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Post by PB on Apr 1, 2024 7:44:05 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 01/04/2024Easter Monday, regardless of your religious persuasions it is a time for new beginnings, winter gives way to warmer air currents and an increasingly active atmosphere, nature springs into life and one is filled with a degree of hope that all will be well in the sunlit months to come... Yesterday went well, the MRI equipment at Frimley Park failed so one now has two MRI sessions end to end - one on the brain the other on the spine later in the week followed by laser eye surgery in the afternoon of the same day. The wonders of modern technology!
Talking of technology the fact that I can sit here spouting off about Blackbushe on the PC and by hitting the 'send' button it could instantly be read anywhere in the world is a miracle that we all take for granted. Technology has changed our world, largely for the better but sadly its offshoots are poisoning the minds of some... Another wonder of 'our time' is the photo copier wherein old photos can be converted to an electronic image and shared with whoever you wish. Take Pete Vickery who looks after event planning for the Blackbushe Heritage Trust, he recently acquired some old Blackbushe photos and these I have now copied ready for your interest. I'll pop one a day into our "POTD", starting from this one... The Albatross was just a part of the United States Navy's operation at Blackbushe. The image of the US Navy Open Day at Blackbushe reminds of when you could set foot in what felt like being in the USA, just as it does whichever US military airbase you should visit. My work involved spending time at numerous US Air Force bases and they all feel like being on the other side of the Atlantic! Hard to believe today that where the Blackbushe Business Park was built is where military life thrived and was host to such a variety of military action until 1960 when someone somewhere decided that the destruction of Blackbushe would be a great idea..It's taken six decades of legal activity to overcome the influences who would prefer to see the airfield returned to how it was centuries ago, but hopefully those decades will be brought to a closure before too much longer! The light is at the end of the tunnel, but not just that it'll also be coming from the main runway as work continues on the installation of the Airport's new runway and approach lights. This week will see construction of ducts and pits parallel to runway (30m from edge), outside runway strip. Construction has moved to the north of the runway, so disruption to aerodrome traffic will be minimal. Closure of the Airport to fixed wing traffic is scheduled for 8-19 April to permit construction of ducts and pits within the runway structure plus some essential resurfacing and fencing work.. Exciting times!Looking back on April 1st - "April Fools' Day" - over the years... In 1993 the Queen reviewed 70 RAF aircraft on the ground to mark the Air Force's 75th Anniversary - the mass fly-past was scrubbed due to bad weather. Hopefully bad weather will not play a part on 15 June this year. Large fly-past over London - the King's Birthday Fly Past, and also the Blackbushe Air Day.
In 1972 BOAC and BEA were merged to form today's British Airways. In 1971 on this day the Trident 3 entered service with BEA. Back Every Afternoon.In 1953 on 1st April BEA and Air France introduced "Tourist Fares", and in 1949 Pan American introduced the Boeing Stratocruiser to its network...and here's a page from another of my Blackbushe collections. Nobody could ever say that Blackbushe Airport's life has not been packed with variety!!Happy Easter!!
PB
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Post by PB on Apr 1, 2024 8:08:32 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 01/04/2024Easter Monday, regardless of your religious persuasions it is a time for new beginnings, winter gives way to warmer air currents and an increasingly active atmosphere, nature springs into life and one is filled with a degree of hope that all will be well in the sunlit months to come... Yesterday went well, the MRI equipment at Frimley Park failed so one now has two MRI sessions end to end - one on the brain the other on the spine later in the week followed by laser eye surgery in the afternoon of the same day. The wonders of modern technology!
