Date: Thursday 27th of March 2008
Name: philip giba
Email: suebeek(at)gmail.com

Twin Bases yrs: 1955

Message:
Philip Giba is my father who I have never met and I would just like to see what he looks like.

<img src="../../images/USAFE.jpg" alt="USAFE" width="36" height="36">

From: Mr & Mrs Robinson [mailto:rm.jm161045#at#virgin.net]
Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2008 8:00 AM
Subject: ' Select Crews ' Patch

I am a keen Patch collector and would like to purchase a ' Select Crews ' patch, in use by the 81TFW, while operating F-101s and prior to conversion to the F-4.
The Patch consists of Blue, Yellow and Red Colours with stars superimposed (like the F-101 tails) with the words ' Select Crews ' on a scroll above.
I will be extremely grateful for any information and kind help.

<img src="../../images/USAFE.jpg" alt="USAFE" width="36" height="36">

Date: Wednesday 20th of February 2008
Name: Sue Christie
Email: rchrist749#at#embarqmail.com

Twin Bases job:
Twin Bases yrs: 1952
Located now at: Destin Florida
Message:
I am looking for my birth father... Ted Danson based at Bentwaters spring 1952. My mother is Flossie Flewitt. If anyone has any information or knew this man I would love to hear from you.

<img src="../../images/USAFE.jpg" alt="USAFE" width="36" height="36">

Date: Thursday 07th of February 2008
Name: Gail Crane
Email: gail.c#at#ntlworld.com

Message:
Does anyone remember Sgt Rita Mary Crane (born 1920) or Sgt Joseph Henry Foster (born c 1919)?
They were stationed at various airfields round Ipswich during WW2.

<img src="../../images/USAFE.jpg" alt="USAFE" width="36" height="36">

Date: Monday 14th of January 2008
Name: Terri Lynn Clark (aged 53)
Email: invincible2020#at#hotmail.com
Twin Bases job: Daughter - looking for my father Twin Bases yrs: 1953 Located now at:
Message:
I AM LOOKING FOR MY FATHER. I DO NOT HAVE MUCH INFORMATION TO GO ON REALLY.
I BELIEVE MY FATHERS NAME TO BE FREDERICK, AND HE WAS STATIONED AT BENTWATERS, SUFFOLK AIRBASE IN 1953. MY MOTHERS NAME IS ELSIE CLARK, AND LIVED IN FELIXSTOWE AT THE TIME. COULD YOU PLEASE POST THIS ON YOUR GUEST BOOK JUST IN CASE? I WOULD BE EVER SO GRATEFUL. MANY THANKS,
TERRI LYNN CLARK AGED 53

Click here for a photo of Elsie Clark with a young Terri Lynn might jog your memory!

<img src="../../images/USAFE.jpg" alt="USAFE" width="36" height="36">

From: George Wright [mailto:Phyw25p#(at)#sc.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2006 1:48 AM
To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;
Subject: Prayers

Dear Bentwaters Survivors,

I would like to thank all you wonderful people who saw fit to E-Mail me with wishes and prayers for a recovery of this dreaded disease. This has hit us particularly hard as we lost a son in April 2005 to pancreatic cancer, he was only 46 years old; his loss was compounded by the fact that he lived with us and took an active part in caring for us and the house.

I was Maintenance Officer for the 81st AMS from 65-69. I have many fond memories of my tour at Bentwaters and all the fine people that I had working for me. I still maintain contact with some of them.

I left Benwaters in July of 1969 and was assigned to Shaw AFB; 9th Air Force Office of the Inspector General. It came as a big surprise as most Maintenance Officers were going to South East Asia. A bigger surprise was the fact that I was promoted to Major and tendered a regular commission.

I finished my career at Shaw in 1975 after 23 years of service

I will endeavor to answer all of you individually for we have much to talk about, but for now I just wanted to thank you for you thoughtfulness and concern.

P.S. The attached picture was taken at Bentwaters Just before we left.

 

From: rm.jm
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 8:49 PM
Subject: F-101 Markings.

Dear Linn,
Please would you be so kind as to place this advertisement into the ' Specials ' or which one, you think best please.
I am trying to locate photographs of 81st TFW Squadron Commander's aircraft in 1960's markings and the advertisement is as follows :-

' In 1959 /1960 ,the 81st TFW F-101's carried " Twin flash " type tail markings, in the appropriate squadron colours. During this time, there was also Squadron Commander's aircraft which were adorned with ' Triple Flashes 'on the tails. These aircraft have rarely been seen and never toured any of the RAF or USAF airshows . As an Aviation Historian ,I would like to purchase any photos of these aircraft please ,if anyone has photographs of them. e.mail;- rmjm161045-at-ntlworld.com

sincerely,
Robbie Robinson.

