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Post by PB on May 22, 2022 6:03:42 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 22/05/22547,787.. As of just now that's the number of 'hits' "Photo of the Day" has enjoyed since the notion first stirred that perhaps there should be some kind of online place where folk who shared the notion that Blackbushe isn't a bad place for a bit of aviation could unite and share their feelings/experiences/hopes for the airfield based on past, present, and future expectations.
Various other forms of social media have appeared and, understandably, due to their combination with other 'channels' have grabbed the popularity charts. Facebook's "Blackbushe Airport, Then & Now" has more than double the number of members than our humble production and perhaps has greater appeal due to the ease in which photos can be added and reggies discussed. I would like to think, and hope, that our Forum continues to be a place where die-hard Blackbushe souls may gather and suck-up some of the mysterious essence that comes from knowing Blackbushe, sharing memories of those 'golden days' of the fifties, the fighting days of the sixties, and today the ever important hopes for the future.
In just 20 days, twenty days, on a sunny Saturday morning in June the "POTD" editorial 'team' will be gathered on this same seat wishing you a pleasant day at Blackbushe before leaping into the car and picking up a heading for Blackbushe and the 80th Anniversary Open Day & Fly-in in hopes that various endeavours over the winter months are rewarded by a fabulous collection of aeroplanes for all to see.. If you have not purchased your tickets as yet you'd best be quick 'cos numbers are limited, you will not be overcrowded, and we all look forward to a very pleasant assembly of aeroplanes, exhibits, and entertainment..
You need look no further, your tickets may be purchased here... www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/80th
A wide range of dining outlets, our Exhibition covering many areas not the least being aviation!! Your chance to meet the Blackbushe Heritage Trust and perhaps get involved with the exciting task ahead of returning a Viking airliner to Blackbushe, restoring her and placing her on permanent show at the airfield that was home to the Viking and Britain's growing independent airline operators after the war..Blackbushe! Come and say, "Hello!" and maybe buy one of our super BHT mugs!! Oh yes, and we've got fifty fabulous aeroplanes ready to meet you in the Aircraft Static Park. Close-up views, and meet the pilots too! All for a fraction of the cost of a meal out and you're supporting Blackbushe!! Loads of bouncy fun for the younger generation too.. A fair deal at Blackbushe..see you in 20 days from now. Won't we??Ready for take-off! These guys will be lined up ready for action on 11th June!Sun filled skies of the 75th....Stepping back in time, and continuation of Blackbushe's early days. Once more, it's September 1943, the airfield is not even one year old, and back then was known as Royal Air Force Hartford Bridge..".... No 2780 Anti-Aircraft Squadron, RAF Regiment departed the airfield on the 29th September and their place was taken by 2851 Squadron who arrived from RAF Tarrant Rushton in Dorset.
Toward the end of the month it was quite usual to find parked out on the airfield a number of visiting aircraft which had arrived the previous night. Tyoes to be seen varied but often included large numebrs of RAF bombers including Lancasters, Halifaxes, Stirlings and Wellingtons, plus the occasional B17 Flying Fortress and Liberator bombers of the USAAF. [IMAGINE!] Most of these aircraft had been on opertions on the previous night and had diverted into Hartford Bridge for different reasons including weather problems at their destination airfield or damage caused by enemy action. Whatever the reason the crews were only too pleased to get back on the ground and take advantage of the facilities that were available.
De Havilland Mosquito aircraft were being delivered to 140 Squadron from the Aircraft Preservation Section at RAF Benson, Oxfordshire, and as their new aircraft arrived their old aircraft were passed on to 16 Squadron, who by now were taking on most of 34 Wing's Spitfire aircraft.
As bad weather curtailed most of the flying at the end of the month some of the crews would no doubt have been making good use of the reading room that had been provided for them by Yateley residents in the former butcher's shop. Strictly for service personnel only, an ample supply of up-to-date reading material was provided and the easy chairs that were available were not only much used but were very much appreciated as well. It was also a very easy convenient place to wait for transport to Camberley and Reading.."Tomorrow, accounts from 1943 take us to the end of September, and some of the off duty spots that crews enjoyed when not 'in action'. It's cheering to note how benevolent local residents were toward the crews stationed at RAF Hartford Bridge back in 1943... Blackbushe continues to be a worthy neighbour as it will bring ever more support for the local economy and increased local employment as and when the airfield is able to facilitate her plans for a complete General Aviation airfield infrastructure..
See you tomorrow..