Talking of technology the fact that I can sit here spouting off about Blackbushe on the PC and by hitting the 'send' button it could instantly be read anywhere in the world is a miracle that we all take for granted. Technology has changed our world, largely for the better but sadly its offshoots are poisoning the minds of some... Another wonder of 'our time' is the photo copier wherein old photos can be converted to an electronic image and shared with whoever you wish. Take Pete Vickery who looks after event planning for the Blackbushe Heritage Trust, he recently acquired some old Blackbushe photos and these I have now copied ready for your interest. I'll pop one a day into our "POTD", starting from this one... The Albatross was just a part of the United States Navy's operation at Blackbushe. The image of the US Navy Open Day at Blackbushe reminds of when you could set foot in what felt like being in the USA, just as it does whichever US military airbase you should visit. My work involved spending time at numerous US Air Force bases and they all feel like being on the other side of the Atlantic! Hard to believe today that where the Blackbushe Business Park was built is where military life thrived and was host to such a variety of military action until 1960 when someone somewhere decided that the destruction of Blackbushe would be a great idea..It's taken six decades of legal activity to overcome the influences who would prefer to see the airfield returned to how it was centuries ago, but hopefully those decades will be brought to a closure before too much longer! The light is at the end of the tunnel, but not just that it'll also be coming from the main runway as work continues on the installation of the Airport's new runway and approach lights. This week will see construction of ducts and pits parallel to runway (30m from edge), outside runway strip. Construction has moved to the north of the runway, so disruption to aerodrome traffic will be minimal. Closure of the Airport to fixed wing traffic is scheduled for 8-19 April to permit construction of ducts and pits within the runway structure plus some essential resurfacing and fencing work.. Exciting times!Looking back on April 1st - "April Fools' Day" - over the years... In 1993 the Queen reviewed 70 RAF aircraft on the ground to mark the Air Force's 75th Anniversary - the mass fly-past was scrubbed due to bad weather. Hopefully bad weather will not play a part on 15 June this year. Large fly-past over London - the King's Birthday Fly Past, and also the Blackbushe Air Day.
In 1972 BOAC and BEA were merged to form today's British Airways. In 1971 on this day the Trident 3 entered service with BEA. Back Every Afternoon.In 1953 on 1st April BEA and Air France introduced "Tourist Fares", and in 1949 Pan American introduced the Boeing Stratocruiser to its network...and here's a page from another of my Blackbushe collections. Nobody could ever say that Blackbushe Airport's life has not been packed with variety!!Happy Easter!!
PB
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Post by PB on Apr 2, 2024 6:51:07 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 02/04/24This going to be a turbulent week, for me if not the weather, as various appointments come around...today is no exception and brevity is called for.Thus, the second on our new collection of images from days of old....yes, Blackbushe was truly a feast of visual delights back in those days when unusual sounds came from above - along with some unusual shapes!!Farnborough Week attracted 'aviation people' to more than just Farnborough back then. I remember a moment in September 1961 or 1962 standing on the airfield with the late Gordon Wilmer - the AVM's man who looked after the airport - and the unusual engine sounds were no longer in the Blackbushe circuit, they had to make do with RAF Odiham and the extra surface miles to Farnborough. Lowish cloud and we caught site of what must have been a Lockheed Harpoon heading north and in and out of cloud doubtless outbound from Odiham - or lost.. We then looked at Blackbushe, the piles of rubble, broken concrete, smashed drains, trenches, holes, pipes and wires sticking out of the ground. It was very hard to hear the sound of those passing engines while reflecting on the glorious Farnborough Weeks that were 'Blackbushe' only a year or two earlier.
Six decades may have passed and with them taken most of my life, but the horror of the destruction of Blackbushe is something that sticks firm and deep in the memory. Seeing the work now taking place on the Airport as a new high-tech lighting system is installed brings a joy that to those who 'remember' is hard to describe! One looks forward anxiously to the next phases of redevelopment - time is precious.
PB
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Post by PB on Apr 3, 2024 6:51:23 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 03/04/24Going to be brief again today. Not been slacking should you think such a thing, but have been working in an effort to secure an interesting aeroplane for the Air Day. I hope it comes off, if it does you'll be the first to know!!
Not looking forward to it, but I'm scheduled to take my nose into the NHS today. Following the prang in February it's still far from right internally and externally..'nuff said.