 

Date: Wednesday 28th of December 2005
Name: Russel Callaghan
Email: RusselCallaghan(a)hotmail.com
TwinBase job: non military
Twin Base years:
Located now:Kippax Leeds
Message: This is the only contact us I could find on your site. I would like to contact Sean Toffel Photographer for permission to use one of his photographs on my website. an you help me please.

Date: Tuesday 06th of December 2005
Name: Pete Geeding
Email: pete7111 (a) hotmail.com
BW job: A1C-581st AMU 462 Bomb Loader
Located now:Presently in Missouri working as a Computer Drafter designing modular homes
Message: Would like to hear from old buddies Joe Wolf and Richard Hunter, I am sure there are more just been many years and can't remember all of their names. Drank way way too much back then so that probably doesn't help any!

Date: Monday 05th of December 2005
Name: Rick "poochie"Panichi
Email: rpanichi44 (a) msn.com
BW job: DQ&A, 463L Equipment Mechanic, SSGT. 81st Trans
Located now:GSE Maint. manager ,Austin,Texas
Message: Looking for the 1987/88 UK Slowpitch softball Champs. Johnny Saenz,"Lighting rod" Rodriquez,chewy,Tim"RINO" Nichols,Tommy Price, all the fella's!

Date: Friday 02nd of December 2005
Name: Dennis Reed Harrell
Email: rogue7 (a) cfl.rr.com
BW job: A1C, SRA, SGT, SSGT, TSGT 67 ARRS, 667 SOMS,
Located now:Retired, Florida
Message: Best place I was ever stationed in the Air Force! Lots of memories, the saddest was when I closed the doors on the Sheetmetal shop for the last time when we closed Woody. I can still remember the Airman's Club "Woody's", an old quanset hut converted.
Cheers to all

Date: Friday 02nd of December 2005
Name: Barbs
Email: Barbara.Mack (a) btinternet.com
BW job: Frequent Visitor (Social)
Located now:PA - London, UK
Message: I have truely happy memories of both Bentwaters and Woodbridge - I lived in Ipswich and socialised with other girlfriends at the NCO club, house parties, BBQs, football games etc. It was like another world, and I describe that time as 10 years of having a Ball!
I remember guy's such as Charles Hinds, his room-mate Willy, Duke, Brian Pearson, Stephen Birch (who was going out with Jo) - Harvey Bullock, Devon Webb, Lee Harris, Big Eric, CeeCee, Harry 'O', Red, Onny (who I heard died some years back) - he used to knock on my door with his pit and a few bottles of something and say hey Barb how about a BBQ..., Shelly Springs, George Lemon (my first American boyfriend).
I remember going to the parties at Martlesham and asking for a long island ice tea and it coming in a pint glass, costing only $2 - my chin hit the floor. I was usually the one driving so I could only have one alcoholic drink... loved the R&B music - loved the dancing, except you had to wait for a guy to ask you to dance before you could get out onto the floor.
I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.

Date: Sunday 27th of November 2005
Name: Steve dolan
Email: dolanfive (a) comcast.net
BW job: RAF Woodbridge / Bentwaters 81 CES, Fire Dept.
Located now:Penna. Police Officer,
Message: Great years. lots of friends. Drop me a email.

From: Robbie Robinson - rmjm161045 (a) ntlworld.com
Sent: Tuesday, November 22, 2005 3:27 PM
Subject: Photos and Information WANTED
Photos and/or information on 81TFW F-101s which visited the 66TRW in France and returned to Bentwaters resplendent in 66TRW markings.
Photos and information on F-101s with possible serial number changes?
Thank you.
Regards,
Robbie.

From: Louise Fuller - b.bird80 (a) hotmail.com
Sent: Saturday, October 29, 2005
To:
Subject: Missing Grandfather

Hello, my name is Louise. I am looking for my Grandfather who was in the American Air Force and was based at Bentwaters in the early 1950's.
If you were based at Bentwaters in the early 1950's I wonder if you knew my Grandfather. His name if FRANCIS (FRANK) CHASE.
I would appreciate it very much if anyone could reply to my e-mail and let me know if you knew him, Thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you very soon,
Louise

Further information, regarding the enquiry above:

I may have had some new information on my Grandfather from a man who contacted me through your website. His name is Tom Miller and he said that he worked with a Chase (he did not remember his first name) at Woodbridge in 1964-1966. He has described the Mr Chase as having blonde wavy hair, big built as if he liked to go to the gym a lot and being 6ft tall, which is exactly how my Nan described him. So maybe my Grandfather was at Bentwaters in 1954-1955 and went back to the US and then returned to Woodbridge around the time of 1964. Tom Miller also said that the Mr Chase he knew was a master sergeant or technical sergeant and was in maintenance, possibly a weapons mechanic. Also he worked at the airmans club as a master at arms.
I would appreciate it if you could put this new information on your website for everybody to see just incase anybody remembers him. Thank you for your help and I look forward to hearing from you soon,
Louise.

