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Post by PB on May 12, 2022 6:24:04 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 12/05/2207.00 and perfect blue skies after yesterday's much needed rain fall..please be like this on June 11th.......An 88 Squadron Boston at RAF Hartford Bridge prepares for another smoke laying sortie. Photo courtesy of the IWM.Straight back to 1943 and our continuing reflection on those demanding times..Still in September, '43. "....107 Squadron were engaged on a 'circus' against Monchy Breton airfield in northern France and experienced heavy flak over the target area but despite their estimated time of arrival having been broadcast 'in error' over the radio, there was no sign of any enemy aircraft, which was a pity, as no less than nine squadrons of Spitfires had been sent to intercept any enemy aircraft that showed their faces!
Many of the missions associated with 'Operation Starkey' had been filmed by the RAF Photography Unit which accompanied the crews on the aircraft. Their film proved very popular with the crews, who made the trip down to the Camberley cinema where there was a private showing for those who had taken part.."Somewhere on the great Hartford Bridge plateau, Bostons of 88 Squadron wearing their 'Operation Starkey' white noses... IWM photo.Almost 80 years later, the consequence of peace, although Blackbushe has had her own battles to fight for sixty of those 'peaceful' years....
PB
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Post by PB on May 13, 2022 9:50:42 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 13/05/22Today's "POTD" running late due unscheduled circumstances, but all is well, we're still in business!
NOW, priority Number One VOLUNTEERS FOR BLACKBUSHE 80 on JUNE 11.....
To all the good people who listed themselves for volunteer duties, please refer to Chris Gazzard's response to you and the notice from the Airport website found on the Forum's "Volunteers to help during the Blackbushe 80th sign here" . Necessary to comply with certain regs so has to be done... This the link >> www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/80th-volunteers
Over to you!Volunteers are highly respected citizens who can get some great views! But, do please turn up for duty on the day!! Hopefully 'POTD' will be running on an even keel tomorrow when we'll continue the 1943 paragraphs... Meanwhile have a happy Friday 13th..
As ever...
PB
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Post by PB on May 14, 2022 7:16:34 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 14/05/22For those who celebrate first flights of a new aeroplane type, today will be remembered as the day the Miles Whitney Straight made her first ascent into the wide blue yonder in 1936. A delightful aeroplane, as you'd expect from the Miles' drawing boards, the type will be on show during Blackbushe's 80th Anniversary Open Day on 11 June, just one of the many aircraft on show in our extensive Static Aircraft Exhibition..Here's a photo of a Miles Whitney Straight. During one of our 1960s jaunts down to Sandown IoW, the Whitney Straight is seen in glorious detail on the right with a Comper Swift and Tiger Moth taking the lead. Such days were as close to paradise as you'd need to go, camaraderie, perfect summer sun, freedom of the air, and the sparkling ocean just a few minutes away..Back in the days... During the run up to the Daily Telegraph & St Johns Ambulance Air Display at Blackbushe back in the sixties. A very significant degree of participation came from the Army which required a degree of rehearsal to ensure perfection.. The apron provided the perfect location for rehearsals as witnessed by the Blackbushe Aero Club's Fairtravel Linnet. The new 'temporary' control tower provided a good viewing point. On the apron's 'back line' are Three Counties Aero Club's Prentice and AVM Bennett's Proctor. Of huge significance to me is the perfectly mowed entirety of the Airport owned by AVM Bennett. Runway 14/32 was immaculate and fully operational, apart from the south eastern end destroyed by Yateley Parish Council. Glorious days when all six runway headings were available and used according to the wind's mood, and taxiing to the 19 hold took all day!Next month we celebrate the fact that Blackbushe will have served aviation for 80 years. Yet when I took the upper loose formation photo it was only 22 years since Blackbushe, or RAF Hartford Bridge as she was, was first declared open. The tenacity of blinkered bureaucracy has blighted Blackbushe's progress for over sixty years. Sixty years of immense frustration, just hope the day of Blackbushe Airport's liberation from its six decades of shackled oppression comes before too much longer, be a shame to miss it......Let us resume our daily walk across RAF Hartford Bridge in those very early days, 1943 and the airfields first year of life and the varied military life that took root on the new aerodrome. From Stuart Marshall's written recall I quote the following, picking up the story in September '43.."