Today's photo offering continues the new collection with offerings of a Neptune on show during one of the United States Navy's "At home" days at Blackbushe in the fifties... Amid what is now the Blackbushe business park and untamed wilderness of the 'Common Land' there lurks memories of amazing times, times when Blackbushe was the United States Navy's only UK land base - an important and strategic location. For some of us the memories live on...Coincidentally, today 3rd April coincides with the Royal Canadian Air Force's last operational Neptune flight way back in 1968. Some were activated again later when the RCAF Canadair Argus was found to have some cracking problems. Neptunes flying from Blackbushe were responsible for some memorable sights and memorable sounds..
Times up.. PB
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Post by PB on Apr 4, 2024 5:48:37 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 04/04/24Some days seem busier than others.. Take this morning, 0820 the first MRI scan of one's brain hotly followed by a second installment in the tube of fun for an MRI of the "POTD" spine. We're in pursuit of something that's made life 'quite unpleasant' for the past 18 months.. Who knows??
This afternoon the focus is on one's right eye where it's booked in for a blast of laser surgery... Hopefully I'll be keeping it company during the process!
With the excitement building and the need to leave home in less than an hour I'll leave you with another page of pictures....The beautiful Handley Page Hastings. A shape often seen at Blackbushe during the fifties on Army troop movements etc., and also because Hastings were flown to Blackbushe for conversions by Airwork. TG517 was a Hastings of 202 Squadron, and one of those flown to Blackbushe for conversion to become a Hastings T5.With those delightful memories it's time to find the Weetabix....
PB
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Post by PB on Apr 5, 2024 7:02:59 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 05/04/24Wow, a whole day at home with no medical interventions - yesterday was quite a marathon although waiting for the MRI scan results and my eye returning to service has its 'concerns'!! The next 'medical' will be with the nurse to examine the nose once again which six weeks after the prang continues to bleed and exude where the stitches were unable to hold me together! Makes life interesting I guess? Thanks to Bob Carter for his message!!
Running a bit behind schedule today, here's the next photo contribution..Many a Convair product bearing United States Navy decor went through Blackbushe during those 'golden years' of the fifties. Here's a just a tiny proportion...Remember 5th April, 1968? The day when Flight Lieutenant Alan Pollock of the RAF's No. 1(F) Squadron flew his Hunter beneath the top span on London's Tower Bridge, circled the Houses of Parliament, flew low over London and buzzed a number of RAF airfields in protest against Harold Wilson's Labour government who had neglected to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Royal Air Force. Funnily enough, he was arrested once he decided to land...A reminder now that the runway at Blackbushe will be closed from next Monday, 8th April, until the 19th of the month. It's a long time since the runway was this idle, but the closure is for a very good cause as the following steps are taken toward a new and better lit Blackbushe!!
1 Construction of ducts and pits within the runway strip.
2 Excavations across each runway end and installation of stop-end light fittings
3 Construction of bases for runway edge light fittings, PAPIs and threshold lights
4 Installation of primary cables
5 Resurfacing and repair works to the runway, Taxiway E, and the airside entrance near Gate 2 (opposite fire station).
6 Replacement of boundary fence from the north edge of apron, across the end of the runway.
7 Works will continue throughout the weekend of the 13/14 April.
PB
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Post by PB on Apr 6, 2024 7:07:24 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 06/04/24The last weekend before Blackbushe closes.
Happily it's only a closure for two weeks as the new runway lighting installation programme needs to excavate into the main runway, helicopter operations continue unaffected. The last time Blackbushe closed her runways was in 1960 and that time it was supposed to be 'for ever' as the powers of destruction were unleashed across the entire Airport. By good fortune the sight where amazing aviation things happened in the years up to 1960 has survived and is now moving toward a renaissance, a new Blackbushe, smaller than she was before but the spirit of Blackbushe is not for turning quite obviously the old airfield has no intention to die.. The coming winter nights are going to be bright affairs! Another look back on Farnborough Week, 1959, as all sorts arrived from all over! Here the French Navy arrives..That Farnborough Week in 1959 produced bumper crops of extraordinary aeroplanes and helicopters, never dreamed during that warm September that this would be the last time. Quite unthinkable...