 

Buddies of Michael James McGuire - WE NEED YOUR HELP!!

Seeking information from Maintenance Men, Munitions Specialist, Mechanics, Pipefitters, Insulators, and/or Laborers who worked at RAF Bentwaters Air Base , England, 1977-1979 and or KI Sawyer Air Force Base, Marquette, Michigan , 1979-1981 and 1991-1995, in or around the munitions facility and storage buildings.

Please contact Pamela Carr,
Legal Assistant, Baron & Budd, P.C.
at 1-800-222-2766.

Thank you

Monday 05/23/2005 12:25:12am
Name Jo Nainthy
Email Nainthys-at-aol.com
B/W yrs
B/W job
Now at
Message I am looking for any information on Amos Whitener (not sure if correct spelling) who served on a USAF base in East Anglia during World War II. Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks

Wednesday 05/04/2005 3:37:09pm
Name John (Sgt Rock) Kleck
Email johnkleck-at-johnkleck.com
B/W yrs 3 81st supply - arrgy doggies some times
B/W job Supply - BenchStock - PCAM
Now at Eglin - Yea trying to make up for past
Message Sunday mornings drinking Heniken beer from quart tins. A big warm bed and warm arms on cold weekend mornings. The girls were wonderful. Going to Amsterdam. Riding a Harley in England. Its like yesterday.

Saturday 04/30/2005 3:58:26pm
Name robert anculewicz
Email rvincent14-at-yahoo.com
B/W yrs
B/W job
Now at
Message I was stationed at RAF Alconbury afb in England during the years of 1964-1967, I was in the re-con film lab on the other side of the base, I have been looking for anybody from that time for over 35 years, please if anybody has any information please contact an old Air Force buddy, by the the way if I could go back, I would do it all over again.

Thursday 04/14/2005 3:10:26pm
Name Patricia Padden
Email nascargirl21965-at-yahoo.com
B/W yrs
B/W job
Now at
Message This is a message for EJ & Helen Adams, we tried your e-mail address and it doesen't work. If you can e-mail me with your new address. This is Mike Paddens wife. Will look forward to hearing from you.

Sunday 01/02/2005 9:58:04am
Name Nigel Walpole
Email walpole(a)pludds.freeserve.co.uk
B/W yrs n/a
B/W job n/a
Now at UK
Wrote Ex (RAF) Voodo pilot, who helped train 81st TFW pilots for twin bases, 1959-61, now turned author, needs contacts and inputs to do justice to F-101s in new book 'Voodoo Warriors'.

Thursday 11/04/2004 10:01:13am
Name Vic Harrup
E-Mail vic(a)harrup.fsnet.co.uk
B/W years: n/a
Rank/Job: n/a
Now located Butley, Suffolk
Message: I am trying to trace someone named John Forth who donated £100 to the Butley Village Hall building fund in 1951, the year that the USAF moved into RAF Bentwaters. I have reason to believe he was American, and possibly related to the Forth family of Butley of the 16th and 17th century. Can anybody help with this enquiry?

Thursday 11/04/2004 9:58:31am
Name Susan King
E-Mail susan(a)susansworld.freeserve.co.uk
B/W years:
Rank/Job:
Now located UK
Message: I'm looking for Suzanne Claire Faircloth and James Duncan Faircloth Married 16th October 1981. James was executive officer attached to 510 Tactical Fighter Squadron. Moved to America on 27th Apil 1983 to be stationed as a missile launch officer attached to the Minot Air Force Base, North Dekota 58705. Attached to 91 S.M.W. (S.A.C.).