PB
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Post by PB on May 23, 2022 6:32:47 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 23/05/22Remember the Nimrod? First flew on this day in 1967... kept the Comet wing profile in the skies for many more years. 1967, sounds a long time ago, probably because it is but gives some illustration of just how long Blackbushe Airport has been facing its opponents and kept its head above water throughout. I was at school, now I'm far from being at school, a proud grandfather, throughout the six decades a very small number of souls have stuck to their belief in Blackbushe and her potential, we can but hope that those patient decades will soon reveal the solution to the Airport's obstacles so as those who have remained 'on-side for so long may finally see the airfield become the reality of AVM Bennett's dream when he saved 365 acres of the airfield from 'certain death'..The last of the Blackbushe Comets.. Doug Arnold's Mk 4 prior to being broken up. All the Comet types flew from Blackbushe due to crew training by BEA ad BOAC in the 1950s Another proud shape that originated from the de Havilland drawing boards, the Dragon Rapide. Way back in the sixties on Blackbushe tarmac, an aeroplane with a history.. Air History.net states.. "Ex NR843 (23 July 1945), YI-ABG (Iraqi Airways 1946), G-ALGE (registered 5 January 1949). Sold in the Irish Republic and registered EI-AMN 31 July 1962, cancelled 25 August 1964 when sold in France as F-BLXX. Later shipped to USA, where it was registered N8053 (July 1973). Impounded in the Dutch Antilles 1975 for drug smuggling, aircraft left in open store and eventually derelict. Cancelled 4 February 2017".Journeying back via Stuart Marshall's account of life at RAF Hartford Bridge to September, 1943, and life at RAF Hartford Bridge as the month came to a close... Life off duty, or when flying was curtailed due to bad weather.."...Some of the crews would go to the Agincourt dance hall in College Town, which was a meeting place and was popular in the evenings when they had time to relax. 342 Squadron, however, tended to use the Dog and Partridge in Yateley as their local meeting place. They would also go into Camberley where they would make good use of the facilities offered at the French Forces' main transit camp which was fortuitously situated on what is now the Old Dean estate. Here they were able to have a typical French meal accompanied by red wine from their homeland. (On their return to this country in 1997 the Free French Lorraine Association, in addition to visiting the airfield where they held a brief memorial service, called at the Lorraine School at their former transit camp where they were delighted at the warm reception shown to them by the school staff and flag-waving young pupils who welcomed them in French.Ed)
Back in 1943, however, at the airfield, while the Frenchmen were enjoying their special catering arrangements all the other based personnel would be eagerly awaiting the daily delivery of fresh bread supplies each morning. Picked up by 137 MT Section from the Army bakehouse in Aldershot, the bread was transported to the various messes on the airfield where personnel would make short work of polishing it off.
On the 29th September, No. 2780 Anti-Aircraft Squadron departed the airfield for RAF Boscombe Down in Wiltshire and their place was taken by No. 2851 Squadron who moved in from RAF Tarrant Rushton in Dorset".FOUND IT!!! The mighty Nimrod at Blackbushe... she didn't land..PB
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Post by PB on May 24, 2022 7:09:56 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 24/05/22EAGLE AIRWAYS VIKING AT BLACKBUSHE AIRPORT TODAY...Well, now that I've gained your attention, today provides you with a unique opportunity as the Blackbushe Heritage Trust's EAGLE VIKING mugs will be available at the Pathfinder Cafe. This is just the first step in what will be a range of valuable Blackbushe Heritage Trust items as we go forward with fund raising activity toward securing Viking G-AGRW and returning her to Blackbushe for permanent display. Limited numbers, so don't hesitate, they will be delivered to the Pathfinder this morning.The Blackbushe Heritage Trust logo. You'll be hearing much more about our activities as the wheels get into motion.There will be a perfect chance to meet the trust at the Blackbushe 80th Anniversary Open Day & Fly-In on 11th June. Tickets available here if you do not already have one!! www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/80th Come and talk to the Team, hear about the plans, see/buy the merchandise, join up as a member/volunteer of this unique and new operation - a fully registered charity whose aim is to restore a piece of British Aviation Heritage to Blackbushe Airport, the site above all others regarding the Viking in commercial operations and the founding of British independent aviation.. An Eagle Airways Viking parked at Blackbushe Airport once again.. The time will come, a time that so many who remember Blackbushe from her commercial aviation days will hold so dear as memories come pouring back. For others too young to know the 'Viking'days, a living page from history so they too can 'feel' what some people 'who were around ten years old' can still remember as those twin Bristol Hercules engines played their once so familiar music...and POTD will be back tomorrow, all being well..
