Inevitably this fact has brought some speculation that it was not used again as a tribute to Lt. Col. McCollom who was brought down by flak on the mission of November 25, 1943 to become a POW. He retired from the U.S. Air Force at the rank of Colonel on March 6, 1980. building[ to hangar., Bob Resling reported in 2005 that Please be aware that a summary of your enquiry, without your contact details, It was located southeast of the 2 runways, with a hangar & a few smaller buildings on the west site is not supported by commercial advertising . @ 0.063 --> GetKeywords: Request cached? 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. WebThe marquee of the Raydon Airfield Preservation Society (RAPS) Guests looking at the displays around the RAPS marquee . A/C 42-8531 P-47D-5-RE. Availability: Image availability cannot be guaranteed until time of purchase. Lt. Stanley S. Petticrew Jr., 351st Fighter Squadron, January 20, 1922 January 21,2015. 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. 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. If at the end of the Evaluation Period you do not contract a license for its use, you must stop using the image and destroy / delete any copy of it. Look up acid house on YouTube, and it wont be long until you come across this incredible 24-minute video by The Kino Library, an archive film agency committed to preserving pop culture footage.. With close to 1.9 million views, the video, which captures an Energy warehouse party at Raydon Airfield in the summer of 1989, is a proper time Ruston Field was depicted on the The 353d was assigned to the 66th Fighter Wing, at Sawston Hall, Cambridge. from the charity War Memorials There are six 353rd men buried at Cambridge and a further ten commemorated on the walls of the missing. Comments are moderated, and we aim to respond/publish as soon as possible. Cheryl York showing the reason for the redevelopment of the former After a short stay with the 495th Fighter Training Group at Goxhill (August 20 September 18, 1944) he joined the 505th FS, 339th FG at Fowlmere and recalled that he flew several mission with them (I have no further details to confirm this at this point). Please contact Dr Graham Cross. Cheryl York intersection of 100th Avenue & Federal Boulevard. interesting part of Ruston Airport's configuration: When I got a tour from a A well-known photo of Lt. Cliff Armstrong about to climb into his aircraft SX-F 8 Gun Melody (a/c P-47D-1-RE 42-7904). The 353rd FG were at this time desperately short of pilots and so ten pilots were hastily transferred from Fowlmere to Raydon on October 2, 1944 (they were Warren, Linger, Clark, Rosen, Arnold, Fulton, French, Gilmer, Petticrew and Brock). It is with great sadness that I have to report that we have lost two original cadre pilot members of the 351st Fighter Squadron within days of each other. The highlight of the afternoon was, of course, the static and flying aircraft displays kindly arranged by Maurice Hammond of Hardwick Warbirds. After the service, there was a very enjoyable social occasion where the families could talk to local people. as well as the 8,000' grass landing area (the 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. Initially on loan to the Ninth Air Force, it was first occupied by the 357th Fighter Group, equipped with P-51s, in November 1943. grant enquiry, for further details please read our It used to be the entrance of a Dr Graham Cross grew up in the village of Raydon, Suffolk. 0QP, Telephone: 020 7233 7356 War Memorials Trust will respond. They were given up and sold in the 1980s. 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 He claimed one Me109 destroyed in the air and four Ju88s destroyed and one Ju88 damaged on the ground. This seems a much more plausible reason for the lack of C in the Group though I have no further information on this at this stage. There were bomb stores and an ammunition dump on the north side of the airfield, the technical site was on the east side. I saw mine slowly roll over and head straight down. AIRFIELD (Second World War - 1939 AD to 1945 AD), AIRCRAFT HANGAR (TYPE T2) (Second World War - 1943 AD to 1945 AD), AMMUNITION DUMP (Second World War - 1943 AD to 1945 AD), BARRACKS (Second World War - 1943 AD to 1945 AD), BOMB STORE (Second World War - 1943 AD to 1945 AD), MILITARY AIRFIELD (Second World War - 1943 AD to 1945 AD), MILITARY AIRFIELD (Mid 20th century - 1954 AD to 1958 AD), MOTOR TRANSPORT PARK (Late 20th century - 1970 AD to 1979 AD). Revd Rosalind Paul led proceedings and we heard from Revd Josefa Mareira (Chaplain at RAF Wattisham). format. The Group did not give him long to settle in. A/C 42-7904 P-47D-1-RE. A one off Law Society Lease Administration fee of 300 plus VAT is payable by the ingoing Tenant. Sunday August 23 saw the group join local people at a special service in St Marys Church, Raydon. Daniel became a POW when his aircraft engine failed. 