Friday 10/29/2004 6:13:55pm
Name Ron Jensen
E-Mail jensenr(a)mail.estripes.osd.mil
B/W years:
Rank/Job: Stars and Stripes reporter
Now located RAF Mildenhall, England
Message: Greetings: I'm a Stars and Stripes reporter in England trying to do a story on what it was like during the final days of RAF Bentwaters. I'd like to hear from anyone who was there when the base was shrinking down to nothing. Drop me a note and tell me what you remember of those days....Thanks! Ron Jensen, Stars and Stripes, jensenr(a)mail.estripes.osd.mil

Sunday 10/03/2004 9:58:30am
Name Ann Knights
E-Mail Annie20640(a)aol.com
B/W years: 1979 until the day it closed
Rank/Job: English guest there
Now located Near Bentwaters
Message: Not sure if you can help but I was a guest at your base. I belonged to at least four bowling leagues there. Met so many lovely people and missed them all so much. Would love to hear from anyone who may remember me. My name ANN KNIGHTS, bowled in the Tuesday league, Monday morning ladies, Wednesday doubles, and most of the competitions that you had there. Hoping you might be able to help me.
Ann Knights

Wednesday 09/22/2004 1:17:45pm
Name Jason Clark
E-Mail jasonclark26(a)tiscali.co.uk
B/W years:
Rank/Job:
Now located Woodbridge
Message: Interesting reading about how Bentwaters used to be. I am the local postman (mail man) and deliver to businesses who now use the base which is now owned by local farming family the Kemball's.
Jason

Wednesday 08/25/2004 8:13:13pm
Name Samantha Cawston (Felgate)
E-Mail samcawston(a)hotmail.com
B/W years: n/a
Rank/Job: Child of Airman
Now located Ipswich
Message: Looking for my Dad, Lewis, a Roman Catholic from New Orleans. Only just found out that he is my Dad after 36 years. He was a chaplain's assistant at Bentwaters, 1966-67, aged about 20. Not much to go on, but I am trying. Priest was Father Patrick Kucharski I think. Anyone out there can you help? I have 36 years of my lost heritage to catch up on.
I know that he came to Ipswich to find me about 10 years ago but my family blocked it, so I did not even know he was my Dad.

Saturday 08/21/2004 11:05:53pm
Name Charlie Taliaferro
E-Mail question(a)kitchentablegang.org
Now located NAS Lemoore (CA)
Message: Attention military retirees... got problems getting your veteran's benefits? Check out the Kitchen Table Gang's website - there's a link from THIS WEB SITE's LINKS section, on the People page. It's a great resource, and might be able to give you direction towards the right answers you have been searching for!

Saturday 08/07/2004 2:40:50pm
Name Matt
E-Mail hurren01(a)hotmail.com
Message: I have no personal or family links with the RAF, however I went to school with someone called BEN HERMAN, his father PETE HERMAN worked at Bentwaters from the late 80s to the early 90s. I can't remember what his mother did or even where she worked, all I know is that her name was LOU-LOU. They lived up Strickland Manor Hill in Yoxford, Suffolk. I was at school with Ben at Yoxford primary school in the early 90s. They went back to America then, and I have heard no more since. Ben was Pete and Lou's only child at the time. I'm sorry I can't remember and tell you any more than this and know that it is a wild stab in the dark but if anyone has any info or remembers them please contact me(hurren01(a)hotmail.com). Thanks.

Sunday 08/01/2004 3:49:28pm
Name Ted Loveridge
E-Mail Ted453(a)hotmail.com
B/W years: n/a
Rank/Job: n/a
Now located Lincolnshire, England
Message: Tried to find some info on a dear friend, MSgt W. Davis whom we met whilst he and his wife Maggie were in a hiring close to RAF Wattisham. He died whilst stationed at RAF Bentwaters. My wife and I attended a memorial service at RAF Bentwaters. Maggie I believe lives in Warrensburg, Missouri. Known friends of theirs Chuck and (Belgian) Wife. Pse contact if you've any info..
Thanks
Sincerely
Ted

Sunday 06/20/2004 4:07:40pm
Name Marilyn Wass
E-Mail marilyn.wass(a)ntlworld.com
B/W years:
Rank and Job:
Now located
Message: Looking for my relatives who where last stationed at Woodbridge, originally from New York, Bernard 'Lucky' Coyne and his four children, wife Sylvia now deceased.

 

From: Walter Smith  mphs57-at-yahoo.co.uk
Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2004 6:30 PM
To: Linn
Subject: request
Hi Linn- my British friend Terry who is an Aviation fanatic and knowledgeable with it- was chatting with me today- recalling (it's our age you know!!) the first time he went to Bentwaters....it seems his Dad was with the firm who constructed the the runway in the 50's.
In 1956 he recalls that as a teenager he was up at the base as much as was allowed. He would watch the F-86 Sabres taken off. Many times he was very close and many times there was one pilot that had his canopy slid back prior to take off and that pilot would always look at him...smile and give him the "thumbs -up".
My friend recalls that he wore a white helmet with a picture of Mickey Mouse on the left side ...Terry assumes that Minney was on the right side of the helmet...he thinks Goofy was on the front centre.
Request is there any short cut in finding out who the pilot is/was etc?
Cheers Walt

