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Post by viscount on Feb 8, 2013 10:52:10 GMT 1
This post originally composed February 2013 and drastically amended September 2016 and the whole thread completely revised August 2021.Burtonwood Memories
in words and photographs For some years I’ve been hoping that someone would develop a thread for Burtonwood memories and photographs. Then in same week of January 2013, Alan Pritchard passed on 25 b&w prints at Burtonwood and Mark Williams provided a couple of prints of an Armed Forces Day – although subsequent research shows they were not at Burtonwood.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION I’ve looked through the sources available to me – mainly logs loaned by Alan Pritchard, MGAE ‘Northern Aeronews’ magazines and two of Aldon Ferguson’s books, from which I have cobbled together lists for the AFD displays at Burtonwood through the mid and late ‘50s. Then in August 2016 I was able to use Don Stephens's log books and a collection of prints compiled by Peter Quaile and some from Don Stephens. Originally I had difficulty locating information on pre-1956 AFDs and uncertainty over a date for that in 1955. Thanks to Aldon Ferguson I now know that the first Burtonwood AFD was in fact in 1954 and that there were was certainly no show in 1955 (backed up by a mention in the introduction to the 1958 programme that it was the fourth time the base's gates had been thrown open to the public). I’m sure that the band of members who were active spotters in the days when Burtonwood was a fascinating and unpredictable place will hopefully add their memories to the record on this thread. The logs for the Burtonwood AFD are put together from an annon spotter's log passed on to me by Alan Pritchard ('54), Don Stephen's detailed Logs ('54-'58) (both sources only recorded 'cops' and aircraft of interest, so are not an absolute full record of the aircraft present), lists in an appendix of one of Aldon Ferguson's books on Burtonwood ('57 & '58) and MGAE 'Northern Aeronews' magazine ('57 & '58) event reports. IMAGESThe photographs are from five different collections, gathered by Alan Prichard, Peter Quaile, Don Stephens and subsequently additionally from Ian MacKenzie and Richard Ward. From the print quality are very likely the work of at least eight different photographers, probably more. The prints vary in size from tiny to postcard sized (en print) and the quality of print paper varies too. The prints have been scanned into digital and then processed using Picassa to straighten, crop, clean off dust specs, marks and scratches, lighten if possible, sometimes re-contrast and then add a little sharpen. Compared to todays digital cameras, those in the '50s nearly all had fixed focal length lens, used b&w negative film usually at a rather slow ASA, with the aperture, shutter speed and focus all entered manually for each shot! Now being 60+ years old, I have posted all those worth cleaning up, and even a few where condition is dubious - this does mean that there are a number of duplicated subjects, but why not when the subject often is of interest and a few quite fascinating. In August 2021, while repairing the damage done by Photobucket's 2019 obscuring or deletion of many images, I have rearranged how the images are used here. After each of the annual AFD participants list, I've reduced the photos that illustrate each aircraft that I can down to one, occasionally two images to illustrate the participants listed. Then on page 2 of the thread I have displayed EVERY photograph by each of the 5 contributors (including those selected for side 1), and within each post arranged the images in annual sequence. Naturally there are many repeats with 8 images of a particular B-66. Each post is its own tribute to that photographer for keeping and then sharing his collection. ARMED FORCES DAY,
BURTONWOOD, 15th May 1954
42-23934 Douglas C-47A
42-65281 Boeing WB-29 Superfortress 53rd Weather Squadron
42-72611 Douglas C-54D Skymaster 53rd S.R.S.
42-72618 Douglas C-54D Skymaster 'Weather' in fin
43-15133 Douglas C-47A
43-15191 Douglas C-47A
43-48075 Douglas C-47A Burtonwood based
43-48343 Douglas C-47D Burtonwood based
43-48809 Douglas C-47D NAMA on fuselage
43-48905 Douglas C-47D AACS on fin, so 1858 ACCF at Bovingdon
43-49250 Douglas C-47D AACS on fin, so 1858 ACCF at Bovingdon
44-69791 Boeing WB-29 Superfortress 53rd Weather Sqdn
44-76599 Douglas C-47D (consistent across both sources - modern sources show this regn as to RAF and scr in India 1952)
47-048/BE-048 NA B-45A Tornado '48' on fin
48-280/FU-280 NA F-86A Sabre 116 Sqdn of 81st F.I.W. at Shepherds Grove
49-070 Grumman SA-16A Albatross 582nd Air Rescue Squadron at Molesworth
51-965/FS-965 Republic F-84F Thunderjet 79 Sqdn, 20th F.B.W. at Woodbridge
51-2273 Boeing B-47B Stratojet (one source only)
51-2443 Boeing B-47E Stratojet
51-2533 Fairchild C-119C Flying Boxcar 582nd AR Group, Molesworth
51-2648/648 Fairchild C-119C Flying Boxcar '648' on fuselage
51-4171/TR-171 Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star
51-4172/TR-172 Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star
51-4383/TR-383 Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star under repair by the 7559th Aircraft Repair Squadron
51-7882/TR-882 Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star
51-7266 Boeing KC-97G Stratofreighter from Mildenhall
  The mighty six-engined Boeing B-47E 12443 (51-12443) long range strategic bomber  An unusual shape, that of the Grumman SA-16A Albatross, at that time based at RAF Molesworth with the USAF's 582nd ARS (Air Rescue Squadron).  A Fairchild C-119C Flying Boxcar 12533, also from the 582nd ARS at RAF Molesworth  Boeing KC-97G Stratofreighter 17266. Don seems to think this photo was taken at Bentwaters AFD, however 17266 is listed as being at the Burtonwood AFD.  Not the greatest shot of Douglas C-47D Skytrain 43-49250 with AACS fin markings, but in the days when film was expensive Dakotas were not high up the photographers desire ratings. It is possible that this is a 1956 shot, although the aircraft is confirmed at being at the 1954 AFD Burtonwood. ARMED FORCES DAY,
BURTONWOOD, 1955 Apparently there was no Burtonwood A.F.D. in 1955.
However Don Stephens did visit the outside of the fence on Saturday 21st May and observed the following aircraft present:
WP212 Vickers Valiant B.2 flyover, large underwing serial
45-549 Douglas C-54G Skymaster
51-13445 NA F-86F Sabre 'FU-445'
52-3947 'FU-947' and 52-3948 'FU-948' both NA F-86D Sabre
53-8144 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Presumably there for longer, the logbook from an 'anon' spotter records enough variety to initially make me suspect the 21st May was an A.F.D. - but when I match the day of week to a date, I find other Saturdays yielded just as many and varied visiting aircraft!
45-549 Douglas C-54D Skymasters, also 45-571
52-3947 NA F-86D Sabres, also 52-3948
51-13456 NA F-86F Sabres, also 52-5344
52-0607 Boeing B-47E Stratojet
43-16004 Douglas C-47A Skytrain
46-037 Boeing TB-50A Superfortress
52-5922 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar
52-1068 Douglas C-124C Globemaster II
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Post by viscount on Feb 8, 2013 10:53:37 GMT 1
ARMED FORCES DAY,BURTONWOOD, Saturday 19th May 1956 Initially I did not have a display report for AFD Burtonwood, 1956 – however Don Stephens has now kindly provided his log for the day (but frequently seen aircraft are not all included). Thanks to Alan Pritchard, I do have the loan of the event Programme booklet. It lists the aeroplanes to be on display as: Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star Republic F-84 Thunderstreak North American F-86 Sabre North American B-45 Tornado Boeing B-47 Stratojet Boeing KC-97 Stratocruiser Tanker Boeing WB-50 Superfortress The programme also promises: "Bombers and jets landing and taking off, and several F-84 Sabrejets (designation and name don’t tally) under maintenance in Hangar 4, along with the christening of a WB-50 and firefighting displays".
THE ARMED FORCES DAY LOG: (likely not quite a complete list as familiar, regular aircraft (C-47s, T-33s) may not have been noted.)
42-100820 Douglas C-47A
44-83906 Boeing KC-29P Superfortress 420th Air Refueling Sqdn, Sculthorpe, marked 0-483906
49-275 Boeing WB-50D Superfortress 'Weather' on tail, 53rd Weather Squadron, marked as 9275
47-047 North American B-45A Tornado 86 Sqdn, 47th B.W(L). large 47 on tail
50-149 Fairchild C-119C Flying Boxcar '149', 'Weather'
51-3823 Douglas C-118A Liftmaster 'Atlantic' on fin, of 30th A.T.S(M).