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. He was then assigned as a P-47 combat instructor at Richmond, Va and completed a tour as test pilot. Ive been absent from the blogosphere for quite some time planning the forthcoming reunion and other 353rd history related endeavours aremy onlyexcuse. By the time records do become more comprehensive in January, 1944 it seems a variety of 352nd Squadron pilots flew it, but with no regular pilot it perhaps had a poor reputation in the Squadron. Raydon Wood was downgraded to an unstaffed public siding on 6 April 1964 and all traffic ceased a year later on 19 April 1965. office building, last reused as the Flight Deck Bar. After combat, he transferred to 27th Air Transport Group, Belfast, Ireland. Its looking like 2015 is set to be an exciting year for the 353rd Fighter Group and their friends and I look forward to seeing many of you in Raydon this coming August. OUTGOINGS The property has a Rateable Value of 3,450. The traffic pattern was then reversed. Cheryl York showing the remains of the steps which led into the Therefore, This WebMetfield was built as a standard, Class-A bomber design airfield, consisting of three intersecting concrete runways, fifty dispersal points and two T-2 type hangars. From the flight of four Mustangs taking part Capt. One of the more complete 2nd WW USAAF bases in East Anglia that was not used during the Cold War. I have to report that we have lost another veteran of the 351st Fighter Squadron. A 2002 photo by Patrick Griffith of Ruston Field's unpaved runway. Index: English Heritage. @ 0.123 --> GetKeywords: File obtained avoid Contributors changing location/description details as we help to protect and conserve @ 0.123 --> GetKeywords: File to Json No part of the fee is The buildings that remain are largely unaltered in appearance. John Madson seated in the cockpit of Janie by kind permission of Maurice Hammond. Heights Airport as having 3 runways, and 3 small buildings help defray the increasing costs of the site. As a special treat, John Madson was able to sit in the cockpit of Janie and had the biggest grin seen on the airfield that day! It last flew operationally with the Squadron on March 6, 1944 in the hands of Lt. Clifford F. Armstrong and probably left the Group soon after this date. Additional buildings were also erected to house about 2,900 personnel on former farmland to man who was like a piece of history there. along the west side of the field. Coming from the direction the boscherons Gaudreville Richard bailed out, but too low. The 1994 date on the first photos is incorrect. Film footage of American airmen at Raydon is available through the East Anglian Film Archive: http://www.eafa.org.uk/catalogue/933. Thanks to Patrick Ruston also came under increasing Sadly, the day had to end and a tired and contented group headed back to the hotel. @ 0.124 --> GetKeywords: Cached item Located around two miles south-east of Hadleigh, it is part of Babergh district. Barracks sites were dispersed in fields further to the east. In this action 1st Lt. Richard V. Keywan destroyed and damaged two Me 109 before he was brought down by enemy fire. Where we hold a names list for the Later he was Task Commander for specific Air Force/Airborne Alaska operations. As commander of the 61st FS, 56th Fighter Group, McCollom called his P-47 Butch. His daughter Patty explains that Butch was her fathers humorous nickname for her mother a very diminutive, feminine and educated woman who you could never imagine calling Butch. When he left the 56th to join the 353rd, McColloms old P-47 would likely have remained on the 56th books and the natural thing to do would be to call the new 353rd aircraft Butch II. It seems that Butch II was disappointingly unreliable in the air. Republic P-47D-30-RA Thunderbolt Serial No. A circa 2008 Cheryl York reported on an The earliest depiction which has The new experiences and friendships formed in remembering the 353rd together are something to truly treasure. Pastscape. If the 1st Lt. John W. Bishop (0-663448) of Austin Texas and the 351st Fighter Squadron in July 1944 (S Bishop). John Peacock and John Madson unveil the new airfield information board, August 22, 2015 (353rd FG Archive). He soon found himself outclassed by 50 Messerschmitt 109 German. Earl A. Dunn. By Light sees the value we bring to warfighters and DoD customers with our open standards Carl Mangold. | Cookie Policy, Copyright War Memorials Trust Registered Charity Number: 1062255 | Site by Stan undertook ten hours familiarisation flying in a Piper Cub at Birmingham Southern College during April/May 1943 and then completed his pre-flight at Maxwell Field, Alabama, his primary training at Decatur, Alabama, his basic at Courland, Alabama and his advanced training in Craig Field, Alabama graduating February 2, 1944. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. having 3 runways, with the longest being the 3,900' Runway 17/35. History Museum. 