WWII USAAF and RAF Memorial tours EnglandSee here the mighty 8th in action. Video starts with little action however wait…. do stick-with IT!
WWII USAAF and RAF Memorial tours England
History tours of remembrance tours featuring bomber command, USAAF, USAF-Eighth Air Force WWII Usaaf and Raf tours.
WWII usaaf and RAF Memorial tours england
This lengthy page caters mainly for our overseas visitors. For example: Canada, USA, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and, other parts of the former British Dominions. We have provided here the nucleus of your tour, however we are happy to adapt it to encompass and focus on your particular nation.
Scampton, Fiskerton, Coningsby, Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, Duxford, Bassingbourn, Maddingley, Thurleigh, Twinwwood farm (Twinwoods) Bedfordshire. –Glen Miller!! Tempsford, Shuttleworth Collection, RAF Museum, Hendon.
Fascinating Tour of long abandoned former USAAF 8th Air Force Airfields. We aim to cover virtually all before the they dissapear forever. We call it tour of -Ghost Airfields.
We recently discovered a superb website (see below) which traces virtually every USAAF 8th Air Force Base located in UK during ww2. As time marches on many of these bases are sadly disappearing. A combination of mother nature reclaiming them as well as investors/speculators/developer etc. Very sad, but that progress as they say!
In many instances all that remains of these once thriving hubs of activities-some 73 years ago. Today all that's left are decaying derelict building with a few elements of overgrown Ivy, and weeds, adorning the crumbling masonry etc.
Often with persistence we can discover hidden roads and even remnants of runways.
Its humbling to just stand on the same spot where these brave souls stood some 70 plus years ago. At the same time pause to Reflect on the the hub of activity these place were not so many years ago. Brave frightened airmen a long way from home, fighting an enemy over foreign land. Aware that the next minute- could be their last. Lets pay homage to them it's the least they deserve.
At some locations we may not find very much remaining but that's not the point. Its the special moment of you standing on the same piece of ground, and taking in the air and atmosphere -thus following in the steps of heroes. Here is the superb website I mentioned above. The guy who put all this together deserves a medal! Ask for details -however we can say we intend to cover as many (we must) of these locations as you wish.
WWII usaaf and RAF Memorial tours england
Here below is a great example of keeping alive the spirit and bravery of the 8th USAAF alive. Featuring Robert C Frascotti, USAAF, 352nd FG, 486th FS. RAF Bodney.
Read about Robert C Frascotti here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AviMh1Vrvow
WWII USAAF and RAF Memorial tours England
The grave site where Guy Gibson's dog, ‘Nigger’ is buried.
This base needs no introduction as it is where the immortalised Dambusters squadron – 617- took off, to conduct one of the most famous and daring raids during World War Two. Moreover all the pre- mission planning took place here. We touch and connect with history-here!
Today Scampton biggest threat is not Nazi bombs, but Urban developers!
Whilst here we can observe the location where Guy Gibson’s beloved Labrador Nigger is buried. Many recall (from the film) Nigger was hit by a car on thee very eve of the famous raid. Gibson requested Nigger to be buried at midnight the precise moment his Lancaster would reach the Mohne dam.
Part of the actual Mosquito in which Gibson subsequently perished during a mission over Holland in 1944, is housed in a museum at the base. Of interest the actual film footage for the Dam Busters was actually shot here! Most of the original buildings remain intact.
WWII usaaf and RAF Memorial tours England
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FISKERTON (Lincs) Base of 49 and 575 squadrons
Fiskerton nowadays is ostensibly a Farm, and apparently an onshore oil well has been discovered here:
Only a few remnants of the base remain. Ted tells me there is just one small part of the runway still intact. However the owners have kindly gifted a small parcel of land with a memorial to the sqdn. Therefore even if the land changes hands the piece of land allocated remain safely in 49 squadrons hands.
WWII USAAF and RAF Memorial tours
Memorial at nearby Woodhall Spa.
617 squadron memorial located nearby.
RAF Coningsby remains one of the last RAF operational bases in England.
Here is housed the Eurofighter as well as the Spitfires, Hurricanes and Lancaster making up the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Our tour includes a visit to the flight headquarters. WWII USAAF and RAF Memorial tours
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CLIMB ABOARD THE LEGENDARY AVRO LANCASTER, AND ENJOY AN UNFORGETTABLE TAXI RUN.!!! HOWEVER IT’S QUITE EXPENSIVE! BUT AS A SPECIAL ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENECE..PRICELESS.
See here youtube link to the Lancaster performing a taxi run.
Apart from the Lancaster there is lot’s to see here including a museum.
WWII USAAF and RAF Memorial tours
IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM DUXFORD. – Europe's premier aviation museum
Boasting one of the finest collections of planes, tanks, military vehicles in Europe.
For our visitors from USA this presents the chance to see and maybe even climb aboard the U.K’s only airworthy B17 ‘Sally B’. We believe this is the only one in all Europe.
In addition please note: American Air Day
19th August 2011 AMERICAN AIR DAY.
Highlights Included in Your Tour
We visit the impressive and extensive American Air Museum. The collection include of course ‘Sally B’ B-17 Flying Fortress, as well as B-24 Liberator, B-25 Mitchell, P-47 Thunderbolt. Covering post war we can see a B-52 Stratofortress, SR-71 Blackbird and F-4 Phantom.
WWII usaaf and RAF Memorial tours England
Boeing B-17F-10-BO Memphis Belle
Memphis Belle-crew
WWII USAAF and RAF MEMORIAL TOURS ENGLAND
Wartime base and eternal ‘spiritual home’ to the legendary Memphis Belle.