Thursday 06/03/2004 8:24:16am
Name Eddie Friel
E-Mail freeby(a)freenet.co.nz
B/W years: n/a
Rank and Job: n/a
Now located new zealand
Message: I was born in county Donegal Ireland and on the 10th Feb 1945 a Canadian Air Force bomber crash-landed on our beach at Portsalon. Can you trace the the details for me.
Thanks
Eddie Friel

Monday 04/12/2004 8:38:20pm
Name Jonathan
E-Mail fencer_js(a)yahoo.com
B/W years:
Rank and Job:
Now located Berks, UK
Message: Linn, a great website. I am always looking for anyone who was based at Greenham Common or RAF Welford.
If you were, please visit my website; www.megspace.com/politics/greenham/index.htm

From: Ron & Kim Brokaw - kbrokaw-at-marykay.com
Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2004 10:51 PM
Subject: picture
Hello Linn,
I recently purchased the attached picture in an Antique Store in my small town. I had been in there 3 times and each time it intrigued me, so I finally bought it.
Is it possible to put it on your Bentwaters site to see if we might be able to track down the time period, what type of plane is shown and who the gentlemen (pilots?) in the photo might be? Would be so very interesting to know more history and stories regarding this photo!!
Thanks so much if you can help!
Sincerely,
Kim Brokaw

Here is that picture (click it to see larger version).
Thanks to responses already, this is confirmed as the 10-man crew of a B-24 Liberator, WWII bomber, although some are still used for fire-fighting.
As pure incidental, my boss for several years at Ford (the late John Gower) worked on Liberators in the RAF in India in WWII.
Linn Barringer

 

From: NICK BOND BAZ(a)bondn71.freeserve.co.uk
Sent: Thursday, January 01, 2004 10:24 AM
Hi,
I'm trying to find Kathy Stone or Harvey as married about 1980 before leaving Bentwaters with her son Desmond for Long beach California. She was English and we believe she worked in or even maybe ran the laundrette at the base c.1960-1980. Any help would be apprieciated.
Regards
Nick

From: Richard Behling rbehling0535(a)comcast.net
Sent: Friday, December 26, 2003 at 16:34:24
Continuing my research of 91st Fighter/Bomber Squadron (Ftr/Bmbr Sqdn)

From: Mike Humphrey mike(a)chilternimageservice.co.uk
Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2003 3:01 PM
To: linn(a)barringer.co.uk
Hi,
I am writing the history of Bovingdon airfield in Hertfordshire. In May 1960 Bovingdon had an open day. During the display a sixteen ship formation of F101 Voodoo's flew down runway 22.
I am trying to get a definitive list of those sixteen Voodoo's tail numbers and hopefully pilots names with rank at that time. The Voodoo's I understand were all with the 81st TFW.
Any information or links are most wanted. Hope you can help me.
I would love to see if any of your members also have flight log book entries for this day!!!
I look foward to hearing from you.
Best Regards
Mike Humphrey.

Incredibly, within an hour of sending an email about this enquiry, I received this reply:

From: Alf Clark [mailto:Clark(a)theateam69.fsnet.co.uk]
Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2003 7:12 PM
To: Linn(a)Barringer.co.uk
Subject: Re: Bentwaters.org update /5 - Bovingdon Airshow
Linn
I have found a list of the F-101s that took part in the Bovingdon display:
54-1451, 54-1476, 54-1480, 54-1482, 54-1483, 54-1484, 54-1485, 54-1486,
56-0004, 56-0006, 56-0007, 56-0017, 56-0026, 56-0027, 56-0029, 56-0030,
56-0035, 56-0036. The odd thing is that there are 18 aircraft in this list.
Also 56-0004 flew, probably in a solo display.
The list came from Scramble Airshows
http://home.wanadoo.nl/showreports/mil/show/showreports/boving60.htm
Regards and Happy Christmas
Alan Clark

 

Friday 10/24/2003 10:28:37am
Name James D Burris
E-Mail metoo119(a)hotmail.com
B/W years:
Rank and Job: SSgt
Now located
Message: Miss all of you!

Friday 09/19/2003 11:26:26pm
Name: Richard
E-Mail: Acarna(a)eurobell.co.uk
B/W years: Woodbridge School
Now located Anna Valley hampshire
Message: Can we have a picture of the F101 Voodoo That kept us awake on approach over the school. Enjoyed the Cadet visits to Woodbridge and Bentwaters C1954-59. Set me on a career as a technician in the RAF

10 June 2003

Seeking James Richmond Wilhite

Just looking for a photograph of James, from Richmond, California(?).
He was 20 years old when he served in the 81st at RAF Bentwaters in 1951-1952.
He came from another UK base (Shepherds Grove?) to Bentwaters. His sergeant at Bentwaters was "Violetti" and he had several sisters (including Vicky and Kitty?). He was acquainted with Martin King, AP, from his home town - King was at RAF Woodbridge and married Peggy Jacobs from Woodbridge.