51-7045 Boeing B-47E Stratojet from El Paso, Texas, via Upper Heyford
51-152 Douglas C-124C Globemaster II serial presented as 1152. Used for loading demonstration with F-86 (serial amended from 52-152 as initially stated)
52-997 Douglas C-124C Globemaster II 'Atlantic' on fin
52-2678 Boeing KC-97G Stratofreighter
52-6713 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak 77th F.B.Sqdn buzz 'FS-713'
52-10019 North American F-86D Sabre to be taken back to USA in a C-124 (but still at B'wood '57 &'58), had crashed with 406 F.I.W., Mainz
52-10110 North American F-86D Sabre 406th Wing, Bentwaters buzz 'FU-110'
53-7848 Fairchild C-119G Flying Boxcar 11th Troop Carrier Squadron, Dreux
54-1538 Lockheed T-33A Based, marked 'NAMA' on tip tanks
From the R.A.F:
TG525/JAV Handley Page HP.67 Hastings C.1 511 Sqdn at Lyneham (511 on yellow diamond on fin)
VF554/G Auster AOP. 663 Sqdn
WP918/O De Havilland DHC.1 Chipmunk T.10
WS810/B Gloster Meteor NF.14 264 Sqdn
WV484/M-K Percival P.56 Provost T.1 6 FTS, Ternhill
XB268/D Blackburn Beverley C.1 47 Sqdn, Abingdon (47 on green diamond on fin)
XD385 DH.115 Vampire T.11 5 FTS, Oakington
XF324/D Hawker Hunter F.4 92 Sqdn, Linton on Ouse
MAINTENANCE HANGAR 4
52-6652 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak 55th Sqdn
52-6655 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak 55th Sqdn
52-6680 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak 55th Sqdn
52-6691 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak 78th FB Sq "Bushmaster"
52-6697 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak 55th Sqdn
52-6729 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak 55th Sqdn
52-6733 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak 55th Sqdn
52-6742 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak 55th Sqdn
52-6764 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak 78th FB Sq
52-6775 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak 78th FB Sq "Bushmaster"
52-6788 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak -
52-6814 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak '1' on fin, blue nose
52-6824 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak 78th FB Sq "Bushmaster"
52-7107 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak 55th Sqdn
FOOTNOTE - Later that weekend: On Sunday 20th May 1956 the "Aerojets" formation team were at Burtonwood with their Lockheed T-33As: 52-9960, 9965, 9966, 9969 and 9954, along with a C-124C 52-1032 'Atlantic' on tail that had not been there the previous day. Then on the Monday 21st May, at the Liverpool Air Show it was the USAF "Trailblazers" team that appeared there with F-86F Sabres 53-1186, 1192, 1201 and 1219.  A most impressive aircraft, the 6 engined Boeing B-47 Stratojet was short-lived in front-line USAF service, although over 2000 were built. A crew of 3, 20,000 lb bomb load, a range of 3000 miles with a max speed of 600 mph according to the notes in the air display programme. The B-47 was the first swept wing bomber, and you can see many design ideas that were incorporated in the later B-52 Stratofortress, although one that wasn't was the fighter style cockpit arrangement.  An early American jet bomber design was the North American B-45A Tornado. A mix of WWII design thinking and new jet engine power, with a pair of engines in a single nacelle on each wing. The type did not last long in service, too late for WWII and although it did see some service by Korea, has become very much a forgotten type.  A role with which we don't tend to associate the Stratofortress with is that of an aerial tanker. 0-483906 is a Boeing KB-29P of the 420th Air Refueling Sqdn.  Boeing WB-50D Stratofortress 90275. At first difficult to work out if this was AFD 1956 or 1958, as this aircraft featured in the static line-up both years. Eventually twigged that the aircraft behind with an identical tail profile was not another B-29/WB-50, but the KC-97G Stratofreighter 22678  Another impressive aircraft was the Boeing KC-97 (in civilian guise the Boeing 377). 22678 (52-2678) is a KC-97G air-to-air tanker aircraft. The KC-97s were familiar in British skies well into the 70s.  This features a Douglas C-124 Globemaster II demonstrating loading a F-86D Sabre - Burtonwood was the major European maintenance base for the type. The F-86D had been damaged in a landing accident, but was still at Burtonwood for several years after this photo.  Fairchild C-119G Flying Boxcar (aka Packet) 37848 (53-7848) of the 11th Troop Carrier Squadron, based at Dreux.  Both the main fighter types serving with the USAF in Europe at the time were present. This is 26713/52-6713 a Republic F-84F Thunderstreak, with 'buzz no' identity FS-713 and the play card badge of the 77th Fighter Bomber Squadron.  By the mid 50s the earlier F-86A Sabres had been phased out of use in Europe, replaced by the nick-named 'Sabre Dog' the North American F-86D Sabre. This one being 210110/52-10110 with code 'FU-110'  A Burtonwood based Lockheed T-33A 41538 with buzz-number TR-538 hidden below the tailplanes. NAMA = Northern Air Material Area, an alternative name for Burtonwood from September 1953. The 1956 year is confirmed by the tail with number '47' of the B-45A Tornado.   The upper shot of Hawker Hunter F.4 coded D with not very clear squadron markings on the nose posed a problem. NWAN member 'Acklington' spent a considerable amount of time researching this photo as no Hunter F.4 units appeared to use black codes in that position on the fin along with likely red and black on the nose flash. With the discovery of further photos of the 1956 AFD the problem is solved as the code is clearly much lighter, the standard yellow of 92 Squadron at the time, the nose markings are also the correct tones for blue and yellow. So a possible 'rare find' turns out to be rather 'ordinary', of a frequently photographed unit. It appears that whoever took some of the photos in the Alan Pritchard collection was using very old 'Orthocromatic' film stock, which changes the pale shade of a yellow to come out dark. My many thanks to 'Acklington' for spotting the problem and after much digging in reference books, coming up with an answer. To concentrate this thread on Burtonwood, I've deleted the posts discussing the mystery, as with the discovery of a good log of the event and the second photo it is now clearly known to be a 92 Squadron aircraft.  Gloster Meteor NF.14 WS810/B of 264 Squadron at Linton on Ouse.  The Blackburn Beverley was fresh into RAF service in the mid '50s. This a 47 Sqdn aircraft coded D.  A Handley Page Hastings C.1 TG525 coded JAV with 511 Squadron - note the unit in the diamond on the tail |
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Post by viscount on Feb 8, 2013 10:56:11 GMT 1
The Merseyside Group of Aviation Enthusiasts (MGAE) began sharing their sightings of aircraft at Speke, Ringway and Burtonwood in a monthly newsletter late 1956. As a result the Armed Forces Day (AFD) air displays at Burtonwood for 1957 and 1958 are recorded in some detail. Rather than just post the pictures, a web record of these events is perhaps overdue. The same two events are also recorded by Aldon Ferguson in one of his several RAF Burtonwood books. ARMED FORCES DAY
BURTONWOOD, 18th May 1957 Report by G.B. Heatley20,000 people visited Burtonwood when the base was thrown open to the public. The weather was not co-operative and there was no flying. There was however an impressive (considering the morning weather) static display, including:
43-48809 Douglas C-47D NAMA, Burtonwood
49-302 Boeing WB-50D 53rd Weather Squadron, Burtonwood. Serial applied as 90302
49-1941 Convair T-29A 47th Bombardment Wing, Sculthorpe
51-2630 Fairchild C-119C Flying Boxcar 322nd Air Division, Evreux. 'Troop Carrier'
52-4141 NA F-86D Sabre embalmed (only mentioned in one of 3 lists), 406th FIW, Manston, after a crash incident.
52-6534 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak 55th Fighter Bomber Squadron, Wethersfield “The Little Lady”
52-10019 NA F-86D Sabre grounded aircraft, for instructional purposes
52-10028 NA F-86D Sabre 406th Fighter (I) Wing, Manston
53-010 Douglas C-124C Globemaster II 1607th ATW(H), Dover AFB, MATS Atlantic Division. Serial applied as 30010.
53-5150 Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star NAMA, Burtonwood
54-506 Douglas RB-66B Destroyer 19th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Sculthorpe
54-630 Fairchild C-123B Provider 33nd Aid Division
131620 Douglas R6D-1 Liftmaster U.S.Navy, VR-6 Squadron, Maguire AFB, New Jersey
From the R.A.F:
WH727 EE Canberra B.2 231 OCU, Bassingbourne
WR783/A DH.112 Venom NF.2 33 Sqdn, Driffield
WZ405 Vickers Valiant B(PR)K.1 207 Sqdn, Marham
XA731/- G. Javelin FAW.4 23 Sqdn, Horsham St. Faith (according to the pilot, no unit markings on aircraft)
XB285/J Blackburn Beverley C.1 47 Sqdn, Abingdon
XD458/49 DH.115 Vampire T.11 7 FTS, Valley
XF692/M-A P.56 Provost T.1 6 FTS, Ternhill
XG185/T H.Hunter F.6 19 Sqdn, Church Fenton
XK695/695 DH.106 Comet C.1 216 Sqdn, Lyneham (formerly G-AMXH)
The Valiant was the same one as had appeared in the television programme "This is your R.A.F. now", only three nights before. It flew up from Marham in twenty minutes at 20,000 feet. While other aircraft on the field or in the hangars included:
42-23966 Douglas C-47A MAAG, Holland
42-93181 Douglas SC-47A - (SC-47A a version modified for search and rescue)
43-15284 Douglas SC-47A -
43-15943 Douglas C-47D EOARDC, Brussels. Regn presented as 0-5943.
43-48342 Douglas C-47D NAMA, Burtonwood
43-49771 Douglas VC-47D -
44-77218 Douglas C-47D 406th Fighter (I) Wing, Manston
48-071 Boeing WB-50D 53rd Weather Sqdn
48-116 Boeing WB-50D 53rd Weather Sqdn
49-261 Boeing WB-50D 53rd Weather Sqdn
51-3827 Douglas C-118A Liftmaster 30th Air Transport Squadron (Heavy)
52-0019 NA F-86D Sabre 406th Fighter (I) Wing, Manston. Dismantled for transport. Used for instruction at Burtonwood.
54-623 Fairchild C-123B Provider -
131616 Douglas R6D-1 Liftmaster U.S.Navy, VR-6 Squadron, Maguire AFB
WP968/N DHC-1 Chipmunk T.10 Manchester UAS
Despite the shocking weather, as is shown on a number of these 1957 images, a decent coverage of the rather sparse collection of aircraft with 17 out the 21 around the public area captured on camera. The morning was cold and wet, with the public sparse, enthusiasts could get shots with very few people around, but as can be seen the light was deceptive, leading to many images being over-exposed. At midday the weather rapidly improved, with by mid-afternoon the sun shining and the concrete dry. Easier light for photography, but many public were in the way! Due to the number of images, I'll spread these across two posts, USAF aircraft first:  Parked just outside of the public area was this resident 53 WRS Boeing WB-50D Stratofortress 90461 (49-261)  A visitor was Douglas RB-66B Destroyer 54-506, marked just as 4506 and with buzz-code BB-506.  Fighter aircraft in Europe were maintained at Burtonwood, here is North American F-86D Sabre 210028 with buzz code FU-028 from the 406Th Fighter Inceptor Wing at Manston.  Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star 35150 (53-5150), operated by NAMA, Burtonwood  Republic F-84F Thunderstreak 26534 (52-6534) with buzz-number FS-534  In USAF service the civilian Douglas DC-6 would be the C-118A, however this, at the time, is a correctly a US Navy R6D-1 Liftmaster, 131620  This Convair T-29A 91941 (49-1941) seems to have more than its share of roof-top aerials. Not the crispest of shots though.  Douglas C-47A Skytrain 0-223966 (42-23966) operated by MAAG, Holland in a VIP role.  Fairchild C-123 Provider 4630 (54-0630), with 'Troop Carrier' on the fuselage side from 322nd Air Division at Evreux.  The Fairchild C-119C Flying Boxcar, 12630 (51-2630) with C-124C Globemaster II 53-0010 behind  Finally the mighty Douglas C-124 Globemaster II 30010 of MATS Atlantic division.
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Post by viscount on Feb 8, 2013 10:57:12 GMT 1
These are most of the RAF aircraft present at the 1957 AFD:   Vickers Valiant B(PR)K.1 WZ405 of 207 Sqdn at Marham, with Comet, Javelin and Beverley behind. A slight puzzle is the change in profile of the underside between the two shots - this is not a result of the cleaning out the 'noise' on the b&w print - is it bomb doors retracted and closed  EE Canberra B.2 WH727 of 231 OCU at Bassingbourne, with Javelin and Comet beyond.  DH.106 Comet C.2 XK695/695 of 216 Sqdn at RAF Lyneham  Blackburn Beverley C.1 XB285/J of 47 Sqdn.   Gloster Javelin FAW.4 XA731, with no unit code or markings, but was with of 23 Sqdn from Horsham St Faith.  Hawker Hunter F.6 XG185/T of 19 Sqdn. Note the code presented beside the fin flash, rather than the more conventional position above the flash.  DH.112 Venom NF.2 WR783 of 33 Sqdn, the unit code 'A' must be on the forward facing nose wheel door.  In contrast to the Venom, the DH.115 Vampire T.11, XD458/49 of No. 7 FTS The only RAF aircraft there without a photograph taken by any of the contributors is the Percival Provost T.1. |
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Post by viscount on Feb 8, 2013 12:13:48 GMT 1
ARMED FORCES DAY,
BURTONWOOD AFB, 17th May 1958 The Logs from Aldon Ferguson's book, MGAE 'Merseyside Aeronews' magazine and Don Stephens own notes on the day. In general this display was less interesting than last year, mainly because of the smaller RAF contribution and the continued persistence of the USAF in not producing their promised ‘choppers’, the progamme showing as Vertol H-21 and a Sikorsky H-19 as attending. Uncredited report in Merseyside AeronewsSTATIC DISPLAY
43-48343 348343 Douglas C-47D
43-48905 348905 Douglas AC-47D AACS titles, 1858 ACCF at Bovingdon (AC-47D indicates radar and navigational mods)
47-087 7087 NA B-45A Tornado 47th Bombardment Wing, 85th Sqdn, Sculthorpe
49-275 90275 Boeing WB-50D Superfortress 53rd Weather Squadron, Burtonwood
49-281 90281 Boeing WB-50D Superfortress 53rd Weather Squadron, Burtonwood
52-6137 26137 DHC L-20A Beaver USAF
52-6784 26784 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak remains of rear fuselage burnt in fire fighting display
52-6808 26808 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak 81st Fighter Bomber Wing, 92nd Sqdn, Bentwaters
52-10019 210019 NA F-86D Sabre ex 512 FIS, Sembach - grounded aircraft, at Burtonwood since 1956 at least.