PB
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Post by PB on May 25, 2022 6:49:09 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 25/05/22JUST six more days and it will be June. The year half spent so soon? The longest day back again so soon? Now, only seventeen days to our day at Blackbushe when together we celebrate the passage of 80 years of aviation at what has proven to be the most versatile, perfectly located aerodrome within easy reach of the Capital that anyone could wish for. This year the 11th June has special meaning as 80 years have flown by for Blackbushe, fighter station, bomber station, London's second airport, and then sixty years of survival despite the efforts of politic factions hell bent on swatting the great Blackbushe asset out of existence.
But, this year on 11th June we don't just look back, we look forward to what Blackbushe will mean to General Aviation when her plans are at last able to manifest themselves. The "History Hub" will relate the past and its triumphs, you'll also be able to see and understand how the airfield will look serving aviation, employment and the local economy over the coming years. June 11th, Blackbushe's Open Day & Fly-In will be waiting for you with nearly fifty aeroplanes in the static park awaiting your inspection while many more will be arriving for the 'Fly-In' where pilots will not only enjoy a free landing, they'll get BBQ vouchers too!! However, ticket sales are limited - get yours today before it's too late....... www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/80th
Now here's something to take a serious look at... www.BlackbusheHeritageTrust.com Please click on the link and discover exactly what the Blackbushe Heritage Trust are planning. A key project being the recovery of a Viking airliner, a type that predominated Blackbushe in her golden commercial days, an aeroplane that once returned to Blackbushe and suitably restored will be a permanent salute to the heroic independent airlines that spawned and flourished at Blackbushe when she was a major London airport. YOU can get involved, donate, or maybe join the volunteer team that is already growing keen to bring back this vestige of Blackbushe's amazing past..Blackbushe Heritage Trust mugs are now available at the Pathfinder Cafe....A quick snap with the phone yesterday, an image that confirms, "Blackbushe means business"......Now, returning to POTD's look back on Blackbushe's first year of operation, we recently reached the end of September, 1943. Thanks to Stuart Marshall's diligent pen we'll move into October, 1943.. It was in November that the airfield was officially opened, we're celebrating her birthday early 'cos November possibly ain't the best time of year for an Open Day and Fly-In..." ....October, 1943. Sunday 3rd saw 342 Squadron on a low level mission. Large numbers of German troops were advancing on Paris and it was essential that that the Resistance were able to delay them for as long as possible. The Squadron were detailed to attack a major power station at Chevilly Larue, on the southern outskirts of Paris, to assist the Resistance by causing chaos to the electrical supply for the railways. They took off at 12.30 with the crews looking forward to striking at the enemy in their homeland [You'll recall that 342 Squadron was the Free French Air Force "Lorraine Squadron" flown b French aircrews. Ed] They knew, however, that the attack would be a difficult one and were well aware of the consequences they would face if shot down and taken prisoner by the Germans. They were also very aware of the need for great accuracy with their bombing to avoid killing their compatriots. They had been specially chosen for this operation because of their expertise with low-level bombing and the French command in this country insisted that they had a much better chance of success than other squadrons bombing from high level. The first four aircraft ran into the target and bombed it from tree-top height while those following behind climbed up to 1500 feet to avoid the bomb blast. Boston BZ319 (H) received a hit and burst into flames. To avoid endangering the lives of his fellow countrymen, the pilot, Lt Lamy, carried out his orders to the letter and ditched the aircraft in the River Seine. Lt Lamy, Adj Balcaen, Sgt Roussaire and Sgt Jouniaux all lost their lives. The crew of another aircraft, BZ338 (G) had an engine fail over the target and this slowed down the rest of the squadron as they accompanied the aircraft back toward their home base. When the second engine of their aircraft began to overheat the unfortunate crew had had no option but to make a dangerous fores landing between Criel and Beauvais. The pilot skilfully put the aircraft down with only one crew member receiving injuries as the aircraft overran its landing field and crashed into a hedge. The pilot and his radio operator succeeded in making their escape and eventually were able to make their way back to base but one of the other crew being slightly injured and the fourth crew member were taken prisoner.
Although the bombing had been extremely and was seen as being successful, reports indicated that there had been a number of civilians killed near the target which greatly saddened the crews who had taken part."Accounts of life at Blackbushe (RAF Hartford Bridge) during her year of operation will continue. Meanwhile, in this day of high tech communications, travel, and supposed peaceful living it's hard to believe that 80 years later the Russians are killing innocent civilians for no reason other than the deranged mind of another dictator. 21st Century Europe, the courage of another oppressed nation deserves our total admiration.
