the memorial and to create a new information board for visitors to the site. Since No chutes appeared from either plane. American Aviation, Inc. (courtesy of Patrick Griffith). With perfect flying weather, the afternoon promised to be a memorable event. East side of Federal Boulevard.. The group were able to tour the brand new visitors centre at the cemetery and visit some of the graves of 353rd Fighter Group. OUTGOINGS The property has a Rateable Value of 3,450. Our Squadron Commander said we should get at least two apiece. The last depiction which has been located of Ruston So here is a summary of the tragic history of SX-F aircraft with the 352nd resulting from that query. Although never used as such, Raydon was built during 1942-43 as an Eighth Air Force bomber base, with three concrete runways, 50 loop and one pan hardstandings, and two dispersed T2 hangars. Initially on loan to the Ninth Air Force, it was first occupied by the 357th Fighter Group, equipped with P-51s, in November 1943. The eastern T2 hangar and other wartime buildings near it were retained by the Home Office for emergency vehicle storage until the 1980s, and remain in use as Notley Industrial Park. P-51 Mustang Janie represents the aircraft of Bill Price, 350th FS, 353rd FG (353rd FG Archive), P-51 Mustang Marinell of the 339th FG (353rd FG Archive). Given their progress today, it's likely to be Exclusivity: Please contact us, if you wish to license this image with exclusive rights. The Peacocks have welcomed returning veterans, and their families, back to the former airfield many times over the years and it was such a pleasure for the group to reaffirm this friendship. An exchange of aircraft types and bases was arranged, so in January 1944 the 357th transferred to the Eighth Air Force at Leiston, and the 358th Fighter Group, equipped with P-47s, transferred to the Ninth Air Force at Raydon. But at Raydon the members of the local Airfield Here we were joined by the Peacock family (owners of the former airfield site), an Honour Guard from RAF Mildenhall, the Revd Rosalind Paul, Councillor Jim Lowe and other local representatives for a special service of remembrance. Thanks to Patrick Ruston Airport office building. Veteran To Veteran (Turning it Around) Community Organization. being covered by houses. The crew chief on the Thunderbolts was S/Sgt Joseph F. Brandon, Assistant Crew Chief was S/Sgt Raymond A. Wierzgacz and the armourer was Cpl. Powered by. McGraw, he reported: At about 12.40 hrs I was flying with Capt McGraw at 19000 ft when we saw two Me109s getting into position for an attack on the bombers from 6 oclock high to the rear. Webof the National Historic Preservation Act or the State Register of Historic Properties Act. After three years of hard work and fund raising they The original pilot, Lt. Herbert F. Niklaus, flew it on 19 missions before completing his tour at the end of January, 1945. Proceedings closed with a toast to the men of the 353rd Fighter Group. The aircraft was then flown by a variety of Squadron pilots until assigned to F/O John J. Swanezy. In Evreux, squads split up to attack specific targets: If you believe any of the information you cannot edit is wrong After our visit to the town hall, Ian McMeekin continued the tour around central Colchester and included a very welcome visit to Timperleys Tea Room.

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