Captain Robert Morgan's crew flew 29 combat missions with the 324th Bomb Squadron, all but four in the Memphis Belle.
Former military airbase situated 3 miles north of Royston, Hertfordshire and 11 miles (18 km) south west of Cambridge.
During World War II it served first as an RAF station and then as a bomber base of the U.S. Eighth Air Force. Today it operates as an Army recruitment Training centre.
Of interest is the Tower Museum . Housed in an original WW11 (world war 11) unaltered tower which is home to an extensive array of artefacts. The Museum was opened in 1974 by Major General Stanley Wray, (formerly Colonel Stanley Wray) who was the first Commanding Officer of the 91st Bomb Group of the 8th United States Army Air Force stationed here-1942-1945.
The first floor of the Tower is dedicated to the RAF, the United States Army Air Force and the British Army (Queens Division), while the second floor is dedicated entirely to the 91st Bomb Group (Heavy) – probably the most famous of all USAAF 8th Air Force bomb groups.
Very limited opening hours.
A beautifully maintained cemetery near Cambridge dedicated to those American servicemen who lost their lives. The 31 acres were donated by the University of Cambridge. A moving and humbling experience.
Whilst in such close proximity to Cambridge we will find the time to visit this medieval university city.
FORMER HOME OF 306TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP.
ANOTHER FAMOUS US AIR BASE..NOT TO BE OVERLOOKED!
The last place from which Glen Miller was ever seen!
From -1941 the RAF started began to use the grassed field, a year later there were three concrete runways plus a number of additional l temporary buildings. Operating from there until the end of the war were: Blenheims, Beaufighters, Beauforts and Mosquitos.
Before Millers ill- fated flight Twinwood was known haunt to Glen Miller and his American Band of the Supreme Allied Command. Miller was based nearby in Bedford in early July 1944 and had used the airfield twice previously as they embarked on some of their exhausting tours. In fact they did a concert at the airfield on 27th August.
Glenn Miller was himself based at nearby Milton Ernest Hall (now a nursing home). We can view the outside.
Glenn Miller and his orchestra regularly played at the hall as well as the Bedford Corn Exchange, which was in close proximity.
This building stands to this day and is virtually unchanged.
Glenn also had his own Radio Station located in Bedford which combined as his recordings studio. Often performing alongside with other famous individuals the likes of: Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.
Our tour includes a visit to Glen Miller Memorial Site at the Bedford Corn Exchange.
At the site we will see a Glenn Miller Memorial Bust- Major Alton Glenn Miller Memorial Plaque- Lombardo Hall – The Miller room.
Today the Glen Miller sound lives on through his nephew John Miller who hosts the Twinwood Festival. ‘John Miller Orchestra’ uniquely is the only band worldwide to play the great man’s music with a direct family link.
Today the site is a shrine and mecca for Glen Miller enthusiasts.
The Shuttleworth Aircraft Collection
Here is housed one of the most extensive private collection of vintage aircraft see link above. Amongst many others on show there is a: 1909 Beriot X1, 1916 Sopwith Pup, 1930 Hawker TomTit, 1936 Westland Lysander..(see Tempsford section used as vehicle to parachute agents into occupied France)
The shuttlworth collection with extensive grounds is an ideal venue for a day trip or even longer. There is a super restaurant and visitors centre. You can obtain anything from a 3 course lunch to the purchase of a picnic hamper-( available for air shows and special events.) Not too far away is the site of The former US base & ‘listening post’ Chicksands.
In addition you can enjoy The Swiss Garden.
Created by Lord Ongley cca.e 1820s. A magnificent example of a late Regency ornamental garden with a Swiss theme
WWII usaaf and RAF Memorial tours england
LOCATED NEARBY, IS NOT OFFICIALLY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. HOWEVER ‘TOUR REQUEST’ ARE GIVEN CONSIDERATION. WE COULD GIVE IT A TRY SUBJECT TO SUFFICIENT INTEREST.
During WW11 Tempsford a highly secret location, was the setting where British agents (SOE) clandestine night departures took place. The aircraft deployed was the ‘ Westland Lysander’ a very light machine with a low stalling speed. A very hazardous task for the pilots of this unarmed aircraft.
Amongst others, Odette Churchill and Violette Szabo were despatched from Tempsford. A Lysander can be viewed at the nearby Shuttleworth collection museum.
WWII usaaf and RAF Memorial tours england
DE HAVILLAND AIRCRAFT HERITAGE CENTRE.
MUSEUM DEDICATED TO GEOFFREY DE HAVILLAND.
HOME OF THE ‘MOSQUITO’!Lots to see here!!
There is so much to see here it’s impossible to cover it all even briefly. SOME OF YOU MAY WISH TO JOIN US ON A VISIT TO THE GERMAN DAMS.
Click here for itinerary. LINK TO INFORMATIVE DAM BUSTER VIDEO The Imperial War Museum for those who wish it.
WE ALSO OFFER THE OPTION OF SIGHTSEEING LONDON AND A VISIT TO CHURCHILL’S CABINET WAR ROOMS.
Visit OFFICIAL SITE.
THIS IS A BRILLIANT HOMEMADE YOUTUBE LINK
We have allowed generous times for each venue. Some venues are close to each other and we may finish earlier than expected with spare time on our hands. We prefer this scenario to one which is hurried.
wwii usaaf and RAF Memorial tours England
http://harringtonmuseum.org.uk/CarpetbaggerMuseumHomePage.htm
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