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Post by PB on May 26, 2022 6:16:01 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 26/05/22"Yesterday, business planes weren't so far away, now it looks as if they're here to stay....." apologies to Lennon & McCartney for that, but it's true. While discussing matters regarding the 80th in the 'management suite' the number of business aeroplanes coming and going on the Blackbushe apron very nearly exceeded the space available. The adjacent tangled ruin, where the majority of the old apron destroyed by the 'Parish' lies, highlighted the folly of a bureaucracy that rejected very large sums of money offered to save just a part of that precious reinforced tarmac. However, there is no doubt that the potential value locked in Blackbushe Airport for service to business aviation is steadily being realised!Going back to the era of The Beatles, 1963, my photo taken departing runway 08 in ECKO Electronic's Anson. It's daunting that most looking at this probably were not born when G-ALIH and I looked across at Blackbushe when all of the apron was still intact and the Terminal was the size it was when the Airport was a fully operational commercial asset to all forms of aviation.. When you think that only the western one third of the Terminal escaped the bureaucrats wrecking squad and only a small section of the apron - about one quarter - was spared destruction this photo kind of illustrates the acts of supreme folly perpetrated on what was a national asset.I guess for those who never experienced the full-scale Blackbushe Airport and only know it as it is today the above may not mean too much, but there are still plenty who remember..yesterday's peak of business flights reignited the old flame!
Nipping back some twenty years before the above photo was taken, we revert to Stuart's written works on Blackbushe at war...It's October, 1943. "..88 and 107 Squadrons were engaged in attacks that would stop enemy transport. Led by W/Cdr Spencer, 88 Squadron made for Distre where the transformer station had to be put out of action. 107 Squadron was routed to Orleans to attack yet another. The attacks proved very successful and all three squadrons were delighted to learn that it was steam engines only as the power failed! I wonder how many Sunday lunches were ruined by their efforts! It was felt that great disruption had been caused to enemy troop movements and that it showed that simultaneous attacks of this nature could prove very damaging. In addition to the two Free French losses on these attacks[/i] [Referred to in yesterday's "POTD"] two of 88 Squadron's aircraft ditched in the Channel: BZ322 (K) flown by F/S Davies and BZ316 (K) flown by Sgt Gray. Following a major Air-Sea Rescue operation both pilots were saved, as were two other crew members. Unfortunately it was not possible to rescue the other two. All of 107 Squadron's aircraft returned safely, although F/Sgt Higgs' aircraft suffered serious damage as a result of being hit in the tail by flak".We'll continue tomorrow with an attack near Brest accompanied by eleven squadrons of escort fighters. There is no doubt the squadrons of RAF Hartford Bridge carried out historic and significant operations in the war effort, and in the process I feel ever more strongly that when it is possible a suitable memorial is constructed at their old air base. It's the least we can do, something quite overlooked by the greed and bureaucracy that caused so much damage to the airfield once too much of it fell into the hands of local influencers,,,
Talking of memorials, a new bench has been placed on the Airport's viewing area in memory of Stuart Marshall who we sadly lost this year. Much gratitude is owed to all who made this possible.Look at that! Taxiing away from the Blackbushe Terminal a glance down the Anson's starboard wing illustrates the vast apron that served the needs of many an aeroplane. Sadly, no longer...Grateful for small mercies? The white line you can see crossing the apron was placed there to aid Comet crews on crew training. Follow it and your wing tips should be clear of other traffic..the advent of the swept wing. Our old signals square confirms we were on runway 32 that day! Ahh, happy memories.That's it, see you tomorrow.
PB
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Post by PB on May 27, 2022 6:02:26 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 27/05/2206.00, another promising looking May day where the avian choral society were in good voice from an early hour, although why is outside my window such a popular location for their early morning renditions?
"POTD" plods along with its daily thoughts as it does every day. Since "POTD" first found its way to a silicon chipped receiver near you some 2,673 days have passed, with the exception of an occasional vacation "POTD" has been served every day, and one or two have had whatever it requires to stay the length of the journey with this collection of Blackbushe and aviation related considerations. Must be best part of a couple of hours each day shuffling through the many images down there in the vaults, and putting a few sentences together as well. Hopefully, together we've created or maintained an arm of good people who share some of the passion or appreciation for Blackbushe, her history and her hopes? Thank you for dropping by, I hope we'll stay on the road together a little while longer..
The next step in creating pages for the Blackbushe annals of history is 11 June and the Airport's 80th Anniversary Open Day. The number of pre-booked aeroplanes is very considerable, many of them destined for the Static Aircraft Park where visitors will enjoy a closer than usual look at our collection of flying machines, young and old...