...As 342 Squadron [Free French Air Force Lorraine Squadron] settled in they were treated as regular RAF personnel and were totally under RAF control but they were allowed to wear their own blue French uniform and soon became warmly welcomed by the local people. They were intensely proud of their French flag which they flew as a symbol of their cause to liberate their homeland. The squadron were, however, to suffer heavy losses, particularly on night intruder missions prior to liberation being achieved in October 1944. They were lucky to have with them their own Chaplain, Father Godard, who was known simply as 'the padre'. He was a young monk of the St. Norbert order who had reached England by boat after many incredible adventures. Not wishing to fall into German hands as they advanced through his homeland, he joined 110 Flying School cadets and staff trying to escape to this country in a hired fishing boat, 'Le Trebouliste'. It had in addition to sails a 60 hp engine and was boarded at the port of Douarnenez near Quimper. Just before they sailed he slipped ashore to distribute 10,000 francs to the poor of the town knowing that they could make good use of the money which if still in his possession had a good chance of ending up with the fish in he English Channel. As the boat crept out of the harbour the Marseillaise was sung with great fervour against the background of a red glow caused by the Brest arsenal which had been set on fire as the Germans pushed onwards with their advance. In very bad weather the passage was anything but easy and on the following day their fishing boat was taken in tow by a British vessel to Falmouth, enabling them to complete their journey to this country. Father Godard worked for two years ministering to the exiled French people in this country before becoming Chaplain to the Free French squadron. When 342 Squadron finally severed its links with the RAF on 2nd December 1945 their Chaplain was still with them."342 Squadron's last return to their old RAF Hartford Bridge base was in 1963 when a French Air Force Dakota brought some of them back to see their old air base. One can only imagine their sadness at seeing how it had been largely destroyed by the actions of the British government and latterly local politicians.
Enjoy the weekend, and Blackbushe as she survives to this day...
PB
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Post by PB on May 15, 2022 9:15:37 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 15/05/22The Darling Buds of May were in full flow yesterday, English weather at its seasonal very best, totally glad to be alive as the sun beamed down from wall to wall blue skies...How great it will be if a winter's efforts are blessed with weather like this on 11 June when Blackbushe Airport celebrates her 80th year of providing aviation with a well placed runway, Today, open the eyes and what do my ears tell me? Rain....fickle or what? However, all the events past at Blackbushe that have had my name some way inscribed upon them have been blessed with fine weather. Well, the 50th being a two day event in 1992 had a bit of a close shave. Saturday saw rain throughout, the Sunday quite the opposite so not a total wash out by any means. The Saturday night under a marquee adjacent to what is now the Pathfinder Cafe had its more interesting moments as we dined. The marquee's roof (is that what you call the upper reaches of a marquee?) ballooned in a downward direction as it filled ever more with x number of gallons of fresh rain water..Would it hold? But, the thunder storm that perchanced to accompany the main course added some exciting strobe effects with sounds to knock the socks off any disco...and then all the lights went off. It can be very dark on Blackbushe at night, at least it was on that particular night.
You take a chance sticking your finger into any al fresco event in this country, you just have to weigh up the difference between not bothering 'cos it might rain and the excitement and satisfaction that comes with the end product and aeroplanes arrive from all over and new life is breathed into Blackbushe for a few hours.. The gamble is staking a lot of hours against the weather gods. My view has always been it's a chance that has to be taken. Let's see what 11 June has to offer.............The rewards. After much confrontation with military sources that claimed no RAF participation would be available a door was found into a well known RAF training establishment, and two Tucanos arrived from RAF Cranwell late on the Saturday out of clamped skies to support our flying display scheduled for the following day. A broad smile was seen abeam your scribe's face as the they shut down and vigorous hand shakes exchanged!For the record, all our display aircraft were either in on the Friday or arrived Sunday morning...