Any information, but particularly a photograph of James at any age, please email me.

 

27 May 2003
Steve Krulin passed this along in case any visitors to this site could help:

Note:
Doug Gordon is a Brit, living in France. douglin(a)wanadoo.fr
Col (Ret) Lacy W. Breckenridge,lbreck(a)cox-internet.com

Bob,

My history of USAF Tac Recce continues to develop. I've just started work on a chapter on PACAF post Korea, but excluding the 15th TRS RF-86 Haymaker missions which merit a separate chapter on their own.

Could you possibly circulate this message as there are a number of things I would appreciate some input into. They are:

Accounts of routine RF-86 ops such as, for example, the tdys to Taiwan. The conversion of the 15th and 45th to the RF-84F and the routine ops in this aircraft. Some stories which illustrate the regard, or lack of it, with which the aircraft was held would be good.

The setting up in 1956 of 11 Reconnaissance Task Forces (RTF). Apparently the Operations Plan provided for day and night photo coverage of 200 targets by the eleven RTFs using 6 aircraft each. Can anyone recall anything specific to these task forces. For example, target details; exercises in support of the operations. In January 1957 Yokota played host to Warner Bros filming Sayonara with Marlon Brando. Any memories of this?

I would like some input on the classified missions flown by the RB-66Cs of the 11th TRS. As I understand the ECM capability of the 11th came on line in November 1957 when crews had been trained up and assigned to squadrons. The first classified mission was flown on the 15th November piloted by Capt JS Furneaux. A further two missions were flown in Nov and eitht in December. All were night missions and six required in flight refueling.

I get the impression that the RB-66 was troublesome; so much so that the 12th TRS In commission rates were rarely more than three and sometimes got down to one.

I would appreciate some input on Operation Mobile Zebra.

Finally I would still like to obtain photos of PACAF RF-84s 15th and 45th TRS, RF-101s and RB-66s 11th and 12th TRS.

The 45th TRS flew ex SAC RF-84Ks for a time 52-7260, 52-7262, 52-7265 and 52-7275. PLEASE has anyone photos of these aircraft? Bob, Thankyou for the help and your patience in reading this. My article on the RB-57A HeartThrob ops should be coming out soon. I'll send you a copy.

My book is long in the writing but should I hope prove a lasting memorial to all those who flew tac recce fro the end of WW2 to the end of the SE Asia war. At this time when manned tactical reconnaissance is all but finished I think it is appropriate that the achievements and the men who flew cold war recce should be celebrated. However I unashamedly admit that I need the assistance and support of the folks who were there for the project to reach fruition.

Very Best Regards,
Doug.
P.S. I'm also copying this message to Jim Milam of the B-66 Association.

<img src="../../images/USAFE.jpg" alt="USAFE" width="36" height="36"><img src="../../images/USAFE.jpg" alt="USAFE" width="36" height="36">------

Dear B-66ers,

The accompanying e-mail from Doug Gordon, who has written a draft history of TAC Recce in Europe after WW II - which many of you have seen, is to Bob Gould, editor of The Recce Reader. Doug is now collecting data on TAC Recce in PACAF, and is looking for some assistance. If you can help him, e-mail him at douglin(a)wanadoo.fr (Doug is a Brit, living in France).

Col (Ret) Lacy W. Breckenridge is also asking for our help. The following is from an e-mail he sent to Paul Duplessis. (Note: If you have not visited Paul's B-66 website - please do so. It is at www.b66.info)

"I would like very much to learn the names, addresses, e-mail addresses and phone number of the pilots (or any other crew members) of two EB-66s who flew a mission over North Vietnam on 5 October 1966 during which an F-4C piloted by Bill Andrews and Ed Garland (GIB) were shot down by a MIG 21 while they were escorting the 66s. There is conflicting combat reports that either two or four F-4Cs were flying escort. It is very inportant that I learn this information to complete research on a book I am reviewing/critiquing." Lacy Breckenridge, Lufkin, TX, USA - Friday, May 23, 2003.

You can e-mail Lacy Breckenridge at: lbreck(a)cox-internet.com

Hope you all are having a great Memorial Day and making plans to attend the
4th B-66 Reunion in Dayton, Ohio in the late summer or early fall of 2004.
More details to follow.

b/r Jim Milam

 

Saturday 19 April 2003

At BW Officers Club.