52-10035 210035 NA F-86D Sabre 512 Fighter (Interception) Sqdn, Sembach
53-004 30004 Douglas C-124J Globemaster II 1607th Air Transport Wing (Heavy), MATS Atlantic Division
55-302 5302 Douglas B-66B Destroyer 47th Bombardment Wing, 84th Sqdn, Sculthorpe
56-3898 63898 NA F-100F Super Sabre 20th Fighter Bomber Wing, 55 Sqdn, temporarily based at Alconbury
From the R.A.F:
WD327 DHC-1 Chipmunk T.10 Manchester UAS, Woodvale
WD980 EE Canberra B.2 Bomber Command Holding Unit (BCHU)
XA631/- G. Javelin FAW.4 23 Sqdn, Coltishall
XF527/P H. Hunter F.6 19 Sqdn, Church Fenton
XF550/Q-K P.56 Provost T.1 3 FTS, Feltwell
XK584/66 DH.115 Vampire T.11 Naval FTS, Valley
Other aircraft around at various times during the day were:
51-109 10109 Douglas C-124C Globemaster II MATS, landed after display
51-151 10151 Douglas C-124C Globemaster II Air Materiel Command
52-10030 2030 NA F-86D Sabre 512 FIS, Sembach
53-046 30046 Douglas C-124C Globemaster II MATS
53-3245 33245 Douglas C-118A Liftmaster
53-7849 37849 Fairchild C-119G Flying Boxcar
57-454 70454 Lockheed C-130A Hercules 317th Troop Carrier Wing, departed around 12:30.
131570 Douglas R6D-1 Liftmaster U.S.Navy
Flypast3 x Republic F-84Fs flew past at 15:00 hours. Two were 26704 and 26746, with the third likely 26764. They were all silver with red unit markings and probably came from the Shepherd’s Grove Group of 20th F.B.Wing. It was later found that the F-101 Voodoo based in Germany that should have appeared at Burtonwood, was apparently written off whilst flying over Germany. PHOTOGRAPHS 1958Many more photographs of the final AFD at Burtonwood to select a representative image of each aircrft present. Clearly photographers were drawn to aircraft types involved in the modernisation of the USAF in Europe, finding the F-100 Super Sabre very attractive. Just the one shot of the C-130A Hercules though, but delightful shots of a USAF Beaver in Europe. Another aircraft with multiple images was the now aging and on its way out, North American B-45A Tornado.  The public were invited to look-in at the cockpit of a Boeing WB-50D 90275 (49-275) of the resident 53rd WRS  Republic F-84F Thunderstreak 52-6808, with buzz-number FS-808 of 92 sqdn, 81 Fighter Bombing Wing   Another type soon to retire from service in Europe was the NA F-86D Sabre, here 52-10019/FU-019 and 52-10035/FU-035 (cockpit shot) both from the 512th Fighter Inceptor Squadron at Sembach, West Germany   The photographers clearly just loved the lines of the F-100F Super Sabre 56-3898, buzz-number FW-898    North American B-45A Tornado 47-087 of the 85th Squadron 47th Bombardment Wing, Sculthorpe. A type shortly to be retired from service and the aircraft placed in fire pits at bases right across Europe.   55-302 a Douglas B-66B Destroyer of the 84th Squadron, 47th Bombardment Wing at Sculthorpe  First time appearance at a Burtonwood AFD was made by the C-130A Hercules, 57-454 departing during the early afternoon.    One of the types the Hercules was soon to replace was the Douglas C-124C Globemaster II, with 53-0004 of MATS and 51-0151 of AMC present with a distant 10109 of MATS landing and taxiing-in as the public was leaving.  A type that proved hard to replace in the general duties transport role was the Douglas C-47, here 0-348905 (although at times it looks like 0-348906 which it isn't) of the AACS part of MATS is a Douglas AC-47D, note the slightly modified profile of the nose as the 'AC-47D' designation indicates modifications with added navigation aids and fitting of a radar in the nose. Confusingly the designation was re-used in the 1960's for those aircraft fitted with guns for ground suppression fire in Vietman.  First time that a L-20A Beaver of the USAF appeared at a Burtonwood AFD.  There was not too much to see of an F-84F in the fire pits other than a black pall of smoke during a fire-fighting demonstration.  Canberra B.2 WD980 of the Bomber Command Holding Unit in night attack black scheme.   Gloster Javelin FAW.4 XA631 of 23 Sqdn at Coltishall. Confusion with XA731 of 23 Sqdn at the 1957 Burtonwood AFD is possible, except that the aircraft used in 1958 had their unit badge applied.  Hawker Hunter F.6 XE527/P of 19 Squadron at Church Fenton. |
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Post by viscount on Feb 8, 2013 12:19:33 GMT 1
The USAF effectively pulled out of Burtonwood in early 1959, with the end of MATS flights in February (terminus moved to Mildenhall) and the 53rd Weather Squadron moving to Alconbury on April 3rd. It would appear that approach aids and ATC provision were withdrawn with weeks of the last flying unit moving out. Communications Dakotas used Liverpool or Manchester airports from mid 1959. The only flying after that were some V-bomber force dispersal exercises, mostly involving RAF Valiants, Vulcans and Victors with Beverley and Hastings transports in support. Some info on these already on this forum: www.derbosoft.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=history&action=display&thread=155 with reference to posts #77 & 78, currently on page 6. The USAF eventually pulled right out of what had been their flagship of maintenance and support for the whole of the USAF in the UK both in WWII and for the early Cold War Period, with the base formally handed back to the RAF on 18th June 1965 ending several years of ‘care and maintenance’. The U.S. Army moved into the former USAF base on 2nd January 1967 as ‘Burtonwood Army Depot’. Limited flying with both smaller communications aircraft and helicopters operated by the 56th Aviation Company continued until the Burtonwood Detachment was disbanded 27th July 1976. US Army helicopter visits continued until August 1992, although usually stopped overnight at Speke. The US Army withdrew and closed their Burtonwood operations completely on 2nd June 1993. ARMED FORCES OPEN DAY, 20th May 1967,
BURTONWOOD ARMY DEPOT I visited an Open Day at Burtonwood with Don Stephens and others in May 1967. There was no air display, however tucked away in a 'hangar', barely large enough for it to fit in, was an unexpected aircraft. The event was some distance away from the main apron, hangars and control tower.
53304 55-3304 DHC-3 U-1A Otter US Army
64284 56-4284 Sikorsky CH-34C Choctaw US Army (in UK terms = an early mark of Wessex helicopter)
Being operated by 635 VGS ‘Air Cadets’ Gliding School:
WB946 Slingsby T.21B Sedbergh TX.1
WE989 Slingsby T.30B Prefect
XA282 Slingsby T.31B Cadet TX.3
XE791 Slingsby T.31B Cadet TX.3
XN157 Slingsby T.21B Sedbergh TX.1
XN185 Slingsby T.21B Sedbergh TX.1
.... and a few years later ........ INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS, 2nd July 1972,
BURTONWOOD ARMY DEPOT A report submitted and reproduced in the Merseyside Aviation Society 'Flypast' magazine at the time, and retyped here in full:Independence Day celebrations on 2/7/72 (so a little premature!) attracted some aeronautical items. In addition to the local 56th Avn Coy Bell UH-1H Iroquois 59922, another example 10025 was present, having presumably brought over the members of the 7th US Army Parachute Team. Local civilian helicopters present and demonstrated were Jet Ranger G-AVZN (belonging to A. Smith (Culcheth) Ltd., and delivered Kidlington-Blackpool as recently as 16.6.72 as a replacement for Brantly G-AWDU) and Hughes 269C G-AYNO. A half-hour RAF flying display featured four of RAF Woodvale's Chipmunks WB652, WD388, WK554 and WP830! The local gliders were active with Sedburgh XN185 and Cadets WE990, XA282 and ZE791. .... and a few years later still ........ RAF DIAMOND JUBILEE SHOW, 21st & 22nd July 1978
RAF BURTONWOOD Thanks to Aldon Ferguson for this one, unreported in MAS 'Flypast'There was a RAF Diamond Jubilee Show over weekend 21 and 22 July 1978 with stock cars, drag racing, bands etc plus a mock battle. Aviation participation involved a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast with Spitfire and Hurricanes, Brian Lecomber's crazy flying show and helicopter pleasure flights, but no static as the airfield was closed by then and the M62 built. .... and over a decade later ........ US ARMY OPEN DAYS, Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th July 1989
BURTONWOOD Thanks to Aldon Ferguson, with greater detail recorded in the paper NWAN magazine:On the ground was 0-22092 (73-22092) a Bell UH-1H Iroquois of the 56th Aviation Company (from Mannheim) and a Hunting Jet Provost T.3 pod XM474/8121M exhibited by its Warrington owner.
Flying on the Saturday:
G-IVAR Yak 50 a complete aerobatic routine
EI-BSS Rombac BAC-111-561RC Ryanair - around midday overflew lower than usual on an extended approach to Liverpool Airport
PA474/PM:M2 Avro Lancaster B.1 BBMF
LF363/GN:A Hawker Hurricane II BBMF The BBMF overnighted at Speke
P7350/UO:T Supermarine Spitfire IIA BBMF
XT601 WS-55 Wessex HAR.2 22 Sqdn, SAR 'survivor in the water' rescue demonstration
Flying on the Sunday:
PA474/PM:M2 Avro Lancaster B.1 BBMF
P7320/UO:T Supermarine Spitfire IIA BBMF No Hurricane which was 'tech' on the ground at Speke
RR299/HT:E DH.98 Mosquito T.3 HSA, Hawarden
WL790/90 Avro Shackleton AEW.2 RAF, 8 Sqdn, Lossiemouth[
Aldon also lists the 'Falcons' free-fall display team, not mentioned in the NWAN report, so no day or jump aircraft type recorded. Indeed it may be that they were expected as participants, but not actually appear due to weather conditions? .... which certainly appears to be the last aviation event with aircraft at Burtonwood, however ........ Additionally there were several Business Connections Exhibitions held in Header House (a former base military building). These took place in the early and mid 1990's and did not involve aviation activity. .... and finally there have been commemorative events ........ The Burtonwood Heritage Centre has arranged commemorative and nostalgia events, such as that on 12th and 13th September 2015, but as yet nothing involving flying aircraft. |
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Post by viscount on Feb 9, 2013 0:07:01 GMT 1
A SPOTTER'S BURTONWOOD LOGS during 1954 and 1955 A while ago Alan Pritchard passed onto me a spotter's log-book from the mid '50s. No idea of who actually compiled the log, but he was clearly Speke based and visited Hooton Park, Hawarden, Stretton, Woodvale, Ringway as well as Burtonwood on multiple occasions, with the book ending at Farnborough in September 1955. Very neatly written, just 'cops', ie only the first time an aircraft is seen is recorded. Some careful research at the time of compilation, records c/nos for many civil aircraft and presents USAF aircraft as full fiscal year registrations. However with much more detail fact now known, there are clear errors with many of the full US military registrations, worked out from the four to six figure number tail serial or the three-figure 'buzz number'. With that in mind, the lists here do contain errors, and later visits will have seen more aircraft than those recorded, because based and frequently seen aircraft had been seen before. I feel that even with those limitations, these logs provide a great flavour of the variety of aircraft that could be seen outside at Burtonwood in the later years of the USAF base. Errors that I have spotted as shown as (x) and there could easily be more, while I have added detail to some of the basic type designations. Almost all the F-86D/E/F fiscal year registrations are wrongly interpreted from the FU- 'buzz numbers'.