Another serving from 1943, and our daily view of life at a very young Blackbushe, then known as RAF Hartford Bridge.."...Back at Hartford Bridge in the autumn of 1943 a large contingent of WAAFs arrived at the airfield, among them was 'Paddy' Marshall. It was her 21st birthday. She recalled; " Little did I know as I trudged round with my arrival chit that the following months were to be some of the happiest of my five-year stint in the WAAFs. After some days of doing various driving jobs I was sent over to drive for S/Ldr 'Paddy' Maher at 107 Squadron, 'A' Flight. He and his crew of Les Ings, Ted Bowden and 'Nobby' Clark were great fun and a pleasure to drive for. My billet was on the edge of the WAAF site and backed onto the 342 Squadron dispersal. Manya morning we were awoken by the rattle of gravel on the side of the hut as the French ground crews doing daily inspections revved up the engines of the Bostons. Later when 107 Squadron moved from Bostons to Mosquitos and I had seen them all safely leave for Lasham, I decided to re-muster and joined the Photographic Section for pre course training. In charge of the section was Sgt Les Seymour. Also there was Cpl Reg Cavalier, LAC 'Chalky' White and a WAAF, bu I cannot recall her name. She was, I remember, engaged to an air gunner nicknamed 'Hastie'. My job was to make tea on the hour, every hour while I was an under training photographer! The work was fascinating especially as this was the time we were on the run up to D Day and the PRU was photographing the French coastline from dawn to dusk. Al their rolls of film were brought to us to be developed, plus others which came in from three bomber squadrons. It was often after 0300 hours before we finally completed out day's work, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. If I remember correctly each of the PRU photographs had to be printed seven times, the prints going to the squadrons, Group, TAF Headquarters etc. Each photograph had the time printed at the top left hand corner and it was only later that we learnt that this was to show the tide position at the time given which was to provide information used by the invasion fleet. All prints had to be in chronological order and here was hell to pay if one was missing. I was in charge of drying the prints, which meant putting them onto a large heated roller. In theory they should have dried by the time the roller had made one revolution but sometimes the gremlins took over and the prints were not dry enough or they came off in bits. 'Panic' - stop the roller - peel off the bits - find the numbers - and ask Sgt Seymour to reprint the damaged ones. This was always a popular request! - especially if there was a driver waiting to rush them up to Group.
"While some of the photographs showed bombs had missed the target I often teased the aircrews when loading cameras that they couldn't hit a target in daylight while my brother was pin pointing targets wit the Pathfinder Force! They would often retaliate by saying he had to fly at night because he was too scared to fly daylight operations"....
79 years later, the name Pathfinder is still employed at the airfield...
The above gives an idea as to some of the essential work carried out by the Hartford Bridge spy in the sky operations and how their work was of direct consequence to D-Day planning.
Regarding the 80th Anniversary next month it's good to see the official volunteer applications coming through via the Blackbushe Airport website. Looking forward to seeing you on 11 June..
PB
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Post by PB on May 16, 2022 7:14:35 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 16/05/22Another day nearer the 80th Anniversary, let's hope nature is squeezing excess moisture out of the air now rather than on 11 June...