The fella on the left of the picture is Airman Carter.
The chap on the right is a Brit. Civilian.
Anyone Recognise him?

Let Chuck Wrobel know... cfwrobel(a)comcast.net

 

Robbie Robinson
Subject: Patches.
As well as being an aviation historian, I am a Patch collector.
Does any former serviceman have any spare cloth Patches or metal Badges of the 79th FTR. BMR. SQ. (1950s) and the 81st FTR. BMR. WG. (1950s) please? I will be only too pleased to purchase at your price.
The 81St Wg Patch, I believe came in two versions. One was a yellow "Dragon" on a blue shield and the other the same but with a cloud and "Bald Eagle" mounted above.
I will be extremely grateful for any possible help.
Sincerely,
Robbie Robinson

From: Walter Smith
Subject: WWII
Anyone (civillian, enlisted or officer, any branch of the services) who would have been in the Ipswich area durning WW11, or any organization having access to the above info.?
There are many books written about the bases in the area at that time but its the people element that's of interest- i.e. what was it like to be in Ipswich then; what oddities; what differences; hardships; etc. etc. ???
Mr. David Jones at the Ipswich Museum has an active project and would like to either interview people who were here at the time or if they would like, maybe he could send them a questionnare by letter or e-mail. Aanyone who fits the above description and would like to take part:
His address for letters
Mr. David Jones (WWII Project)
The Ipswich Museum
High Street
Ipswich
United Kingdom
IP1 3QJ
Or e-mail: museums.service(a)ipswich.gov.uk [please mark for attention David Jones WWII Project]
If any wants says they heard of the project via Walter Smith, Mr. Jones will understand.

Saturday 05/31/2003 10:41:48pm
Name Steven G. Gilmore
E-Mail F111ECM(a)earthlink.net
B/W years: Visited from Upper Heyford/Lakenheath
Rank and Job: TSGT-ECM Maintenance
Now located Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Message: Thanks for doing this. I was stationed in the UK for 11 1/2 years, at Upper Heyford from 79-81, and at Lakenheath from 83-92. As an ECM technician, we quite frequently made runs between the various USAF base to get either aircraft system parts or parts for the test stations we used to maintain the aircraft systems. This included Upper Heyford, Alconbury, Lakenheath, and Bentwaters/Woodbridge. Visiting the twin bases was always fun.

Saturday 05/24/2003 11:09:30am
Name Jerry Steventon
E-Mail jms(a)lightning.karoo.co.uk
B/W years: Exercises/Airshows.
Rank and Job: Junior Technician.RAF.
Now located Hull/East Yorkshire.
Message: Linn,
This site is fantastic as you well know I told you in person at the 81st reunion. Keep it going for all our sakes and keep up the great work. Very happy memories of going to the Airshows with the RAF.

Thursday 04/17/2003 9:19:04pm
Name John Hanson (guest)
E-Mail john(a)recardo76.fsnet.co.uk;
Rank and Job: Retired Police Officer West Mids UK
Now located United Kingdom.
Message: I'm a retired Police Officer who has been visiting the Rendlesham Forest area over many years, being fascinated with the various accounts of strange happenings that have taken place there, which form the foundation of a book I'm working on.
I'm particularly interested in any sightings of the infamous base ghost, "Tail end charlie" or strange phenomena either on or off the base (apart from the famous events at the end of 1980). Can anyone help please? Send info to:

Mr J Hanson,
1, Bunbury Gardens
Kingsnorton
BIRMINGHAM
West Midlands
B30 1BA
UK

By the way I have a web page devoted to Rendlesham Forest, which cn be found on http://mysite.freeserve.com/UfosoverGreatBritain/index.html
I am also willing to send any photos of the locality to those retired aircrew in the States, as a result of my freqent visits there.

 

Wednesday 02/26/2003 11:53:56pm
Name: Rob Drake
E-Mail: robdrake(a)tiscali.co.uk
Now located: Ipswich
Message: Am very interested to know if any former residents of either site has any information as to the history of the now disused rifle range at Bromeswell. Would be very grateful for any help. As I live in nearby Ipswich I would be very happy to send any pictures of the old bases to stir the memories! Many thanks.

Friday 02/21/2003 2:15:55pm
Name: Zoe
E-Mail: zoeb2001uk(a)yahoo.co.uk
Now located: Old Mission Support Centre
Message: I am working for a company currently situated in the old Mission Support Centre at Bentwaters airbase. Anyone wanting to know what the building is like now ask away! The 81st TFW carpet is still on the floor in the reception. It is such an honour to work in this building and area with so much history (and me only 28 yrs old!)