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. Raydon Airfield USAAF Fighter Groups - Taken by Leslie Scarborough 01 Jan 1994, Raydon Airfield USAAF Fighter Groups plaque - Taken by Leslie Scarborough 01 Jan 1994, 'Mustang' propeller - Taken by Graham Cross 25 Mar 2019, Front brick kerb - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019, Rear of memorial - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019, Front right of memorial - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019, Front brick kerb of memorial - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019, Air Corp Sign and front kerb of memorial - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019, Left rear of memorial - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019, 'Thunderbolt' Propeller - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019, Memorial Front - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019, Memorial front kerb showing water/frost damage - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019, Memorial Information Board - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019, Stone Cairn - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019, View of memorial from 'Thunderbolt' propeller - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019, Brass 'Air Corp' Emblem - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019, Right rear of memorial - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019, Front kerb damage - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019, Brickwork separation - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019, 'Air Corp' Emblem - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019, Plant/water damage to expansion joints - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019, Water/plant damage to expansion joints - Taken by Graham Cross 26 Mar 2019. A Second Lieutenant while with the 351st Fighter Squadron, Bob Hahn remained in the USAF post WWII and retired as a Major in 1964. The airfield remained under RAF control but was not used for any flying units. Kennedy). He was released from active duty August 27, 1945 as a Captain. He also graduated from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and Air War College. Unfortunately the control tower and much of the concrete parts of the airfield was removed in the 1960s, being used to construct the A12 highway. McGraw, came on the big strafing mission of April 16, 1945: I followed my leader, Capt McGraw, down on Kircham landing ground making my pass in a south westerly direction. To our new American friends we say safe journey and Haste ye back!. Coming from the direction the boscherons Gaudreville Richard bailed out, but too low. Occupiers may be able to benefit from full business rate relief. 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. 1st Lt. John W. Bishop from Austin, Texas flew a tour with the 351st Fighter Squadron from June to October 1944. Roger Freeman in his 56th Fighter Group (Oxford, 2000), p.21 also describes British Air Ministry recommendations not to use C in aircraft codes. He also flew the 353rds first dive-bombing missions in the P-47. Quinn, pilot & educator, in front of a Cessna at Ruston Field. will require ever-increasing funding to pay its expenses. 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. UIG-968-14-12IDM1198 | agefotostock Stock Photo - The buildings that remain are largely unaltered in appearance. The weather and surroundings were beautiful and the Peacock family had many photos of past reunions to share making the visit especially enjoyable. 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. 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. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Thereafter most of the site has been used for agriculture though the technical site area was a Home Office motor transport park for emergencey vehicles in the 1970s (S1). Pic. An eyewitness reported that his body had been buried in our village cemetery. Maurice Hammond and Rob Davies then performed a superb flying display in Janie and Marinell and it really was a treat to see two Mustangs flown and displayed so skilfully to honour the 353rd Fighter Group. Maguire and their father were great friends (353rd FG Archive). center for Regis College & Denver University. 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. pressure from surrounding housing developments. 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. East side of Federal Boulevard.. Proceedings closed with a toast to the men of the 353rd Fighter Group. The 358th Fighter Group moved to High Halden in April 1944, when Raydon was handed back to the Eighth Air Force as the home of the 353rd Fighter Group, equipped with P-47s, which remained until October 1945. North American P-51B-1-NA Mustang Serial 43-12123 of the 364th Fighter Squadron. I remain available and contactable for any additional information about this aircraft.. Colorado Springs, Colorado. 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. Cheryl York showing the demolision of the former Ruston Airport Raydon Airfield Memorial. Munn, that had the Flight Deck leveled..