On the subject of Blackbushe's 80th Anniversary, may I once again stress the one and only route that prospective volunteers MUST take... I refer to Chris Gazzard's notification under the Forums' "Volunteers to Help during the 80th Anniversary" section, "Thanks to all of those who've indicated their interest here. In order to comply with certain regs we need to record info like emergency contact details, so could I ask those of you looking to volunteer to complete the registration form here please: www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/80th-volunteers "
That's it, over to you. N372CZ by wokinghampaul, on Flickr Another great photo from Paul Phillips, this beautiful Cessna Citation Jet graced the Blackbushe tarmac yesterday...Thanks Paul!!This Monday morning we'll continue with a little more from yesterday and WAAF 'Paddy' Marshalls memories of her posting to RAF Hartford Bridge in the autumn of '43..."..Other events I recall while at Hartford Bridge include the first time I saw FIDO in operation, thinking My God, I hope whoever's in charge knows what he's doing or we'll all go up in smoke! (FIDO was a system of fog dispersal which involved burning petrol on either side of the runway-Ed). Then there was the all-ranks' dance on Christmas Eve 1943 and of my 107 Squadron WOP/AGs who had imbibed a littel too much. I helped him back to his billet and saw him safely inside. I was rewarded with an orange. It was the best Christmas present I had that year - oranges were about as plentiful as hens' teeth and structly for aircrew only. I recall there was a mixture of amusement and consternation from the other inmates when I walked into that hut with their inebriated colleague, after all, WAAF personnel were not supposed to barge into airmen's billets even if this particular WAAF was the Flight Commander's driver!
I recall being delighted one day when an old WAAF friend of mine, Doris Hodge, arrived from RAF Usworth near Sunderland, where we had both been stationed a couple of years previously. She and I would give a spirited rendition of 'Blaydon Races' at the 'Dog and Partridge' in Yateley before we proceeded to the Village Hall, better known as the 'Sweat Box' where dances were held most Saturdays. One night I recall some 107 Squadron gunners who having returned from a raid dropped Verey Light cartridges down the crew room chimney. This was to fore those relaxing inside close to the stove so that the air-gunners who had just arrived could get near for a warm-up. The reason given was that the air-gunners, because of the extra checks they had to perform after return, were always the last to arrive at the billets and subsequently left with the worst positions to take advantage of the warm stove, so they decided to make a change. That was their story and they stuck to it! "Looking back now I recall that we worked and played hard. Friendships were formed, have stood the test of time and are just as strong today. We drove draughty vans that rattled in all kinds of awful weather and never gave it a thought. Thee was a job to be done so we just got on and did it. Naturally were saddened by the loss of any of our crews, but all the grieving in the world wouldn't bring them back and life had to go on. Despite all the losses of brave young lives and the tears we shed, it was by far a better time to be living than today." The words above continue to be transposed from Stuart Marshall's 'The Wartime Years'.... You will have noted the use of Yateley's Village Hall, the Sweat Box, for the wartime Saturday night dances. Twenty years later that same Village Hall would have been the scene of hysterical anti aviation/anti airport hostility at the so called public meetings where AVM Bennett attempted to explain his plans for the airfield's future and it's use for General Aviation. I was 17 at the time and horror struck at the behaviour of the older generation of Yateley whose screaming at the AVM was beyond belief. They would not listen, just hurl abuse, a most unedifying display that I will never forget. The Village Hall means different things to different people no doubt.. A personal recall from the sixties. Flying abeam the 14 threshold on the airfields most northerly point, cc 1963, the hollow the Kart Club track lies and some of the numerous aircraft pans that remained in useable condition after the airfield re-opened under the AVM's ownership. The sixty years that have passed since the AVM acquired Blackbushe will have seen the numerous aircraft pans around the north side of the airfield vanish into overgrowth and brambles taking with them all memory of those who once used them when Blackbushe was at war...and people like Paddy Marshall drove their vans around the great expanse then known as RAF Hartford Bridge...Happy Monday...
PB
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Post by PB on May 17, 2022 6:54:59 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 17/05/22Last night, back in 1943, while RAF Hartford Bridge was gathering momentum, at RAF Scampton 19 Lancasters departed into the night sky, 11 returned, 53 Royal Air Force crew members did not return. An exercise in total commitment by the Air Force when tasked with the almost impossible, the "Dam Busters" returned to base on this date having breached the most significant German dams creating serious flooding and consequent logistics problems amid steel works and other vital industrial sources of enemy war output. An extraordinary achievement, but one questioned by some including Sir Arthur "bomber" Harris who remained sceptical as to the value of risking Lancasters that he claimed were too valuable to place on such an outing. The German Minister for Armaments Albert Spear declared the attack as, "A disaster for us"....Some 20,000 men were redeployed to repair the dams and clear the damage...