Burtonwood visit, Saturday 15th May 1954, Armed Forces Day
42-65281 Boeing WB-29 Superfortress 47-048 NA B-45A Tornado BE-048
42-72611 Douglas C-54D Skymaster 48-280 NA F-86A Sabre FU-280
42-72618 Douglas C-54D (or a WC-54D) 49-070 Grumman SA-16A Albatross
43-15133 Douglas C-47A 51-965 Republic F-84G Thunderjet FS-965
43-15191 Douglas C-47A 51-2273 Boeing B-47B Stratojet
43-48075 Douglas C-47B 51-2442 Boeing B-47E Stratojet
43-48343 Douglas C-47B 51-2533 Fairchild C-119C Boxcar
43-48809 Douglas C-47B 51-4171 Lockheed T-33A TR-171
43-48905 Douglas C-47B 1858 ACS 51-4172 Lockheed T-33A TR-172
43-49250 Douglas C-47B 1858 ACS 51-4383 Lockheed T-33A TR-383
44-69761 Boeing WB-29 Superfortress 51-7266 Boeing KC-97G Stratofreighter
44-76594 Douglas C-47B 51-7882 Lockheed T-33A TR-882
Burtonwood visit, Thursday 26th August 1954
N64142(x) Douglas
VP963 DH.104 Devon C.1 RAF 49-1008 Lockheed T-33A TR-008
42-72517 Douglas C-54D Skymaster 49-1017 Lockheed T-33A TR-017
43-48009 Douglas C-47A (US based, try 43-48809?)50-129 Fairchild C-119C Boxcar 129
44-69676 Boeing WB-29 Super Fortress 50-164 Fairchild C-119C Boxcar 164
44-87747 Boeing WB-29 Super Fortress 50-271 NA F-86E Sabre FU-271
45-57768 Fairchild C-82 Flying Boxcar 50-290 NA F-86E Sabre FU-290
48-614 Lockheed VC-121A Constellation 50-1245 NA F-86E Sabre FU-245
49-1006 Lockheed T-33A TR-006 50-3919 Sikorsky H-19B Chickasaw (a Sikorsky S-55)
Burtonwood visit, Wednesday 6th October 1954
43-48337(x)Douglas C-47A (with Turkish AF)
49-094 Grumman SA-16A Albatross 50-295 NA F-86E Sabre FU-295
49-1001 Lockheed T-33A TR-001 50-304 NA F-86E Sabre FU-304
50-259 NA F-86E Sabre FU-259 50-1287 NA F-86E Sabre FU-287
50-261 NA F-86E Sabre FU-261 50-1390 NA F-86E Sabre FU-390
50-262 NA F-86E Sabre FU-262 51-987 Republic F-84G Thunderjet FS-987
50-264 NA F-86E Sabre FU-264 51-2583 Fairchild C-119C Boxcar
50-270 NA F-86E Sabre FU-270 51-2871 NA F-86F Sabre FU-871
50-276 NA F-86E Sabre FU-276 51-2889 NA F-86F Sabre FU-889
50-278 NA F-86E Sabre FU-278 51-2890 NA F-86F Sabre FU-890
50-281 NA F-86E Sabre FU-281 51-2914 NA F-86F Sabre FU-914
50-293 NA F-86E Sabre FU-293 52-2622 Boeing KC-97G Stratofreighter
Burtonwood visit, Wednesday 5th January 1955
42-108391(x)Douglas C-47 50-159 Fairchild C-119C Boxcar 159
43-48316 Douglas C-47A 50-160 Fairchild C-119C Boxcar 160
44-86355 Boeing SB-29 Super Fortress 50-171 Fairchild C-119C Boxcar 171
50-122 Fairchild C-119C Boxcar 122 51-2245 Fairchild C-119C Boxcar 245
50-130 Fairchild C-119C Boxcar 130 52-1050 Douglas C-124C Globemaster
50-155 Fairchild C-119C Boxcar 155 52-1411 Boeing B-47E Stratojet 411
Burtonwood visit, Monday 10th January 1955
N75415 Douglas C-54A Seaboard & Western 50-754 Republic F-84G Thunderjet FS-754
42-72651 Douglas C-54D Skymaster 51-2625 Fairchild C-119C Boxcar
43-16943(x)Douglas C-47 51-2640 Fairchild C-119C Boxcar
44-35867 Douglas A-26C Invader BC-867 51-7271 Boeing KC-97G Stratofreighter
45-518(x) Douglas C-54G Skymaster(dest 20.6.50)52-1060 Douglas C-124C Globemaster
50-168 Fairchild C-119C Boxcar 168 52-5268 NA F-86F Sabre FU-268
50-19787 NA F-86E Sabre FU-787 52-5281 NA F-86F Sabre FU-281
Burtonwood visit, Sunday 10th April 1955
21012 Lockheed T-33A-N RCAF 012 51-2612 Fairchild C-119C Boxcar
21065 Lockheed T-33A-N RCAF 065 52-1053 Douglas C-124C Globemaster
42-2335 Douglas C-47A 53-036 Douglas C-124C Globemaster
43-48065 Douglas C-47A 53-7864 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar
44-69789 Boeing WB-29 Super Fortress
Burtonwood visit, Saturday 30th April 1955
41-39190 Douglas A-26B Invader BC-190 51-2615 Douglas C-119G Boxcar
42-108911 Douglas C-47A 52-4053 NA F-86D Sabre FU-053
42-72748 Douglas C-54D Skymaster 52-4077 NA F-86D Sabre FU-077
43-15204 Douglas C-47A 52-4101 NA F-86D Sabre FU-101
44-8997a Boeing VB-17G Flying Fortress 52-4130 NA F-86D Sabre FU-130
44-35857 Douglas A-26C Invader BC-857 53-034 Douglas C-124C Globemaster
44-62090 Boeing WB-29 Super Fortress 53-5150 Lockheed T-33A TR-150
48-013 NA RB-45C Tornado BE-013 53-7827 Douglas C-119G Boxcar
50-128 Fairchild C-119C Boxcar
Burtonwood visit, Saturday 14th May 1955
N6503C (x) Lockheed L-749 Constellation Capitol 52-8588 NA T-6J Harvard 4 TA-858
45-1137 Douglas VC-47D 52-8589 NA T-6J Harvard 4 TA-859
45-510 Douglas C-54G Skymaster 52-8590 NA T-6J Harvard 4 TA-590
51-8195 NA F-86F Sabre FU-195 52-8591 NA T-6J Harvard 4 TA-591
51-13448 NA F-86F Sabre FU-448 52-8592 NA T-6J Harvard 4 TA-592
51-13449 NA F-86F Sabre FU-449 52-8593 NA T-6J Harvard 4 TA-593
52-1081 Douglas C-124C Globemaster 52-8594 NA T-6J Harvard 4 TA-594
52-2618 Boeing KC-97G Stratofreighter 52-8595 NA T-6J Harvard 4 TA-595
52-4087 NA F-86D Sabre FU-087 52-8596 NA T-6J Harvard 4 TA-596
52-4099 NA F-86D Sabre FU-099 52-8597 NA T-6J Harvard 4 TA-597
52-4125 NA F-86D Sabre FU-125 52-8598 NA T-6J Harvard 4 TA-598
52-8585 NA T-6J Harvard 4 TA-855 52-8599 NA T-6J Harvard 4 TA-599
52-8586 NA T-6J Harvard 4 TA-856 52-8600 NA T-6J Harvard 4 TA-600
52-8587 NA T-6J Harvard 4 TA-857 53-7855 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar
The Harvards were on their delivery to West Germany for the USAF pending the formation of the WGAF under a military aid programme. They may have been assembled at Belfast, rather than at Burtonwood after being dispatched from the USA in crates.