I would add at this juncture that NO admittance to the event will be possible without a pre booked ticket. Space is limited, hence visitor numbers are limited too. We don't want you to be crowded out, we don't want traffic hold-ups either! You must have a pre booked car park ticket when driving in and also tickets for all the humans aboard the vehicle. NO dogs. Tickets are limited, but there's still time so if you're planning to attend (if not, why not?) suggest you hit the booking form found here and make sure you're going to be with us on June 11th.. www.blackbusheairport.co.uk/80thSome of our heroic veteran aircraft based at Blackbushe in the early sixties will be making a very welcome return to their old home. Tiger Moth G-ANEH, for example, seen here as you can tell in the early days while Yateley Parish Council destroyed valuable parts of the Airport before our eyes.G-APAL is another hero from the past returning for the 80th. At this time she was a Jackaroo, a four seat conversion of the faithful Tiger Moth. She survived the torment of a winter's storm when blown back onto the desolation being caused by the council. Soon repaired and airworthy again she flies on to this day. Only difference being she is a Tiger Moth once more having been refashioned once again!For those for whom history is as important as the future we'll step back to October, 1943, and the ongoing recall of days when these were RAF Hartford Bridge days.."..An attack against Poulnic airfield near Brest was carried out on 8th October by 88 and 107 Squadrons bombing from 12,000ft, each aircraft carrying four 500lb bombs. They were accompanied by eleven squadrons of escort fighters. There was very heavy flak in the target area but the attack was pressed home and much damage was inflicted, including the complete destruction of one of the hangars when it received a direct hit. The aircraft landed at Exeter on the way home.
A visit to the station by Lt Gen NMS Irwin CB, DSO, MC Commander in Chief Eastern Army, India, took place on the 13th October , 1943..."Tomorrow, an account of an attack planned for the end of October that did not go entirely to plan.
PB
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Post by PB on May 28, 2022 7:45:24 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 28/05/22Good Morning, welcome to the weekend! The sun is out of bed and got a busy day ahead, what a great day to pop into Blackbushe and enjoy a drink and a bite to eat in the Pathfinder Cafe's brilliant viewing area!And when you're at the Pathfinder it'll be your chance to purchase a brand new Blackbushe Heritage Trust's Mug. They're in limited supply this time around so you'd best be quick, more will follow but grab one now if you can and you'll be helping the Trust's plans to bring a Viking airliner back from Austria to Blackbushe where she will be a permanent token to the many independent airlines who were formed and operated here in the golden fifties.. Enjoy your day, enjoy your unique Viking Mug!!Notice the skies over Hampshire yesterday! While the media seem obsessed with cancelled flights the skies told their own story! Such a contrast to those days of Covid lockdowns when the view from the garden offered plenty of blue sky days with skies totally devoid of any aviation life. I'm sure the independent airlines that once thrived at Blackbushe would be thrilled to see how the business has blossomed to new heights as indicated yesterday?Back to life at Blackbushe (RAF Hartford Bridge) in her first year of operation..October, 1943.... "The next major attack by Hartford Bridge aircraft was scheduled to take place on the 22nd when all three squadrons were briefed to attack the aero engine factory at Courcelles in Belgium near Charleroi. Of the 38 Boston IIIA and IV aircraft detailed for the operation, 12 were from 88 Squadron, 13 from 107 Squadron and a further 13 from 342 Squadron. Things soon started to go wrong, when the formation led by W/Cdr England went off course over the Channel due to a misreading compass. The flight plan had called for the aircraft to fly east over the North Sea to cross the Dutch coast at the Hook of Holland, then to turn south to run into the target. The first six aircraft were to mark the target with 500lb bombs dropped from 1000 feet. The remaining crews were to bomb this area from ultra low level with four 500lb bombs each equipped with 11-second delayed fuses.
