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UK Flying - 2005 - 2006 |
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© Andy Clarke Photo. 11.1 En-route to Enstone passing to the east of Kettering, former B17 base, Grafton Underwood comes into view just north of track. Little of the airfield remains to give its former identity away. November 2005
© Andy Clarke Photo. 11.2 Tree planting provides proof of former north south runway pattern. In the order of 320 missions were flown by the 384th Bombardment group from this airfield between May 1943 and June 1945 November 2005
© Andy Clarke Photo. 11.3 Old road is diverted via new bridge crossings of mainline railway and Grand Union canal. November 2005
© Andy Clarke Photo. 11.4 Radio call and no activity allowed this shot of the usually busy airfield at Hinton in the Hedges. November 2005
© Andy Clarke Photo. 11.5 Pig farm in foreground. Enstone beyond. Set up on finals for 26 left. Parallel Northside grass strip is clearly visible with approach directly over the clubhouse November 2005
© Andy Clarke Photo. 11.6 On the return leg to Sibson passing over interesting Elisabethan relic at Lyveden New Bield November 2005
© Andy Clarke Photo. 11.7 Looking back after a sharp right turn out from Andrewsfield 27R. Located in Essex and within Stansteds zone this airfield was formerly a USAAF B17 base during WWII. December 2005
© Andy Clarke Photo. 11.8 Disused today is former RAF Wethersfield. Initially a RAF satelite airfield to RAF Ridgewell it was passed to the USAAF Ninth Air Force in 1943 and home to A20's. During the 1950's it was host to USAF F84 'Thunderjets' before being closed during the 70's due to its proximity to Stansted. December 2005
© Andy Clarke Photo. 11.9 Lines of trees picks out the former runways at Wratting Common. This RAF base was called West Wickham but the name was subsequently changed to avoid confusion with Bomber Commands HQ at High Wycombe. It was home to Stirling and Lancasters during the war. December 2005
© Andy Clarke Photo. 11.10 On the final leg back to Sibson passing close to Peterborough's other airfield, Conington. Built in 1943 by US Army Engineers it was named Glatton and became home in 1944 to the 457th Bombardment Group operating the venerable Flying Fortress's. No less than 237 missions were flown in 14 months of operations between February 1944 and April 1945. Today its still in use and a busy airfield for general aviation. Main London railway line passes to East of airfield. December 2005
© Andy Clarke Photo. 11.11 On the way to former Lancaster base at Wickenby, passing RAF Cottesmore. January 2006
© Andy Clarke Photo. 11.12 En-route to Hucknall in Nottinghamshire passing the airfield and parachute centre at Langar. This was initially a Lancaster base during WWII with a brief period where it was used by USAAF C47 troops carriers in 1944 as part of the operation 'Market' airdrop on Holland. It passed to the Canadians between the Cold War years of 1952 to 1963 as their main overseas base in Europe. February 2006
© Andy Clarke Photo. 11.13 Arrival overhead Hucknall home to Rolls Royce's Aero Divisions engine testing facility. Test rig can be seen just ahead of the leading edge with a Jet engine ready and waiting. This airfield played a major part in the development of many milestones in British aviation history. An airfield since 1935 it was where the first Spitfire Mk V's where converted with Merlins and it was here that the first flight of the Flying Bedstead took place for runner to the Harrier. February 2006
© Andy Clarke Photo. 11.14 Leaving North Coates on the Lincolnshire coast. Flying was first recorded here in late 1914. During the war in was transferred to Coastal Command where its Beaufighter aircraft would attack enemy convoys. Last military occupation of the site was as a Bloodhound missile base. April 2006
© Andy Clarke Photo. 11.15 East Kirkby. A former base for RAF 630 squadron between 1943 and 1945 and where a total of 212 missions were undertaken with loss of 121 Lancaster aircraft. A further 29 were lost in other operations and incidents. Part of the main runway still exists and its now home to an aviation heritage site which owns a beautifully restored Lancaster which is frequently exhibited with all four Merlins running. April 2006
© Andy Clarke Photo. 11.15 Passing Surfleet Seas End in Lincolnshire April 2006
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