Burtonwood visit, Saturday 21st May 1955, almost looks like an AFD (but there wasn't one in '55)
43-16004 Douglas C-47A 52-0607 Boeing B-47E Stratojet
45-549 Douglas C-54G Skymaster 52-3947 NA F-86D Sabre FU-947
45-571 Douglas C-54G Skymaster 52-3948 NA F-86D Sabre FU-948
46-037 Boeing TB-50A Superfortress 52-5344 NA F-86F Sabre FU-344
51-13456 NA F-86F Sabre FU-456 52-5922 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar
52-1068 Douglas C-124C Globemaster
Burtonwood visit, Saturday 2nd July 1955
117365 Fairchild C-119G Packet 46-26 Italy 51-8393 NA F-86D Sabre FU-393
44-61600 Boeing WB-29 Super Fortress 51-13186 NA F-86F Sabre FU-186
51-049 Grumman SA-16A Albatross 51-13228 NA F-86F Sabre FU-228
51-1823 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar 51-13237 NA F-86F Sabre FU-237
51-8306 NA F-86D Sabre FU-306 52-962 Douglas C-124C Globemaster
51-8324 NA F-86D Sabre FU-324 52-1006 Douglas C-124C Globemaster
51-8374 NA F-86D Sabre FU-374 53-003 Douglas C-124C Globemaster
Last of the Burtonwood log entries. |
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Post by viscount on Feb 9, 2013 0:09:54 GMT 1
BURTONWOOD – THE FINAL YEARS
RECORD OF THE MOST INTERESTING AIRCRAFT MOVEMENTS
1957 - early 1959 Early in 1956 the Merseyside Group of Aviation Enthusiasts (MGAE) was formed to link enthusiasts in the North West together, and was one of the first associations of aircraft registration spotters. Later in the year a monthly magazine was produced to publish news and research. The first couple of issues tested both what information people wished to provide and what members wanted. Comments on activity at Speke, Ringway, Burtonwood, Squires Gate and Hawarden soon settled into a regular notable movements listing in each issue, compiled from reports sent in to the editor from visual sightings. This post is a compilation of all these notable movements reports covering Burtonwood, starting with a few comments each month early in 1957, then regular reports of the most notable 10 to 15 aircraft spotted each month through most of 1957, 1958 and up to the end in April 1959. The reports were usually credited each month, the ‘pool’ of Burtonwood reporters being R. Gerrard, A. Griffiths, K. Clay, J.A. Sherratt, A. Kay and L. Grey. Many more aircraft passed through than were reported, the regular types (T-33s, F-84s, F-86s, C-47s, C-54s, C-97s, C-118s, C-123s, C-124s and WB-50s) rarely get mentioned. These are just the highlights, and then only those seen and reported to the MGAE editor/typist. The list below shows the quite remarkable variety of types passing through Burtonwood, from the mighty C-133 Cargomaster and B-35 Peacemaker to a Piper Cub and Cessna Bird Dogs. The USAF serials are given as provided in the magazines. The presentation varied from 7 digits (if you include the ten year ‘0-‘ prefix) down to a contracted 4 digits (a short-lived presentation adopted in 1956), most though are the standard, but at times still confusing 5 digit or full fiscal year presentations. There are errors, I’ve found some, but have not checked anything like every serial! Do bear in mind that in the late ‘50s there was no Ian Allan ‘Military Aircraft Markings’, indeed even the ‘Civil Aircraft Markings’ was in its infancy, so there was no way of cross-checking sightings against published lists. Indeed, not until the MSAE published Peter Danby’s ground-breaking ‘USAF Serials 1946-1969’ was much known for certain about USAF serial blocks. Noted likely errors are marked (x) and additional comments on registration or type are in the final column in (--). In the MGAE ‘Northern Aeronews’ the types were usually presented as just the designation, to aid recognition (and indeed the use of Wikipedia to look unfamiliar types up), I’ve incorporated both the manufacturer and type name. One or two quirks, for example the Fairchild C-119 I’ve simply called ‘Boxcar’ (to fit the space) rather than ‘Flying Boxcar’, although I recall the NATO European Air Forces aircraft in the ‘60s as being called ‘Packets’. Some types have more than one designator eg DC-6, C-118 and R6D-1 are the same basic type; Constellation/Super Constellation as L-749, L-1049, C-121 and WV-3 likewise; while T-29, C-131 and R4Y-1 are all Convair 240/340s. While I have distinguished between North American and Canadair built Sabres, all T-33A are referred to as Lockheeds regardless of who built them, however only Canadian Air Force ones are called Silver Stars. As a spotter, I missed Burtonwood by only 3 years (although was oblivious of that at the time, as a 'miss is as good as a mile' when you are 10 years old). It is only in recent years that I’ve become fascinated by the later years of USAF use, as this thread bears witness. One thing I had not appreciated before typing this blog, is how suddenly and completely all flying activity ceased immediately after the departure of the flying units, but long before the need for aircraft to call at Burtonwood, as the ground activities were wound up over a period of a further 6 years, making the use of Speke and Ringway necessary. NOTEABLE BURTONWOOD VISITORS
1957 The January 1957 edition noted that the turbine engined YC-97J Stratocruiser had 'turned-up' at Burtonwood recently. The February 1957 edition reported that the turboprop YC-121F Super Constellation 53-8157 had also appeared at Burtonwood. The aircraft being operated by the 1700th Test Squadron (Turboprop) from Kelly A.F.B., Texas. 1957
12.01.57 RF-84F Thunderflash
16.01.57 2 x CF-100 Canuck Royal Canadian A.F.
17.01.57 51-5733 Convair B-36H Peacemaker USAF, stayed until 23rd.
01.02.57 G-AKCF DH.104 Dove 2 BOAC
05.02.57 0-484007 Boeing KB-29P Superfortress
06.02.57 49149(x) Convair T-29 (if digits anagrammed, try 91944 as a T-29B)
16.02.57 N6813C Douglas DC-6A Slick Airlines Inc
21.02.57 54-434 Douglas RB-66C Destroyer buzz BB-434
24.02.57 54-1056(x)C-121A Super Constellation (almost certainly 54-0156)
23378 Canadair Sabre 6 Royal Canadian A.F., coded AP-378
02.03.57 53-6871 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak
09.03.57 52-1462 Martin RB-57A (Canberra)
12.03.57 9697 Bristol 170 Freighter 31M Royal Canadian A.F.
18.03.57 9307 Boeing KB-50J Superfortress 420th Air Refueling Squadron (based RAF Sculthorpe)
19.03.57 8049 Boeing KB-50J Superfortress 420th ARS
22.03.57 N6814C Douglas DC-6A Slick (became G-APON Eagle 9.58)
24.03.57 Grumman UF-1 Albatross US Navy, midnight blue
27.03.57 Douglas C-47A Dakota Royal Danish A.F.
28.03.57 40167 C-121C Super Constellation Atlantic Division
31.03.57 XB288 Blackburn Beverley C.1 RAF, coded U
08.04.57 55-022 Lockheed C-130A Hercules USAF, first visit by type to UK we believe
09.04.57 49-321 Boeing KB-50 Superfortress
16.04.57 142361 Grumman UF-1G Albatross US Naval Attache, Norway
19.04.57 21051 Lockheed T-33AN Silver Star Royal Canadian A.F., coded just -051
22.04.57 WL739 Avro Shackleton MR.2 RAF, 204 Sqdn
27.04.57 21105 Lockheed T-33AN Silver Star Royal Canadian A.F., coded VH-105
21371 Lockheed T-33AN Silver Star Royal Canadian A.F., coded AQ-371
06.05.57 GA+107 Douglas C-47B Dakota Luftwaffe
07.05.57 44-83399 Boeing KC-29P Superfortress
09.05.57 N6813C Douglas DC-6A Slick Airlines Inc
10.05.57 52-2698 Boeing KC-97G Stratofreighter
11.05.57 55-4273 Martin B-57E (Canberra), target-tug markings
13.05.57 44-69674 Boeing KC-29P Superfortress
44-86249 Boeing KC-29P Superfortress
15.05.57 12693 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Royal Norwegian A.F., coded BW:B
16.05.57 N6917C L-1049H Super Constellation Flying Tiger Line
18.05.57 ARMED FORCES DAY Open House
22.05.57 N6815C Douglas DC-6B Slick Airlines Inc
24.05.57 117366 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Italian A.F., coded 46-*2 (no. missed out)
26040 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Italian A.F., coded 46-25
684 Douglas C-47A Dakota Royal Danish A.F.
26.05.57 26646 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak
26690 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak
26759 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak
26762 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak
26814 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak
26852 Republic F-84F Thunderstreak
01.06.57 35062 Lockheed T-33A USAF, red/yellow/blue bands; white flash on fin & tanks
03.06.57 N6524C Douglas DC-6B Pan Am
09.06.57 AB+784 Lockheed T-33A Luftwaffe
N5119V Douglas DC-6B Pan Am
23577 Canadair Sabre 6 Royal Canadian A.F., coded BB-677
12.06.57 WS755 Gloster Meteor NF.14 RAF
91001 Lockheed T-33A Had both USAF and Luftwaffe markings
34458 Sikorsky SH-19B Chicasaw (= Sikorsky S-55 helicopter)
92612 Boeing C-97A Stratofreighter (maybe 92602?)
N34953 Douglas DC-6A Flying Tiger Line & 15/06.
13.06.57 694 Percival P.66 Pembroke Royal Danish A.F.
WT490 EE Canberra T.4 RAF
26037 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Italian A.F., coded 46-26
14.06.57 19807 Canadair F-86E Sabre 4 USAF
17.06.57 19635 Canadair F-86E Sabre 4
0-484005 Boeing KC-29P Superfortress
18.06.57 686 Douglas C-47A Dakota Royal Danish A.F., also 04/07 & 17/07.
23.06.57 41066(x) C-121C Super Constellation Atlantic Division (very likely 40166)
N6523C Douglas DC-6B Pan Am
24.06.57 43316 Douglas B-26 Invader
26.06.57 683 Douglas C-47A Dakota Royal Danish A.F.
27.06.57 N6504C L-1049H Super Constellation Seaboard & Western
28.06.57 N735PA Douglas DC-7C Pan Am
29.06.57 N1005C L-1049E Super Constellation Seaboard & Western
30.06.57 N733PA Douglas DC-7C Pan Am
02.07.57 N90808 Douglas DC-6A Slick Airlines Inc
03.07.57 12693 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Royal Norwegian A.F., coded BW-B
06.07.57 AB+787 Lockheed T-33A Luftwaffe
1024 Grumman SA-16A Albatross
09.07.57 9109 Douglas R4D-8 Super Dakota US Navy, tail code FT
12.07.57 1049 Grumman SA-16A Albatross
15.07.57 0096 Douglas C-124A Globemaster II Strategic Air Command (SAC)
21086 Lockheed T-33AN Silver Star Royal Canadian A.F.
21586 Lockheed T-33AN Silver Star Royal Canadian A.F.
16.07.57 17108 Douglas R4D-8 Super Dakota US Navy, tail code FT
139571 Douglas TB-26B Invader
21465 Martin RB-57A (Canberra)
17.07.57 80612 C-121A Super Constellation MATS
18.07.57 26018 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Italian A.F., coded 46-24
AB+737 Lockheed T-33A Luftwaffe
AB+786 Lockheed T-33A Luftwaffe
35720 Lockheed T-33A Luftwaffe markings, USAF serial
41530 Lockheed T-33A Luftwaffe markings, USAF serial
01.08.57 WK117 EE Canberra B.2 RAF
26213 Beech L-23A Seminole US Army
0-427348 Boeing KB-29P Superfortress
03.08.57 21086 Lockheed T-33AN Silver Star Royal Canadian A.F.
06.08.57 25787 Convair MC-131A Samaritan
07.08.57 0797 Douglas R4D-6 Dakota US Navy, tail code FT
08.08.57 1629 Cessna L-19A Bird Dog US Army
15019 Cessna L-19A Bird Dog US Army
09.08.57 12699 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Royal Norwegian A.F., coded BW-D
26040 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Italian A.F., coded 46-25
16.08.57 0-434411 Douglas TB-26B Invader
18.08.57 22104 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Royal Canadian A.F./United Nations
38158 YC-121F Super Constellation USAF 'Sacramento' on fins
0-272483 Douglas C-54D Skymaster This aircraft which has been parked among the WB-50s is
attached to the Weather Squadron for communications duties
22.08.57 688 Douglas C-47A Dakota Royal Danish A.F.