The aircraft, however, due to the navigation error wrongly crossed the coast well to the south between Domburg and Westkappel at Walcheren, a very heavily defended point.. This resulted in the loss of four of 107 Squadron's aircraft including that of W/Cdr England. His aircraft, BZ230 (A), was shot down by enemy fire crashing in flames near Veere with the loss of all onboard. Also shot down and crashing in the same area were the aircraft of P?O Hoeg, BZ203 (G), who perished with his crew, and BZ223 (D) flown by P/O Brice, which suffered a similar fate. The other aircraft lost by 107 Squadron was BZ234 (K) which crash landed. Although one of his crew was killed, F/L McCullough, the pilot, escaped to be taken prisoner as did his other crew member, who had been injured in the crash. On the run-in to the target the remaining crews encountered more heavy flak and on reaching the target area were unable to locate target buildings which were obscured by smog. Any hope of attacking the target was given up and the remaining aircraft headed for home. 88 Squadron lost one of their aircraft, as did 342 Squadron. In all the raid was an utter disaster and the loss of of crews and aircraft wa a very heavy price to have paid and was keenly felt by all involved. Of those that managed to make it back there were a further nine aircraft damaged to varying degrees by flak. On return, reports by the crews when being debriefed talked of seeing one of the aircraft with an engine of fire being attacked and crashing into the sea when shot down by a German Me109 fighter . Two aircraft thought to have been from 107 Squadron were seen to collide and break up prior to plummeting to the ground while yet another exploded in mid-air and was seen to impact the ground, while yet another was posted missing. The aircraft of 88 Squadron, thought to be (J) flown by F/Sgt Chappel, was see landing on the beach near Veere. An aircraft of 342 Squadron was known to have made a crash landing with an engine of fire in a field. The whole aircraft was then enveloped in fire as it ran into a hedge. Many of the damaged aircraft that limped home only just made it back and had to make emergency landings. At least one of these, a 342 Squadron aircraft, had injured crew aboard and the pilot had a wound to his hand".. We'll continue with other accounts from this raid tomorrow, but the above clearly illustrates the folly and suffering of war, it also illustrates the sacrifices made by those who crewed the bombers of Hartford Bridge and their courage!! It further cements the absolute need to remember the heroes of Hartford Bridge with absolute respect, unlike politics of the sixties when their old base was unceremoniously ripped apart by the local council. Our thanks go again to the late Stuart Marshall, long time Blackbushe person and ex Airport Manager, for the extracts from his compilation, "The Wartime Years".Stuart is remembered every day at Blackbushe by the memorial seat in his memory. If you should rest awhile when there you will see the plaque inscribed with his name, you may not be alone....Remember the history of Blackbushe written in the blood of her young men who went to war. Please.
PB
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Post by PB on May 29, 2022 6:25:18 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 29/05/22Blackbushe Airport, discarded by the Government in 1960, and the recipient of 'two fingers' from various local authorities for the subsequent 62 years is showing her mettle following Farnborough Airport's NOTAM from mid May..
Farnborough: Aerodrome limitation Q) EGTT/QFALT/IV/NBO/A/000/999/5117N00047W005 NON-BASED ACFT WITH A MAX TAKE OFF WEIGHT OF 7500KG OR LESS, AND NON-INTERLINING HELICOPTERS, WILL NOT BE GRANTED WEEKEND AND BANK HOLIDAY ACCESS. EFFECTIVE UFN. FROM: 14 May 2022 00:00 GMT (01:00 BST) TO: 30 Jun 2022 00:00 GMT (01:00 BST)
Operator names like Globair and Netjets heading for Blackbushe with types such as Be200, Eclipse, PC-12, and the P180 all looking for space on what remains of the Airport's main apron.. Great thanks to our roving reporters who have kept the Forum's movements pages fuelled with minute by minute updates. Thanks guys, very grateful to you!!
When the day comes and Blackbushe has her gleaming new facilities this will be the airport of choice for many. Affordable, environmentally streets ahead of any other business airfield in the south that can claim easy access to 'the City', and the easiest of access to the M3 just five motoring minutes away. Just why have councils been so 'two fingered' for so long? They have achieved nothing except massive legal bills that tax payers' money funds, losses in support of the local economy be it from tax revenue from the developed airfield or local traders and the business a busier Blackbushe would yield, and lost employment opportunities. Local elections have now passed, hopefully there will be some elected members who will have the foresight to see the value of a business airfield in the locality?A blast from the past. A Viking of Eagle Airways sits looking at the traffic passing on the A30. Just a few gorse bushes to deter one from stepping across the boundary and its trench that ran the length of the airfield. This Viking is sporting the red top cabin livery, one of Eagle's numerous colour schemes. The red was abandoned due its limited ability to absorb heat rather than reflect it, white aircraft upper fuselages are much better at keeping the incumbents cool. As proven by Eagle.Returning to the sad account started yesterday in POTD of the unlucky October 1943 attack on the Corcelles aero engine factory near Charleroi."...Mike Hendry was an air gunner with 88 Squadron who flew on he Corcelles raid in W/Cdr Spencer's aircraft. [Stuart in writing this account has included some details from Mike Hendry's comprehensive account in his book, "Air Gunner" with his agreement as an eyewitness to events on that day] They were leading their squadron on this operation. He recalls that the briefing was not unusual and that take off was scheduled for 1345hrs. The 38 Bostons were to be lead by W/Cdr England of 107 Squadron followed by 342 Squadron led bu W/Cdr de Runcourt. One of the navigators was F/Lt T P Mendes-France who was later to become Prime Minister of France in a post-war government. The last squadron to leave was 88 under the command of W/Cdr Ian Spencer.