Have a nice Saturday!
PB
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Post by PB on Apr 7, 2024 6:11:12 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 07/04/24Sunday once again, and with it our continued look at life at RAF Hartford Bridge during the weeks of 1944 that lead up to Day in June of that year... March, 1944...
The beginning of the month saw GP/Capt MacDonald DFC reassume command of 137 Wing and RAF Hartford Bridge.
S/Ldr Gorri assumed command of 342 (Lorraine Squadron).
On a return operation to Bois de la Justice on the 2nd, 342 Squadron felt the full force of the defending guns when they lost Boston BZ308 (V) which was shot down with the loss of three crew members, the other being taken prisoner.
On the 3rd of the month 88 Squadron was in action again, this time attacking Longueville.
The following day there was a serious accident in the airfield bomb dump. While bombs were being readied for a future operation it is believed that one of the armourers cross-threaded a fuse while fitting it into one of the bombs. He then made the fatal mistake of trying to remove it again. Fuses being used at this time were being fitted with tamper-proof devices designed to make it difficult, once set, for the enemy to remove them before the delayed-action fuse would detonate the bomb. With a mighty explosion that rocked houses throughout Yateley the bomb exploded killing Sgt Simmonds, AC Brown and AC Ward. As rescuers reached the scene it soon became evident that there had been no chance for their survival and considerable concern was voiced over the stability of the remaining delayed-action bombs. Some very brave armourers were soon in action rolling bombs into hastily dug trenches to lessen the potential effects of the bombs if they were to explode. For a few days afterwards an occasional detonation would serve to remind everyone of the price paid by three personnel following a tragic misjudgement.
Smoke was laid by 342 Squadron at very low level in the Whitchuch area just west of Basingstoke, Hampshire, on the 8th of the month giving local residents a very close view of an alternative use for the Boston bombers - probably a lot closer than they would have wished! Aircraft laying smoke would usually been flying at not above 30ft and the chemical smoke was not known for its pleasant fragrance!
There was a visit on 12th March, 1944, from Sir Archibald Sinclair, HM Secretary of State, who was accompanied by Lady Sinclair. They were met on arrival by Air Marshal Coningham KCB,DSO,MC, DFC, AFC, Commander in Chief 2nd Tactical Air Force, Air Vice Marshal BE Embry, DSO, AFC, ADC, AOC 2 Group and G/Capt MacDonald Commanding Officer RAF Hartford Bridge. The main purpose of the visit was to present decorations to 342 Squadron personnel. Sir Archibald inspected the parade and then presented the DFC to W/Cdr H de Rancourt, F/O J Patureau, F/O F Rozoy and P/O M Rousselot. While on the airfield the Secretary of State took the opportunity of visiting the other based squadrons, meeting the crews and ground personnel and inspecting servicing and other organisations operating at the airfield. More good news followed on the 15th when it was announced that the King had been graciously pleased to approve the award of the DFC to F/O M Henry of 107 Squadron and to F/O V Wall of 226 Squadron in recognition of gallantry and their devotion to duty in the execution of air operations.. On the same day No 4835 Airfield Construction Flight arrived from Air Landing Ground Chailey to commence the update of the FIDO installation. Two days later it as announced that the King had awarded the George Medal Sgt AW McGinnis F/Sgt H Webster, both from 88 Squadron, for conspicuous gallantry when rescuing personnel from a burning aircraft as bombs were exploding. Despite all the feverish activity taking place on the airfield, time was made on the 14th to fly cadets from Wellington College, Crowthorne, when they were taken for 15-minute flights in a Percival Proctor. This was followed by 20-minute flights on the 18th in an Avro Anson.... Just a few of the many...So many gave their lives in war in pursuit of peace, the increasingly fragile state we still enjoy today. My great hope is that in due course as Blackbushe finds her feet as a fully equipped General Aviation base we remember the many who flew from here and made the ultimate sacrifice by providing a prominent memorial to them and their courage. It's too easy to forget.