30.08.57 VL272 Vickers Valetta C.1 RAF
349608 Douglas C-47B Dakota French A.F.
05.09.57 128429 Douglas R6D-1 Liftmaster US Navy, Arctic marks (DC-6)
131580 Douglas R6D-1 Liftmaster US Navy, Arctic marks (DC-6)
Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Italian A.F., coded 46-41
18.09.57 XD858 Vickers Valiant B.1 RAF, underwing tanks
26.09.57 80609 C-121A Super Constellation
29.09.57 44-35914 Douglas B-26C Invader USAF buzz-number BC-914
GA+105 Douglas C-47B Dakota Luftwaffe
05.10.57 40171 C-121C Super Constellation
40178 C-121C Super Constellation
0-2692 Douglas WC-54 Skymaster Weather
07.10.57 31858 Boeing B-47E Stratojet
31868 Boeing B-47E Stratojet
VW147 Vickers Valetta C.1 RAF, coded NU:V
1382 Lockheed T-33A
12.10.57 23381 Canadair Sabre 6 Royal Canadian A.F., coded BR-381
23475 Canadair Sabre 6 Royal Canadian A.F., coded BR-475
22.10.57 GA+105 Douglas C-47B Dakota Luftwaffe
WF412 Vickers Varsity T.1 RAF, code A of 2 ANS, did a 'beat-up'
24.10.57 12692 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Royal Norwegian A.F., coded BW-C
25.10.57 26319 DHC L-20A Beaver
26.10.57 21467 Martin RB-57A (Canberra)
14279 Lockheed T-33A
131619 Douglas R6D-1 Liftmaster US Navy, Arctic markings (DC-6)
29.10.57 2585 Convair C-131
8083 Boeing KB-50J Superfortress
VW158 Vickers Valetta C.1 RAF, coded NU:K
17108 Douglas R4D-8 Super Dakota US Navy, tail code FT
09.11.57 10067 Grumman SA-16A Albatross Red fin
4284 Convair C-131
92612 Boeing C-97A Stratofreighter
17206 Douglas SC-54D Skymaster Radar under nose
21589 Lockheed T-33AN Silver Star Royal Canadian A.F.
Grumman CS2F Tracker Royal Canadian Navy, coded B-9
10.11.57 Grumman CS2F Tracker Royal Canadian Navy, coded B-7
9633 Sikorsky S-58 RCN, flew over en route to Squires Gate
11.11.57 15730 Convair B-36H Peacemaker SAC
9255 Douglas C-124A Globemaster II SAC, presumably with the B-36H
16.11.57 40159 C-121C Super Constellation Atlantic Division (later an EC-121S)
14.12.57 61604 Lockheed T-33A
18624 Lockheed T-33A
131578 Douglas R6D-1 Liftmaster US Navy, arctic markings (DC-6)
NA F-100 Super Sabre performed a 'beat-up'
21.12.57 WB848 Avro Shackleton MR.1 RAF
WG507 Avro Shackleton MR.1 RAF, 240 Sqdn
0-50608 Douglas C-54G Skymaster MATS/Icelandic Air Defence Force
61623 Lockheed T-33A
21066 Lockheed T-33AN Silver Star Royal Canadian A.F., camouflaged
22.12.57 4601 Fairchild C-123B Provider No underwing tanks
0-50487 Douglas C-54G Skymaster 1602nd Air Transport Wing (Medium)
1958
03.01.58 G-AOIJ Douglas DC-7C BOAC
35059 Lockheed T-33A
17011 Republic RF-84F Thunderflash
26011 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Italian A.F., code 46-13 or 15 (undecipherable)
04.01.58 29827 Lockheed T-33A
131580 Douglas R6D-1 Liftmaster US Navy, VR-3 Sqdn (DC-6)
12.01.58 40144 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster MATS, 39th Air Trans Sqdn, from Dover AFB, Delaware
landed at 14:45 - only the 2nd visit to Europe by type
131602 Douglas R6D-1 Liftmaster US Navy (DC-6)
01.02.58 40143 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster Atlantic Division, named "State of Delaware"
12654 Fairchild C-119C Boxcar named "Kamikaze" on nose
07.02.58 5014 Lockheed C-130A Hercules Arctic markings
10.02.58 5017 Lockheed C-130A Hercules Arctic markings
6521 Lockheed C-130A Hercules
17.02.58 0-349103 Douglas VC-47D AACS, radar nose and arctic markings
26007 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Italian A.F., coded 46-37
18.02.58 26030 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Italian A.F., coded 46-27
2*.02.58 137224(x) Lockheed P2V-7 Neptune US Navy
26.02.58 137225(x) Lockheed P2V-7 Neptune US Navy
01.03.58 0-40577 Fairchild C-123B Provider 1st C-123 noted at B'wood with 0- added
05.03.58 61999(x) Lockheed C-130A Hercules Arctic markings (regn confused 61999 is a C-133A)
08.03.58 26138 DHC L-20A Beaver
26146 DHC L-20A Beaver
16909 Lockheed T-33A Arctic markings
09.03.58 16645 Lockheed T-33A Large duck painted on tail
21185 Lockheed T-33AN Silver Star Royal Canadian A.F.
15.03.58 40169 C-121C Super Constellation Continental Division
26137 DHC L-20A Beaver
16.03.58 62001 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster Atlantic Division
0447 Lockheed T-33A
18658 Lockheed T-33A
35049 Lockheed T-33A
18.03.58 6602 Douglas C-54D Skymaster Portuguese A.F.
19.03.58 4148 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster
22.03.58 5011 Lockheed C-130A Hercules
42814 Convair C-131D
0-2889 Douglas C-47 SAC
24.03.58 26139 DHC L-20A Beaver
25.03.58 4171 C-121C Super Constellation (= 40171).
03.04.58 G-AOIE Douglas DC-7C BOAC
05.04.58 G-AOIB Douglas DC-7C BOAC
62002 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster
06.04.58 61999 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster
11.04.58 27553 Sikorsky SH-19B Chicasaw (= S-55 helicopter)
13.04.58 N6913C L-1049H Super Constellation Flying Tiger Line, also 27/04.
19.04.58 27364 Republic RF-84F Thunderflash
24.04.58 27529 Sikorsky SH-19B Chicasaw (maybe actually 24/03) (type = S-55 helicopter)
N90808 Douglas DC-6A Slick, also 29/04.
26.04.58 G-AOII Douglas DC-7C BOAC, last BOAC flight through Burtonwood
26139 DHC L-20A Beaver
01.05.58 Fairchild R4Q-2 Boxcar US Marines, tail code BH (type = C-119F)
03.05.58 76773 Beech SNB-5 Expeditor US Navy, tail code FT-773
12.05.58 60497 Lockheed C-130A Hercules
13.05.58 73087 Beech L-23D Seminole US Army
17.05.58 ARMED FORCES DAY Open House
19.05.58 128376 Lockheed P2V-5F Neptune US Navy, coded LF-4
CP-25 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Royal Belgian A.F., call-sign OT-CBE
26.05.58 26178 Beech L-23A Seminole US Army
27.05.58 70453 Lockheed C-130A Hercules
70465 Lockheed C-130A Hercules
Douglas B-66 Destroyer
10.06.58 60544 Lockheed C-130A Hercules
25790 Convair MC-131A Samaritan
14.06.58 7066 NA B-45A Tornado (= 47-066)
21112 Lockheed T-33AN Silver Star Royal Canadian A.F.
51054 Beech SNB-5 Expeditor
15.06.58 D-EJUT Percival Proctor left late the following day
16.06.58 70454 Lockheed C-130A Hercules
18.06.58 141290 Lockheed WV-3 Warning Star US Navy, coded MG-6, VW-2 Sqdn, named "Hugin"
23.06.58 Douglas B-66 Destroyer
24.06.58 0-469674 Boeing KB-29P Superfortress
25787 Convair MC-131A Samaritan
Piper Cub red, regn unidentified
26.06.58 131419 Lockheed P2V-5F Neptune US Navy, coded LF-2, Squadron VP-16
01.07.58 26048 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Italian A.F., coded 46-42
04.07.58 16206 NA F-86D/L Sabre
16243 NA F-86D/L Sabre
10028 NA F-86D/L Sabre
24108 NA F-86D/L Sabre
08.07.58 145936 Lockheed WV-3 Warning Star US Navy, coded MG-936, Squadron VW-2
1527 Beech SNB-5 Expeditor Royal Canadian A.F., coded VC-527
11.07.58 21120 Lockheed T-33AN Silver Star Royal Canadian A.F., camouflaged
14.07.58 WD346 DHC-1 Chipmunk T.10 RAF, Southampton UAS, coded 3
N6918C L-1049H Super Constellation Flying Tiger Line
15.07.58 60483 Lockheed C-130A Hercules landed on 3 engines
16.07.58 50009 Lockheed C-130A Hercules also landed on 3 engines
25.07.58 N90427 Douglas C-54B Skymaster California-Hawaiian Airlines
28.07.58 25788 Convair MC-131A Samaritan
31.07.58 XG496 DH.104 Devon C.1 RAF
05.08.58 64405 DHC L-20A Beaver US Army
06.08.58 62004 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster MATS, Atlantic Division
07.08.58 10052 Grumman SA-16A Albatross
GA+105 Douglas C-47B Dakota 4 Luftwaffe
09.08.58 0-8118 Boeing KB-50J Superfortress (= 0-80118)
11.08.58 91910 Convair T-29A (= Convair 240)
12.08.58 62002 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster
15.08.58 AA+107 NA T-6G Texan Luftwaffe
23537 Canadair Sabre 6 Royal Canadian A.F., coded IC-537
23565 Canadair Sabre 6 Royal Canadian A.F.
23587 Canadair Sabre 6 Royal Canadian A.F.
23589 Canadair Sabre 6 Royal Canadian A.F.
17.08.58 N30064 Douglas DC-4 Skymaster Universal Airlines
18.08.58 25805 Convair MC-131A Samaritan
26007 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Italian A.F., cded 46-37
20.08.58 N650NA Douglas DC-6A Overseas National
21.08.58 N660NA Douglas DC-6A Overseas National
62005 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster MATS, Pacific Division
22.08.58 N5517V Douglas DC-4 Skymaster 20th Century Airlines, & 28/08.
N5519V Douglas DC-4 Skymaster 20th Century Airlines, & 31/08.
26.08.58 0-484120 Boeing KB-29P Superfortress
63708 Beech L-23D Seminole US Army
N1220V Douglas C-54A Skymaster Seaboard & Western
27.08.58 N630NA Douglas DC-6A Overseas National
30.08.58 9373 Boeing KB-50J Superfortress (= 90373)
31.08.58 N5518V Douglas DC-4 Skymaster 20th Century Airlines
01.09.58 62005 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster
6393 DHC L-20A Beaver (= 60393)
02.09.58 484120 Boeing KB-29P Superfortress
27553 Sikorsky SH-19B Chicasaw (type = S-55)
03.09.58 Douglas B-26 Invader regn unidentified
08.09.58 401*7 C-121C Super Constellation MATS, either 40157 or 40167, due overtyped
12.09.58 484716 Boeing KB-29P Superfortress
13.09.58 TX217 Avro C.19 Anson RAF, Metropolitan Comms Sqdn, code CB:M
14.09.58 N6913C L-1049H Super Constellation Flying Tiger Line, also 28/9 & 23/10.
22.09.58 62001 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster
N6501C L-1049H Super Constellation Seaboard & Western
27.09.58 N1220V Douglas C-54A Skymaster Seaboard & Western
30.09.58 17185 Grumman SA-16A Albatross
04.10.58 9376 Boeing KB-50J Superfortress (= 90376)
N9813F Lockheed L-749A Constellation Transocean Air Lines
L-1049 Super Constellation T.W.A.
10.10.58 N4901C Lockheed L-749A Constellation Capital Airline, also 18/10 & 21/10.
11.10.58 0-272731 Douglas C-54D Skymaster SAC, c/no.10836 ex N79990.