Most people who have even a scant knowledge of Blackbushe and her history will recall that this was the United States Navy's only UK land base. The Navy flew many operations from here during their tenancy of north eastern Blackbushe Airport, the Lockheed Neptune being a prime aircraft type to frequent Blackbushe thanks to the Navy. The Cold War was grinding along as east and west exchanged nuclear warnings, what's new, and it was the job of certain Blackbushe Neptunes to patrol distant skies and search for submarines that carried the red flag in the seas beneath.. Blackbushe's role of military significance did not subside once World War Two was over. Neptunes with their tracking lumps and bumps were a totally routine sight at Blackbushe through a large span of the 1950s. They departed following the Government's decision to close Blackbushe, relocating initially to West Malling.. The loss of the US Navy at Blackbushe was sad in many ways, not to mention the local economy who as you may imagine, benefitted from the presence of military families living in Yateley...Once more we'll take the time train, and journey back to RAF Hartford Bridge in 1943..."...Between the 11th and 12th of September, 1943, the Repair and Inspection Section of 88 Squadron arrived at the airfield and the 2 Group Reception Pool arrived at about the same time.
On the 13th there was a bad accident when a Boston flown by F/Lt Blake had an engine fire while in the circuit. Having hit some trees, it crashed in a field near the airfield killing three crew members, while a fourth, the lower gunner, was dragged clear of the wreckage. F/O Fred Deeks recalled that on reaching the field the wrecked Boston was well ablaze and it subsequently took the local fire brigade some time to bring it under control as ammunition and pyrotechnics were exploding turning the scene into a very dangerous place.
On the 18th 16 Squadron flew their first high level sortie using their blue painted Spitfire PR XIs. The paint scheme was designed to make locating the aircraft as difficult as possible for the German gunners as they blended in to blue skies at high level on clear days. They also had one Spitfire painted in a rather unusual pink colour scheme which was for use on sorties at sunrise and sunset. This mark of Spitfire was plagued by ignition plug problems with engine failures being responsible for the loss of a number of aircraft while on operations. The problem was soon overcome, much to the relief of the concerned pilots. They also returned some of their original Mustangs, one of which, AG549, crashed and burned out on the airfield."Behold, a 16 Squadron MkXI PR Spitfire(an actual ex 16 Squadron aeroplane) arrives at Blackbushe to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of our famous airfield in 2017. This particular Spitfire joined 16 Squadron after they had left Blackbushe to serve in Europe as the allied forces swept their way eastwards reclaiming Europe from Nazi fingers.. Sadly, she is unable to join us on 11 June when Blackbushe celebrates her 80th.That is it for another morning. I hope the POTD content continues to provide interest and a small taste of what Blackbushe is all about...
PB
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Post by PB on May 18, 2022 6:39:33 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 18/05/2224 days to go. Blackbushe celebrate her 80th. 25 days to go and I'll have to think about something else. Some comedian suggested the 100th, but I don't know....this might be my last chance, anyway in 20 years from now Blackbushe will be the fully fledged GA airport with hangars we've waited so long for, with acres of new apron space, new Terminal, new restaurant, every day will be like a fly-in!!
Wasn't yesterday great!! The temperature gauge creaked round to 26C, and right now that blue beyond looks full of promise, obviously preparing for 11 June, isn't it?
If you look at aviation history, today 18 May has quite a lot in its kit bag..
In 1907, the ever resourceful Wilbur Wright sailed from the good ol' USA to start an international sales campaign for his Flyer III in London, Paris, Moscow, and Berlin.
In 1910, international talks opened in Paris to draw up a legal basis for flights that would obviously be travelling from country to country.."Conference Internationale de Navigation Aerienne"
1945, new Boeing B-29, 44-89262, rolled out of the Boeing factory. She would become known as 'Enola Gay'.
1951. First flight of the Vickers Valiant. The Victor and Vulcan's partner in the V-bomber force designed to frighten those behind the iron curtain - and everywhere else.