PB
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Post by PB on Apr 8, 2024 6:37:14 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 08/04/24Well, here we are almost with shades of 1st June, 1960....
On that day Blackbushe was deprived of all flying activity for the first time since the airfield was opened in November 1942..... Today the airfield is closed to all fixed-wing operations for two weeks, rotary flying continues. The new runway lighting installation programme digs deep for the next two weeks as channels have been cut across the runway to make way for a new brighter future. The airfield certainly has but a handful of aircraft remaining, in 1960 that 'day after' effect was bone chilling - the United States Navy, the numerous home based airlines, private owners, all were gone just leaving behind a vast flat prairie where so much 'aviation' had been conducted.
This time it's so different. The Airport is still open, the Pathfinder is still open, and even a few aircraft remain whilst most have relocated to alternative sites for the next couple of weeks..
Today delivers the last in our series of old photos provided by Pete Vickery. The largest has waited to last!One day in the Blackbushe story that stands out as the world's largest aircraft arrived!I hope the current series of Sunday reports on life at RAF Hartford Bridge leading up to D Day, 1944, is of interest, it certainly takes up some typing time! Do let me know if it is of interest....it's the least I can do to preserve appreciation of what happened at our airfield in the crucial weeks before D Day and for the crews who faced the risks and results of a turning point in the progress of the last War and the retention of peace and freedom in our land. It would have been horribly different if Hitler and had had his way with our country.
Let's hope that despite the pressures of the 'woke' brigade, our land remains a land of freedom and the right to self expression.
PB
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Post by PB on Apr 9, 2024 6:14:09 GMT
"Photo of the Day" 09/04/24The wind of change blows across Blackbushe..
Closed to fixed wings aircraft for a couple of weeks as the serious business of installing a totally new runway lighting system reaches the point where the runway needs to be opened up to permit the laying of cables in support of the all-new 21st Century lighting that will be coming...
Walking to the runway's end yesterday I noted curious looks from others walking on the Airport's 'wild side', namely the disused east end of Blackbushe where bags of dog poo lay around and the mud awaits the chance to suck at your shoes. The scene brings back shades of 1960 as the runways lay silent, only contractor's vehicles to be seen and piles of broken runway. Only this time the cause is a new Blackbushe intent on supporting aviation far into the future. A sample of Blackbushe 'today....Memories of 1960 were rekindled yesterday, memories of the time Blackbushe was in her death throws, boy racers, learner drivers, and motor bikes tonning it up down the vast and abandoned airfield where only a short while before aircraft carried passengers to and from so many places, the United States Navy flew their patrols, or in war where our crews gave their all flying from this perfectly placed airfield.. Some events in life can leave a lasting legacy, the destruction of Blackbushe was one of them. The joy of seeing today's progress with work going on across the Airport as at last positive developments take place! Can't wait for the days when new hangars etc etc emerge from the waiting ground.
Standing on the intersection of runway 25/07 and runway 14/32 I pointed out to the family members with me which direction the various hangars used to be, where the Control Tower used to be, where the US Navy base used to be. There was some surprise that so much existed. I tend to assume that people will know what used to be here, especially those who hear probably more than they want to about the 'old' airfield. Standing and pointing out directions from the runway intersection kind of brought home what a magnificent place the full-size Blackbushe used to be, but the fact that work is in progress toward a 'restoration' is all important today and the evidence is there for all to see! The airfield's few remaining aircraft that will not be flying during the two week closure reminded that the airfield 'lives' unlike those dark days in the 1960's when no trace of an aeroplane would be seen, nor seemingly would they ever be seen again on Blackbushe - the natural site for an airfield.
PB
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