16.10.58 0-469716 Boeing KB-29P Superfortress
N6915C L-1049H Super Constellation Flying Tiger
18.10.58 N6925C L-1049H Super Constellation Flying Tiger
19.10.58 N6918C L-1049H Super Constellation Flying Tiger
22.10.58 53644 F-100D Super Sabre Beat-up by a pair of Super Sabres
53679 F-100D Super Sabre other aircraft in the pair
24.10.58 91941 Convair T-29A (= Convair 240)
25.10.58 62007 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster MATS, 1607th Air Transport Wing (Heavy)
28.10.58 N102R L-1049H Super Constellation TWA
29.10.58 N6916C L-1049H Super Constellation Flying Tiger
31.10.58 9373 Boeing KB-50J Superfortress (= 90373)
01.11.58 N6924C L-1049H Super Constellation Flying Tiger
03.11.58 62005 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster
08.11.58 16243 NA F-86D/L Sabre
16257 NA F-86D/L Sabre
13.11.58 62000 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster
20.11.58 64405 DHC L-20A Beaver US Army
21.11.58 X-12 Douglas C-47B Dakota Royal Netherlands A.F., coded ZU-12
22.11.58 37846 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar
01.12.58 62005 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster MATS
06.12.58 N1009C L-1049H Super Constellation Aer Linte, GCA approaches, also 08/12.
07.12.58 40142 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster
62006 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster
16.12.58 70465 Lockheed C-130A Hercules
20.12.58 McDonnell F-101 Voodoo, 'beat-up' only
70547 Lockheed T-33A
27.12.58 62008 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster dep on 28th.
1959
03.01.59 N5404V L-1049H Super Constellation TWA, fleet no. 1264, also 24/01.
04.01.59 N101R L-1049H Super Constellation TWA, fleet no. 1251, also 20/01.
05.01.59 37054(x) Fairchild C-119 Boxcar (try C-119G 37854?)
38156 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar
06.01.59 0-469716 Boeing KB-29P Superfortress
08.01.59 0-484005 Boeing KB-29P Superfortress
17.01.59 N5401V L-1049H Super Constellation TWA, fleet no. 1261, also 21/02.
18.01.59 60521 Lockheed C-130A Hercules
37046(x) Fairchild C-119 Boxcar (try C-119G 37846?)
38141 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar
19.01.59 8083 Boeing KB-50J Superfortress (= 80083)
21.01.59 N6932C L-1049H Super Constellation TWA, fleet no. 1254
GA+104 Douglas C-47B Dakota Luftwaffe
GA+111 Douglas C-47B Dakota Luftwaffe
24.01.59 50026 Lockheed C-130A Hercules
01.02.59 62004 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster
02.02.59 9373 Boeing KB-50J Superfortress (= 90373)
06.02.59 15304 Grumman SA-16A Albatross MATS, Rescue
07.02.59 9360 Boeing KB-50J Superfortress (= 90360)
9383 Boeing KB-50J Superfortress (= 90383)
10.02.59 0-80084 Boeing KB-50J Superfortress
12.02.59 26014 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Italian A.F., coded 46-10
13.02.59 62005 Douglas C-133A Cargomaster MATS, 1607th ATW(H)
14.02.59 9353 Boeing KB-50J Superfortress (= 90353)
N5403V L-1049H Super Constellation TWA, fleet no. 1263
AB+766 Lockheed T-33A Luftwaffe
AB+800 Lockheed T-33A Luftwaffe
17.02.59 KN979(x) Douglas C-47B Dakota 4 Royal Canadian A.F.
23.02.59 60546 Lockheed C-130A Hercules
9876 Boeing KB-50J Superfortress
9360 Boeing KB-50J Superfortress
09.03.59 26008 Fairchild C-119G Boxcar Italian A.F., coded 46-20
15.03.59 60524 Lockheed C-130A Hercules
25.03.59 XF703 Avro Shackleton MR.3 RAF, 203 Sqdn
27.03.59 21086 Lockheed T-33AN Silver Star Royal Canadian A.F., dep 31/03.
03.04.59 70454 Lockheed C-130A Hercules 322nd Air Division
10.04.59 60549 Lockheed C-130A Hercules
14.04.59 0-272618 Douglas WC-54D Skymaster 2nd Weather Wing
15.04.59 605** Lockheed C-130A Hercules (regn not fully typed in)
**.04.59 60551 Lockheed C-130A Hercules (date not fully typed in)
18.04.59 60544 Lockheed C-130A Hercules also on 21/04
19.04.59 0-579137(x) Douglas WC-47 overtyped regn, digits maybe in wrong order
21.04.59 26132 DHC L-20A Beaver
This is the last entry for Burtonwood visitor movements in 'Northern Aeronews'. From one of Aldon Ferguson’s books, he records the dates for the end of flying activities as the final MATS flights operating in February 1959 (the terminal moved to Mildenhall), and the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron moving out to relocate at Alconbury on April 3rd. The C-130As in April may have been to carry spares and equipment to Alconbury for the 53rd WRS move of base. The USAF withdrew landing aids and Air Traffic Control very quickly once routine operations had finished. This was long before the base was finally vacated by the US military, so aircraft used Speke and Ringway for a period from early (1st?) May 1959 onwards. For example:
SPEKE (a selection of notable US military movements)
30.04.59 0-315204 Douglas C-47B from Burtonwood and based for a few weeks.
05.05.59 0-91941 Convair T-29A (= Convair 240), 47th Bomb Wing, Sculthorpe-Dishforth
16.06.59 26137 DHC L-20A Beaver 20th Tactical Fighter Wing, f&t Wethersfield
07.07.59 0-348905 Douglas AC-47D AACS/MATS, f&t Bovingdon, 4 hours local flying
18.07.59 39899 Beech SNB-5 Expeditor US Navy, coded FT-899, f&t Blackbushe
02.09.59 17211 Douglas R4D-8 Super Dakota US Navy, f&t Blackbushe
08.09.59 0-293181 Douglas C-47B Alconbury-Bovingdon
20.10.59 51133 Douglas VC-47D f&t Northolt, dep 21/10.
12437 Douglas R4D-8 Super Dakota US Navy, Ballykelly-Blackbushe
The occasional USAF and US Navy visits continued for a few years into the 1960s.
RINGWAY (a selection of the most notable US military movements)
06.05.59 70460 Lockheed C-130A Hercules f&t Evreux, first visit of type to Manchester
09.05.59 50507 Douglas C-54G Skymaster Brussels-Torrejon, dep on 10/05.
11.05.59 20960 Douglas C-124C Globemaster II Frankfurt-Dreux, also on 12/05.
12.05.59 38145 Douglas C-119G Boxcar Dreux-Bovingdon
23.05.59 N6501C L-1049H Super Constellation Seaboard & Western, Mildenhall-Hamburg
12.06.59 141021 Convair R4Y-1(Convair 340) US Navy, f&t Blackbushe, dayglo markings
29.06.59 20956 Douglas C-124C Globemaster II Sculthorpe-Wiesbaden
01.07.59 70456 Lockheed C-130A Hercules f&t Evreux.
03.07.59 26146 DHC L-20A Beaver Woodbridge-Dublin
07.07.59 70457 Lockheed C-130A Hercules f&t Evreux
20.10.59 20980 Douglas C-124C Globemaster II Bremen-Lakenheath
20948 Douglas C-124C Globemaster II Bremen-Frankfurt
20953 Douglas C-124C Globemaster II
20957 Douglas C-124C Globemaster II
01.12.59 56368 DHC L-20A Beaver US Army, Le Bourget-Chaumont There were a number of Super Constellation visits during '59, but it is impossible tell which were US military charters and which civilian charters. USAF flights continued to use Manchester during the first half of the '60s, with C-47s, C-119s, C-130s and even with C-133 Cargomasters.
THE 53rd WEATHER RECONNAISANCE SQUADRON
Copied from MGAE ‘Northern Aeronews’ a small piece from member Don Stephens, probably written in late January 1959 between the closure of Burtonwood being announced and the 53rd WRS moving out.2016 comment – it is a pity that the pros and cons regarding Burtonwood closing are not stated as I am unsure if they related to the mining activities of the N.C.B. at Bold, or proposals to make Burtonwood an airport to serve both Liverpool and Manchester, replacing Speke and Ringway – indeed in the same ‘Northern Aeronews’ is information regarding a ‘paper airline’ applying for civilian passenger flights from Burtonwood. |
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Post by ronturner on Feb 21, 2013 7:53:13 GMT 1
OMG...such memories...and to think all this was just up the road from us.
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Post by viscount on Apr 18, 2015 21:14:29 GMT 1
This thread has become a bit of a 'sleeper', where I had hoped others might be able to add more photographs, memories etc. However very relevant to this thread is the: R.A.F. BURTONWOOD HERITAGE CENTRE Today I joined a NAPS Reunion at the invitation of Lloyd Robinson, for visits to TAC Hooton Park and to the R.A.F. Burtonwood Heritage Centre. Somewhere I have been meaning to call into for some time, now I've been there I really do wonder why I had not made the effort to get there before. An excellent display of photographs and artifacts, extremely well displayed. The displays concentrate on the WWII Air Depot and Berlin Airlift periods, rather than the 1950s period recalled by older nwan members, but are fascinating reminders of events here in the North West not that so many years ago. Possibly the best small aviation heritage museum (without aircraft) that I've been to ... and that is quite a statement! Well signposted (three-bladed propeller on the brown 'tourist' signage or follow 'Gulliver's World' on the same signs) from the M62 or Central Warrington. As you enter the car park of Gullivers World children's theme park, the RAF Burtonwood Heritage Centre is immediately around on your left. You do not enter the theme park and the car parking is free. Open 3pm-5.30pm Wednesday to Sunday. More details: www.rafburtonwoodbase.org/heritagecentre.htmlTake my advice and get along there this summer. In the hope of encouraging a few more members to pop into the Burtonwood Heritage Centre, a couple of shots of the exterior.    |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2015 21:17:15 GMT 1
I will confess that despite at one time living less than a mile from there, I never got round to visiting it. However, I did get round to visiting it a few times in its' heyday. I have a few photos, which I will dig out and post. The Crosville 120 (as it then was), or my bike if it was working, was the usual form of transport. From there it was a long walk up Sycamore Lane past what was reputedly the largest warehouse in Europe to the sign which said "What you see and what you hear, when you go leave it here" I don't know why that has stuck with me for so long!