As the engines were being started the crews would be undertaking their normal pre-flight checks, the pilot testing the aircraft controls while the navigator studied his flight plan yet again. The gunners would check the radio and make sure the electrical operation of the guns was working correctly and ensuring that the amount of ammunition on board was sufficient for their needs. The sight of the 38 Bostons taxiing out nose to tail and the noise from their seventy-six radial engines was, he recalled, impressive. At exactly 1345 the first aircraft rolled down the runway followed at twenty second intervals by the remaining machines. Following a turn to the north after take off the aircraft proceeded to the west of London to avoid overflying the city, prior to a turn to the east and crossing of the coast at Orfordness. As the aircraft completed the sea crossing and approached the Dutch coast they realised that they were twelve miles from their expected landfall, due to a navigational error. All hell was let loose as hey flew in over a very heavily defended area. Two burning aircraft were seen on the beach as they flashed overhead at low level and it became obvious that something had gone badly wrong. With much luck his aircraft avoided the flak but was hit by numerous birds which had been frightened by earlier aircraft and had lifted into the air. One went into their port engine and another hit the port gun post. yet another came through the nose perspex into the navigator's compartment to lodge behind one of the sheets of armour plating. The howling gale blew all the charts away and caused the navigator great difficulty in seeing anything. They continued but owing to the poor visibility had extreme difficulty picking out slag heaps which they had to negotiate at very low level to locate the target. They were forced to turn for home. They escorted a damaged Boston with an engine failure across the Channel to give extra fire power in case of an enemy attack before landing at RAF West Malling, in Kent, to refuel. He recalls that there was a great feeling of relief at having got back safely although they were horrified to learn of the nineteen men who failed to return that day.
Taking part in the action had been two Americans attached to 107 Squadron, Lt S van Walker and Lt Johnson who were USAAF crew members posted to the squadron to gain experience, prior to large numbers of their fellow countrymen coming over to this country.The following day news reached the airfield that W/Cdr England, DFC who was lost leading the Courcells raid had been awarded the DSO for earlier conspicuous gallantry in the air. His loss was felt greatly not only by his own squadron but by all at the airfield where he had not only been highly respected but also admired by those who had known him. "Perhaps, if you visit the airfield today, a quiet thought for Wing Commander England and all the others for whom this airfield was their last link with 'home'...
PB
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Post by PB on May 30, 2022 7:03:38 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 30/05/22Just one more day, and it'll be JUNE, and we all know what happens in June! Yes, the longest day, oh yes, and Blackbushe celebrates her 80th year of service to aviation...
Looking at average weather conditions for 11 June over the past years a reasonable degree of confidence exists that it will be flyable, but averages include extremes at both ends of the scale so we'll have to be patient. If all the previous events at Blackbushe are lumped together and an average weather day extracted it should be pretty nice. The 50th Anniversary was spread over a weekend improving our chances of one good day... The Saturday it poured all day and I was to jumping of the Terminal roof, however I didn't, and the Sunday was a complete contrast with clear skies all the way, and our small flying display and Fly-In went off very nicely with excellent attendance from the flying fraternity. From recall the only arrivals on the Saturday were the Tucanos from RAF Cranwell and the United States Navy from Lakenheath, the Tucanos ploughing out of the murk late Saturday afternoon. Such is the risk of doing any outdoor event subject to the vagaries of our English climate, but with aeroplanes involved perhaps you need to be crazy or an ardent gambler... But, what is life without a bit of a risk now and again where the rain gods are concerned?First weather risk, October 1962, Blackbushe's Great Re-opening Air Display. Weather was overcast but mild and calm, a mass fly-in, my first chance to be dierctly involved with a Blackbushe event. Paradise!Three Counties Aero Club show, late sixties. Weather brilliant. A young Stuart Marshall in action!Daily Telegraph/St Johns Ambulance Air Show in the sixties, weather very good!PFA Easter Rally, late seventies, weather cool but nice!Blackbushe Air Festivals, 1976 and 1977..weather magnificent!My friend Sue and Charles Church's Mustang at one of the Great Blackbushe Aviators' Weekends in the eighties. Charles was always a great supporter bringing a Spitfire and Mustang to back-up our events. The weather at both or our 1980's Aviators' Weekends was excellent..Blackbushe 50th, 1992, weather on day two magnificent, day one don't let's talk about it..Air Day, 2016, weather just the job!!2017, Blackbushe 75th, weather beautiful!Right, so that's put the mockers on it? Track record for our events at Blackbushe indicates good weather.Slipping back to 1943 again, and more from Stuart Marshall's records of life at wartime Blackbushe..yesterday we accounted for the raid carried out by Hartford Bridge's three bomber squadrons on 22 October, '43. Today, Stuart takes us through to the end of that month."..From the 26th October through to the end of the month little operational flying took place due to terrible weather conditions; only a few mail and communications flights were made. 107 Squadron undertook one such flight on behalf of 2 Group in one of the based Airspeed Oxfords but the weather made things difficult. The FIDO was available, with the whole system being lit for operational flights. Only the first 180 yards would be ignited to help non operational flights to land safely. The bad conditions gave a welcome respite, however, to the hard-pressed air and ground crews alike and often allowed a quick trip into town or further away.
