RAF and USAAF Airfields in the UK During the Second World War

Author: Geoff Mills
Publisher: Fonthill Media
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 1069

Book Description
Shortly after the end of the Second World War, the United Kingdom was described as one vast aircraft carrier anchored off the coast of Europe. During a seven year period 500 airfields were constructed to serve the needs first of the RAF and later the USAAF as they carried the war to German-occupied Europe. The airfields that were constructed took many different forms from training airfields and Advanced Landing Grounds to grass fighter airstrips and vast complexes used to accommodate heavy bombers. This book charts the history of each Second World War airfield in and around the UK providing a unique insight in to the construction, operational life and post-war history of each airfield. Alongside detailing the history of each airfield, this work comprehensively records the details of each unit that operated from airfields around the UK. The information provided in this meticulously researched book is supported by a wealth of 690 photographs providing an illustration into the life of each wartime station.

Somerset Airfields in the Second World War

Author: David Berryman
Publisher: British Airfields in the Secon
ISBN: 9781853068645
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Somerset was not in the front-line during the early stages of the war, and its airfields initially fulfilled a training and support role. However, it was not long before fighters were stationed in the county as part of the defences against enemy air attacks and the number of airfields quickly increased. Lulgate Bottom and Yeovilton were opened in 1940 followed by Culmhead, which also housed the Polish Air Force In Exile and a Czech Wing; Charlton Horethorne, Charmy Down and Merryfield, both later transferred to the US Ninth Air Force; and North Stoke. Operations from the county's airfields gradually increased in momentum and its units made a significant contribution to the outstanding success of the Normandy landings and later the Arnhem operation. This book describes the history of each airfield and highlights the major operations carried out from them. The effects of the war on the daily lives of the people of Somerset and the hardship and constant dangers they suffered are also detailed. David Berryman's action-packed book will appeal equally to aviation enthusiasts and to readers who recall the era when the skies overhead never ceased to throb with the drone of departing and returning aircraft.

Somerset's Military Heritage

Author: Andrew Powell-Thomas
Publisher: Amberley Publishing Limited
ISBN: 1445676990
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 156

Book Description
This book will be of interest to all those who would like to know more about Somerset’s remarkable military history.

The Little Book of Somerset

Author: Maurice Fells
Publisher: The History Press
ISBN: 0750990252
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 191

Book Description
Did you know? The town of Wincanton is twinned with a place that does not exist. William Gibbs of Tyntesfield House made his fortune by importing bird droppings from Peru. A song by 'Scrumpy and Western' singer Adge Cutler was banned by the BBC for being too raunchy. Nine villages in Somerset are known as the 'Thankful Villages'. From seaside to countryside and villages to towns, Somerset is a county where it's difficult to separate history and mystery. This fast-paced, fact-packed compendium of places, people and trivia reveals all sorts of answers to questions you might have wondered about – and some you didn't. The facts, stats and anecdotes will surprise even those familiar with this beautiful and historic county.

Frome at War 1939–45

Author: David Lassman
Publisher: Pen and Sword Military
ISBN: 1526706024
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 261

Book Description
Frome at War 1939-1945 is a comprehensive account of this Somerset market town’s experience of the conflict, covering in detail life on the Home Front set against the background of the wider theatres of war. The narrative of that global struggle is given with a focus on the ordeals endured by the people of Frome, as they cheered their men and women fighters off to war, welcomed hundreds of evacuated men, women and children to the town, and contributed their part to the fight against Hitler and the Nazi threat. Rare insights into the life of the town are included, along with seldom told stories from the footnotes of history; from Frome’s part within the secret underground resistance movement and the national fight for women’s equality, to the gradual influx of American GIs and Field-Marshall Montgomery's stay in the aftermath of Dunkirk. The book incorporates memoirs and memories, along with in depth research from official records and newspaper accounts, which allow the reader to see the war not only from ordinary people’s perceptive, but the military experiences of Frome’s heroic men and women - and in many cases their tragic sacrifices – as well. More controversial aspects are also touched on, including injustice, espionage, racism and politics, to give a full and fascinating picture of a town facing profound trials of endurance and courage, but at the same time revealing the characteristics that have sustained Frome throughout its illustrious and turbulent history.

Sussex Airfields in the Second World War

Author: Robin J. Brooks
Publisher: Countryside Books (GB)
ISBN: 9781853062599
Category : Air bases
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
This title describes the airfields of Sussex during the last war, the planes and the pilots who flew them, and the local civilians who worked alongside them. It is fully illustrated.

Bath at War, 1939–45

Author: David Lassman
Publisher: Pen and Sword
ISBN: 152670630X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 196

Book Description
Bath at War 1939-45 is a comprehensive account of the citys experience of the conflict, covering in detail life on the Home Front set against the background of the wider theatres of war.The narrative of that global struggle is given with a focus on the ordeals endured by the people of Bath, as they cheered their men and women fighters off to war, welcomed thousands of evacuated men, women and children to the city, and faced the full might of Hitlers Luftwaffe.Rare insights into the life of the war-torn city are included, along with untold stories from the footnotes of history, from the Bath blitz to the influx of American GIs. The book incorporates memoirs and memories, along with in depth research from official records and newspaper accounts, so the reader sees the war from the perspective of ordinary people, although the military experiences of Baths citizens - and in many cases their tragic sacrifices - are also included.More controversial topics are also touched upon, such as civil defense, military injustice, racism and local politics, to give a full and fascinating picture of a great city facing profound trials of endurance and courage, thus revealing the many characteristics which has sustained Bath throughout its illustrious history.

50 Gems of Somerset

Author: Andrew Powell-Thomas
Publisher: Amberley Publishing Limited
ISBN: 1445685523
Category : Photography
Languages : en
Pages : 158

Book Description
This beautifully photographed selection of fifty of Somerset’s most precious assets shows what makes it such a popular destination.

World War II RAF Airfields in Norfolk

Author: Martin W. Bowman
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
ISBN: 1783460946
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 185

Book Description
As part of the Aviation Heritage Trail series, this book covers airfields in Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Yorkshire and Northamptonshire. 12 Group was formed in 1937 within Fighter Command to become responsible for aerial defense of the industrial Midlands. During World War Two this group was the second most important fighter group and as such, it received it's fair share of attacks from the German Luftwaffe throughout the war. As well as regional defense, 12 Group were also supposed to fly cover for 11 Group airfields during the Battle of Britain. The airfields and other places of interest include Digby, Hibaldstow, Kirton on Lindsey, Coltishall, Matlask, Swanton Morley, Catterick, Church Fenton, Clifton, Hutton Cranswick and WitteringThis book looks at the history and personalities associated with each base, what remains today and explores the favorite local wartime haunts. Museums and places that are relevant will also be described and general directions on how to get them included.

Cheshire Airfields in the Second World War

Author: Aldon Patrick Ferguson
Publisher: British Airfields in the Secon
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 260

Book Description
An account of Cheshire's airfields during the last war; the planes and pilots who flew them; and the local civilians who worked alongside them.