1953. The magnificent DC-7 makes her first flight, the last of the big pistons from Douglas.
1966. Sheila Scott departed London Heathrow to start the first solo round-the-world flight. In her Piper Comanche 'Myth Two' she would log some 29,000 miles.
2006. The new super jumbo, The Airbus A380 made its UK debut by landing at Heathrow for the first time..First flew 27 April, 2005.
Aviation history must be one of the most outstanding gauges of humanities technical abilities, or I should say 'aerospace' considering how we've taken on the Moon and Mars and filled the sky with satellites that give us our daily bearings..Through sixty of those past years, the south's 'natural' airport has been submerged under layers of bureaucratic ambivalence unable to develop the neat and today General Aviation base with hangars that is so badly needed today, and tomorrow as other airfields are converted into leafy garden suburbs. The Avro 504 replica above built by Blackbushe based Robinson Aviation in the sixties in our temporary lock-up hangars is testament to the skills and ambition that have seeped out of Blackbushe in those past sixty years...and how many restored Spitfires flew out of Blackbushe's hangars during that brief period when we actually had permanent hangars, fully approved, during the Doug Arnold years? Blackbushe does great things when she is allowed to, she will do great things in the future when her day finally comes...and it will!"Great things" in the future will include increased local employment and benefits to the local economy, not to mention facilities for all to enjoy including a new restaurant and a museum whereby Blackbushe's past will be truly remembered and celebrated. We'll continue with our accounts of life at RAF Hartford Bridge in 1943 tomorrow when a Mustang pilot 'got it wrong'....
See you then!
PB
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Post by PB on May 19, 2022 8:56:05 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 19/05/22Assorted demands on the editorial staff this morning... Our "Photo of the Day" zooms back to 2017 and Blackbushe's 75th Anniversary weekend... Note the great weather we have for events at Blackbushe..so far! 23 says to go until 80th!!Duty calls, gotta fly.. back tomorrow!
Have a nice day!
PB
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Post by PB on May 20, 2022 5:29:33 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 20/05/22The Blackbushe scene mid seventies, or thereabouts, some of the numerous piston twins that formed the busy air-taxi operators and a home based Citation of IDS Fanjets. The advantages of jets for business persons became ever more recognised, the writing was as they say, "On the wall" for the Senecas, Aztecs, and Navajos that formed a significant percentage of Blackbushe's apron traffic back then.. An Arnold warbird catches the foreground, one of the Spanish built CASA versions of the Luftwaffe's He111.Catching up on our step back in time to 1943 as recorded in Stuart Marshall's 'The Wartime Years'. September, and an early demonstration of an over exuberant pilot not getting it quite right..."...The 21st September saw another accident on the airfield - one which could have been avoided - when a visiting Mustang flown by a French pilot who had been having lunch with his French compatriots elected to make a very low pass over the 342 Squadron dispersal site on departure. He was so low that one of his wing-tips struck the FIDO line causing the aircraft to plough into the ground at high speed. It then cartwheeled across the airfield, breaking up as it did so. The only relatively intact part left when it finally came to rest was the cockpit area, out of which scrambled the shaken pilot who escaped with only a cut to his forehead. Reports of the crash differ considerably and it is not possible to ascertain the exact result but it is confirmed that there was certainly damage to 342 Squadron's parked aircraft. F/O Deeks told me, "Some of us were having a drink at the bar where we couldn't help noticing the Mustang pilot had been getting a most enthusiastic welcome. At about 1400 hours John Reeve and I were driving back to our dispersal in the flight van when we saw the Mustang take off with the pilot presumably returning to his home base. Immediately after take off, however, at about 300ft he dived down. At that time we were about 90 degrees from him with a clear view across the airfield and to our amazement we saw him descend lower and lower with the obvious intention of 'shooting up' the 342 Squaron dispersal where his friends were watching. When he was about half way across the field and almost at ground level he banked the aircraft and there was a flash and a bang as the wingtip hit the ground (or the FIDO line according to the pilot-Ed). The Mustang then turned several