137 Motor Transport section personnle held a lot of their social life in the local pubs, as in fact did all the base units. Their favourite haunt was the White Lion in Yateley, whee a pool table proved most popular.
For those going a little further away the railway station in Camberley was much used and the bicycle was the preferred means of getting there as it was quicker, cheaper and more convenient that catching a bus from Yateley, but safe storage of the bicycle in town could be a problem. Some of the local house holders were aware of the need for safe storage and allowed the gardens of their homes to be used for the purpose and had a good business going with a charge of two or three pence per cycle. As there were often hundreds at a time parked for days it proved a good money earner. Local attractions in Camberley itself were the cinema, swimming pool and a few eating places. The big attraction of the time for those choosing to remain at the airfield was a game of cards which proved a very popular pastime with gambling accounting for considerable amounts of money changing hands. Others would prefer to make their way down to the village hall in Yateley for the weekly dance, but your face had to fit and you had to be sober as the doorman would only let in those he liked the look of!
As the weather improved a new phase of operations took shape. V1 Doodlebug flying bombs were beginning to cause problems all over southern England as the Germans unleashed their latest secret weapon. 137 Wing were tasked to attack and destroy the flying bomb construction works and launching sites as they were located. These attacks were to be known as Noball missions".There's no doubt that since her earliest of days RAF Hartford Bridge/RAF Blackbushe/Blackbushe Airport has played a part not only in our national history, but also in the locality. Today, Blackbushe is proving to be a local asset bringing business and employment opportunities.. These will only increase when the airfield finally is able to build her much needed hangars and infrastructure. The Pathfinder Cafe is ever more popular with the local community as somewhere to enjoy a meal or a snack with great views of the airfield, while business jet operators are increasingly finding the affordable benefits of Blackbushe and the convenience our airfield on the plateau affords.
More tomorrow, same place, same time....oh, and don't forget to ask for good weather on 11th June!
PB
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Post by PB on May 31, 2022 7:17:40 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 31/05/22Well, that's May all but buttoned up, let's hope that by the conclusion of June we can look back and say, "That was a good month", especially with it's event coming up on 11th!!
"POTD" running seriously behind schedule this morning, so without more ado we'll continue our trek through 1943 with Stuart's guidance..
The RAF Hartford Bridge saga has now reached November, 1943, the month during which the airfield became one year old.. The airfield was officially opened on 1st November, 1942"November 1943...
On 7th, 342 and 88 Squadrons were ordered to attack one of the V-1 construction works. Encountering heavy flak, twelve of their aircraft suffered damage and the result of the attack was disappointing with no hits being recorded on the target. The squadrons had been airborne for two and a half hours on this attack but were to undertake another operation the following day - such was the importance being placed on finding and destroying these targets.
Three days later on the 10th the same squadrons raided the todt Organisation headquarters in France. The company was responsible for building coastal defences and V1 flying bomb launch sites, often using slave labour in the form of prisoners of war.
The crew of an 88 Squadron aircraft escaped as their aircraft came down only two miles from the airfield by the side of the Fleet Road. 107 Squadron were airborne later in the day to carry out an attack on Wissant which was bombed from 12,000ft.
On 11th November 342 lost an aircraft when one of their machines piloted by Lt Colcanap made a forced landing in the Camberley area. The aircraft hit a Bofors ant-aircraft gun installation, killing Lt Colcanap and his observer Lt Laurent, both dying of multiple injuries. The two aircraft gunners, however, escaped injury and Army medical personnel were quickly on the scene".So as not to be accused of misrepresentation, here is a/the "Photo of the Day"!! Just another day at Royal Air Force Hartford Bridge. 342 Lorraine Squadron crews tasked with the unthinkable job of attacking their home land whilst it was possessed by the Nazi disease.The blood spilled by airmen of various nationalities flying from our airfield on the Hartford Bridge plateau must never be forgotten. Perhaps the local councils who have invested vast sums of money into the destruction and degradation of Blackbushe could find some finance to assist with a future memorial to the aircrews who so far have had no regard or respect from local to county council levels with their destructive contributions the cost of which must have been eye watering.
PB
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