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Post by viscount on Jun 28, 2015 9:32:20 GMT 1
Thanks to Don Stephens, Alan Pritchard and Aldon Ferguson, I am able to bring you some details from two of the Armed Forces Day Display programmes, while there are naturally a number of pages of adverts, of most interest might be the programme of events and display area map. P R O G R A M M E · · · · · 1 9 5 4   My many thanks to Aldon Ferguson for the scans of the 1954 AFD programme. P R O G R A M M E · · · · · 1 9 5 6   My many thanks to Don Stephens for the scans of the 1956 AFD programme. P R O G R A M M E · · · · · 1 9 5 7 My many thaks to Aldon Ferguson for the scans of the 1957 AFD programme. P R O G R A M M E · · · · · 1 9 5 8   My many thanks to Alan Pritchard for the loan of the 1958 AFD programme. |
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Post by viscount on Jun 28, 2015 10:06:15 GMT 1
To publicly answer a question by PM recently asked by 'Griff' regarding the start and end of US Army movements connected with Burtonwood. Initial U.S. Army use of Liverpool Airport 1967-1993 in connection with Burtonwood Depot The US Army had moved into Burtonwood in January 1967 as a result of the French leaving NATO and the US Armed Forces having to vacate their French bases. Initially, as the airfield at Burtonwood was still open, US Army communications aircraft and helicopters were based there - with types such as the U-1A (DHC-3 Otter) and H-34 Choctaw (early Wessex) noted initially. The Beechcraft aircraft at first used Liverpool, but for a period in summer 1967 used Burtonwood before returning to Speke during the winter 1967/68. Fixed-wing activity at Burtonwood continued on into the early 1970s. This was well before construction of the M62 motorway down the length of the former main runway of Burtonwood airfield circa 1971-1974 (already damaged circa 1966/1967 by mining subsidence). From the outset, aviation activity at Burtonwood was the responsibility of the 56th Aviation Detachment US Army. The Burtonwood Detachment disbanded 27th July 1976, with all subsequent fixed wing and rotary movements being based at Liverpool Airport, although helicopters continued to use the Burtonwood heli-pad. Even after the USAF pulled out of Burtonwood (flying units in early 1959, completely in June 1965) a handful of C-47 Dakota movements continued through Liverpool each year, gradually reducing to just one in 1966. USAF Dakota and Convair C-131A visits (and one by a VIP C-118A) to Liverpool increased rapidly in 1967 with the US Army moving back into Burtonwood. While some US Army aircraft did land at Burtonwood, a number used Liverpool, with Beech U-8D Seminole (Travel Air), Beech U-8F Seminole (Queen Air), DHC U-1A (Otter) aircraft and Sikorsky H-34A Choctaw (Wessex) helicopters noted during 1967. During 1967, by the end of the year 5 different U-8Ds, 2 x U-8Fs, 4 x U-1As and 5 x H-34s had visited Liverpool, many on multiple occasions. The first US Army aircraft to call at Liverpool were on 31st January 1967 with a U-8D 73086 from Coleman Barracks, West Germany and out next day to Orleans, France and 71742 H-34A f&t Burtonwood on both 31st and again 1st February in connection with the U-8D visit. From then onwards US Army aircraft would call at Liverpool Airport several times each month, although the frequency did fluctuate. The first Bell UH-1B Iroquois to call at Liverpool Airport was 03607 of the 56th Aviation Detachment 1st October 1969 from & to Burtonwood. The Iroquois then took over from the Choctaws as the type was retired from US Army service. Over the years the Iroquois moved from the UH-1B to the UH-1D and finally UH-1H marks, supplemented by other types at times. Final U.S. Army use of Liverpool Airport in connection with Burtonwood Depot The last year that Liverpool Airport had communication flights by the United States Army in connection with their Burtonwood Depot was in 1993. During that year 13 different Beech U-21 and C-12s (King Airs) visited Liverpool, but no helicopters. The U.S. Army handed Burtonwood back to the RAF/MoD on Wednesday 2nd June 1993 with a flurry of activity by Beech U-21A 18010 as 'Lord 31' and Beech C-12C 23127 as 'Duke 87'. Also in connection with the formal handing back of Burtonwood, US Army C-20F (Gulfstream 4) 10108 (91-0108) visited Liverpool on Monday 14th June as 'PAT 108' direct from Andrews AFB, USA and onwards to Northolt (at Liverpool 0917-1210). U.S.Army movements in connection with Burtonwood briefly continued with Beech C-12A 22950 f&t Heidelberg as 'Duke 99' on Friday 23rd July, while in August 1993 Beech C-12C 23126 as 'Duke 83' Maastrict to Heidelburg on 19th and 23128 as 'Duke 53' Heidelburg to Filton the following day, departing 11:53 Friday August 20th. This being the final US Army Burtonwood related movement at Liverpool Airport, although there have been a very few since as an en route fuel stop. During the previous year, 1992, the US Army had operated 15 different Beech U-21/C-12s and 3 different Bell UH-1H Iroquois through Liverpool Airport on communication flights between US Army Germany and Burtonwood and out to a number of Burtonwood sub-depots around the UK. The last visit to Liverpool by a Bell UH-1H Iroquois involved 20070 and 22337 which arrived together via Ostend at 13:40 on Friday 21st August 1992 as 'Lord 13', 22337 then continued on to Burtonwood before returning to Liverpool. Both helicopters returning to Ostend on Sunday 23rd August 1992 at 10:43. This could put a date on the final US Army helicopter movement into Burtonwood, as visits without making a fuel stop at Liverpool were very rare indeed. |
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Post by neil on Jul 30, 2015 18:20:56 GMT 1
I write the Merseyside history page on Face book i thought you may be interested in this Burtonwood info while i was researching it THE AMERICAN AIRFORCE AT BURTONWOOD
- WWII Advice to Servicemen When the Americans came into World War 2 a large number of them arrived in our area and established a major airbase and repair workshop at Burtonwood. Before leaving America each serviceman was given a copy of a 32 page booklet issued by the War Department in Washington D.C. entitled A Short Guide to Great Britain. Its purpose was to provide useful guidance on how to behave while serving over here such as:- No Time To Fight Old Wars If you come from an Irish-American family, you may think of them as enemy Redcoats who fought against us in the American Revolution and the war of 1812. But there is no time today to fight old wars over again or bring up old grievances. We don't worry about which side our Grandfathers fought on in the Civil War, because it doesn't mean anything now. We can defeat Hitler's propaganda with a weapon of our own. Plain, common horse sense; understanding of evident truths. The most evident truth of all is that in their major ways of life the British and American people are much alike. They speak the same language. They both believe in representative government, in freedom of worship, in freedom of speech. But each country has minor national characteristics which differ. It is by causing misunderstanding over these minor differences that Hitler hopes to make his propaganda effective. or Some Important Do's and Don'ts.· Be Friendly but don't intrude anywhere it seems that you are not wanted. You will find the British money system easier than you think. A little study beforehand on shipboard will make it still easier. · You are higher paid than the British "Tommy". Don't rub it in. Play fair with him. He can be a pal in need. · Don't show off or brag or bluster- "swank" as the British say. If somebody looks in your direction and says, "He's chucking his weight about", you can be pretty sure · you're off base. That's the time to pull in your ears. · If you are invited to eat with a family don't eat too much. Otherwise you may eat up their weekly rations. · Don't make fun of British speech or accents. You sound just as funny to them but they will be too polite to show it. · Avoid comments on the British Government or politics. · Don't try to tell the British that America won the last war or make wisecracks about the huge debts or about British defeats in this war. · NEVER criticize the King or Queen. · Don't criticize the food, beer or cigarettes to the British. Remember they have been at war since 1939 · Use common sense on all occasions. By your conduct you have greater power to bring about a better understanding between the two countries after the war is over. You will find yourself among a kindly, quiet, hard-working people who have been living under a strain such as few people in the world have ever known. In your dealings with them let this be your slogan; it is always impolite to criticize your host; it is militarily stupid to criticize your allies. CommentSchool children at the time, too young to fully realise the horrible consequences of war, found the changes taking place in their environment to be a thrilling and exciting experience. Sweets were unobtainable in the shops so when suddenly lots of men in American uniform were seen walking along the street or driving by in jeeps, all chewing gum, it didn't take long for the children to pluck up enough courage to ask for some, saying, Got Any Gum, Chum? In most cases they would be rewarded with a pack of gum, gratefully received, and immediately shared out among their friends. Very soon the Americans and the local girls began to meet socially at local dance halls. Penketh Tannery was a very popular one, where many of the G.I. Brides met their future husbands. Occasionally there would be a field day or a parade held locally where an American Military Band would play including a selection of Sousa marches which sounded more flamboyant and lively than the English Military Bands. Several American showbusiness and sports personalities would visit the base to boost morale such as Bob Hope, Doris Day, Dorothy Lamour, Bing Crosby and Joe Louis, the world heavy-weight boxing champion. For security reasons and to avoid any bad propaganda, most of the comings and goings at the Burtonwood Airbase were cloaked in a shroud of secrecy. Indeed a lot of the movement took place at night - like moving equipment and supplies on convoys of lorries direct from Liverpool docks to the airbase. In addition steam trains were used to move large loads direct to the base. During daylight hours an assortment of planes could be seen arriving and leaving the base. It was not long before a great many of the young lads were able to identify them, Liberators and Flying Fortresses (easily recognisable bombers), Dakota transport planes were a common sight, occasionally a Lockheed Lightning - distinct because of its twin fuselage. The Lockheed Lightning was a versatile aircraft which could carry out many different roles when fitted with radar. Its main function was as a night fighter, protecting the heavy bombers engaged on raids over enemy territory from the enemy fighters. Occasionally it would be used as a dive bomber or to carry out reconnaissance operations. All these comings and goings created a growing interest with anything American in young boys minds and created a lot of different hobbies and pursuits which they could follow. One astute shop owner in Warrington with an eye for business seized the opportunity to sell plans of any military aircraft engaged in the conflict along with balsa wood to construct them with which resulted in a competition among the lads as to who could build the best one. Unfortunately many of them became disenchanted when the best they could produce was a cut finger. Nevertheless, Eric Worth, who lived in Derby Road, became the best skilled with the pen knife and produced the winning models. The making of model aircraft went into decline when the lads caught the collecting bug after waking up one morning to find short thin aluminium strips of foil festooned everywhere. Apparently this was an experiment to block radar. The strips were quickly gathered up and each youngster soon had a large bundle of it which was just as quickly discarded as no one had a clue what to do with it. American cigarette packets then became a firm favourite as they were discarded everywhere and cost nothing. The packets tended to be much softer than the English ones and had more exciting brand names like Camel, Lucky Strike, Fragrant Cloud, Philip Morris, Pall Mall and Marlborough to name a few. As time passed by the Americans began to deposit their refuse at a couple of places near to the base. As soon as the locals became aware of this they knew they had excellent places in which to scavenge, these tips became known as the Yankee Dumps. By scavenging on a tip on the road into Warrington you could be rewarded by finding letters with American postage stamps which were very collectable, buttons and badges from American uniforms and also the odd piece of uniform with stripes or other insignia sewn onto it. If you were lucky you could find spent bullet cases. Many things were found that were useful around the home such as Nuts, bolts, wood screws, hinges, crate handles, paint brushes and hand brushes all of which could be re-cycled. I suppose it was like an Aladdin's cave because you never knew what you would find next. While walking in the fields located between Cuerdley and Burtonwood via Barrows Green which was beneath the flight path used by the aircraft landing at Burtonwood one could find numerous things such as a piece of machine gun belt with half a dozen or so bullets still clipped into it, pieces of metal fallen from the aircraft all of which would be proudly shown in school the next day to your class mates. A couple of local farmers claimed that a Liberator Bomber had crashed in the fields, they would even show you the approximate area where it had come down. War time restrictions prevented the news media mentioning it, so your guess is as good as mine as to whether it actually happened. By the end of World War 2 several Americans lived in rented accommodation, in fact one American family lived in a self contained apartment in my uncle's house in Cronton for many years. These days when you drive along the M62 you associate Burtonwood with the Service Station. The servicemen, airbase and the aircraft have all disappeared in the mists of time, now existing only in the memories of the older generation. |
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Post by ronturner on Jul 31, 2015 6:45:00 GMT 1
Fascinating and how it jogged my memory on quite a few things.
Thanks.
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