cartwheels with pieces flying off it in all directions, before sliding along the ground and out of our view in a cloud of dust and debris. John Reeve turned the van around and when we got to the French dispersal we found that what was left of the aircraft was being sprayed with fire extinguisher foam. Its wings had been torn off at the roots and the Allison engine had been flung from its mountings to about 20 yards away where it lay in seemingly undamaged condition. Under the wreckage was a bicycle which an unfortunate airman had been riding at the time and who I believe was killed. The Mustang's cockpit appeared undamaged and it seems that just before our arrival the pilot had emerged from this, seemingly unscathed but for a cut on his forehead. Some of the 342 Squadron Bostons standing nearby were also damaged by fragments of flying metal and so in all it was a costly end to a friendly visit".A photo that tells a story...Photos courtesy of the International Bomber Command Centre.From the early 1950s, Eagle were established at Blackbushe with their loyal work force who did so much in both operating airliners and aircraft engineering work. The late Gordon Wilmer, who we must thank for many of our Blackbushe photos, is caught fifth from the left prior to an Eagle staff outing to Jersey. An example of Gordon's work in the seventies. The precious but short period during which Blackbushe once again had excellent hangars for aeroplanes. G-MOSI is caught amid numerous Spitfires working their way back to airworthy condition. The British Car Auctions days would follow when the airfield fell into their ownership when Doug Arnold 'sold-up' and moved out. Some of the hangar space remained in use for aviation purposes until the day came when BCA sold the parts of the airfield they did not want, but unfortunately for Blackbushe's prospects the hangars were not included in the sale package. The endeavours to to set Blackbushe firmly on track as a fully equipped General Aviation hub continue.Wishing you a pleasant day...
PB
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Post by PB on May 21, 2022 6:53:56 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 21/05/2206.00..Just a few short weeks to go to the 80th Anniversary Open Day and Fly-In, the weather this morning from the window looking good..as it will in just 21 days from NOW!
Thanks to all who completed the 'volunteer' form found on the Blackbushe Airport website, look forward to seeing you in action! For everyone else, tickets for the 80th are still available, also found on the Blackbushe website under #news & events'.. While some may take the route to watching passing aeroplanes from outside the airfield boundary the only way to truly see what's going on and getting a really close look at our Static Aircraft Exhibition is to join us and be a part of the day with a ticket in your hand!Here on the Forum we look backwards as well as forwards.. A 1950s view of the Blackbushe Fire fighting team on duty with a US military Convair on the runway...An everyday scene abeam the United States Navy hangar that once graced the airfield's north eastern flank.. Beech 18 Expeditor and one of the Navy's Super Dakotas..Had you been standing near the US Navy hangar, this is the view you would have been granted. Blackbushe looked very expansive before it was left to go to seed, add all the bits together again and you'd have an airport of ample size! An Eagle Viking airborne from runway 08, the sound of her two Bristol Hercules engines at this point would have been delightful....Ahhh, the memories.. Apart from the fabulous cloudscape, a US Navy Neptune, a fully intact and very large main apron, the Blackbushe Control Tower that witnessed war and peace at Blackbushe... If you had been there and witnessed the scene, the size of the once complete Blackbushe, the variety of aircraft to be seen, and the sounds of aviation in the nineteen-fifties, you might just understand why some of us are left with a lingering sadness at the loss of so much... The amazing thing is that Blackbushe Airport still lives at all, and we'll soon be marking her 80th year of looking after aviation!! You just KNOW what she's capable of!!A quick step back into the pages of history, and our continued journey through 1943 courtesy of Stuart's compilation of memories..
"...24th September, 1943. This day saw a visit by Air Vice Marshal Basil Embry DSO, AFC, ADC Air Officer Commanding No. 2 Group. He was followed next day day by HRH Prince Bernhard of the Netherland, who arrived by air but only stayed for a short while before departing again" Prince Bernhard at RAF Hartford Bridge, plus dog are briefed on the layout of a resident 16 Squadron Spitfire..Sincere thanks to Nathan Howland for the photo. Happy Saturday..
PB
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