Tuesday 02/18/2003 12:54:48am
Name: Simon Birnie
E-Mail: simon(a)birnie558.freeserve.co.uk
Now located: Essex UK
Message: Hi,
I have been collecting embroidered patches from the Twin Bases. I am searching for one patch in particular: The final version of the 81st TFW Gaggle/Cookie patch, which has the 81st badge & the last four A-10 sqns.; 78th, 91st, 92nd, 510th TFSs.
Does anyone have a spare they would sell to me, or know of where I might find this patch for my collection?
All help is very much appreciated.
Thanks, Simon.

Wednesday 12/11/2002 12:05:02am 
Name: Mick Paintin 
E-Mail: mick.paintin(a)warrantgroup.co.uk  
Now located: Felixstowe. 
Message: Not US military. Just a UK civilian who used and enjoyed the facilities on Woodbridge/Bentwaters.
In particular the skeet shooting at the Rod and Gun Club. Plus, of course, the Michelobs and Millers afterwards.
This would have been from 1980's thru to closure.
Still keep in touch with friends made at that time (Peggy & Steve Lee, Bill & Linda Tucker, Leo Walters).
But have lost touch with more than I can remember, Ralph Witte, Matt Brown, Shortcut ?
So if there is anybody out-there and my name rings a bell please get in touch.

Tuesday 12/03/2002 4:20:38pm 
Name: Alex Bateman 
E-Mail: alex.bateman(a)virgin.net  
Message: I am archivist to the former Harrow County School. One of our old boys, John Moreton Butson was killed at Bentwaters in 1946, when the meteor he was flying collided with another, both pilots killed.
I have just located and contacted John's son. Does any former member of Bentwaters have any memories of this terrible accident?

Wednesday 11/27/2002 1:18:04pm 
Name: dennis reeves 
E-Mail: d.d.r(a)tesco.net  
Message: I visited RAF bentwaters when I was 11 in the days of the 81st Tactical fighter wing with F4's. Its a shame to see all these bases going to seed. 

Saturday 11/23/2002 9:44:16pm 
Name: Jonathan Sayers 
E-Mail: fencer_js(a)yahoo.com  
Rank: Civilian 
Now located: Reading, Berkshire, UK 
Message: I have just posted a series of very rare photos on my Greenham Common site of the bomb storage base of RAF Welford, Berkshire. Some date back to 1944, many were taken in 1968-1969.
I also have some of the US Delivery terminal at Barry, South Wales featured.
Find my site at: www.megspace.com/politics/greenham/index.htm

Tuesday 11/05/2002 5:13:26pm 
Name: Nick Charles 
E-Mail: HatterNick(a)aol.com  
Message: Does anyone know what happened to former Woodbridge Base Commander Col. Sam Morgan? Where is now? Thanks for your help.

Sunday 10/20/2002 9:06:54pm 
Name: Mark Allsop 
E-Mail: mail(a)21adbty-ra.org  
Message: A great site, shame you cannot keep it going. All the best, webmaster for 21 Air Defence Battery RA (British) www.21adbty-ra.org

Sunday 10/20/2002 3:03:31pm 
Name: Simon Birnie 
E-Mail: simon(a)birnie558.freeeserve.co.uk  
Message: Twin Bases Enthusiast.
Fascinated with the history & the aircraft of RAF Woodbridge & RAF Bentwaters. 
I am collecting patches of all units to have served at the bases & would love to hear about how the designs for each patch were chosen.
I am still seeking Twin Bases patches so i would be very interested to hear of any that are available. Please e-mail me if you know the whereabouts of any. Thanks.

Monday 09/23/2002 4:24:59pm 
Name: Andy Leitch 
E-Mail: andy(a)avrovulcan.org.uk  
Message: I receive photos of Avro Vulcans for Web site Vulcans in Camera www.avrovulcan.org.uk 
I have received a photo of Vulcan Mk1 XH457 circa 1961. There is a line of what appear to be F101s to the left and the background is heavily wooded. Could location be WB or BW? See:
http://www.avrovulcan.org.uk/crown_copyright/htm/475_uk.htm  
Thanks a lot -- Great site
Andy Leitch 

Friday 09/13/2002 5:43:59pm 
Name: tarkey barker 
E-Mail: tarkey(a)hotmail.com  
B/W yrs: n/a 
Now located: Ipswich
Message: i am trying to match up the colour of the pinks of the uniform. can anyone help with a colour foto please. I think this site is fabulous and that Linn Baringer is doing a great job. Well done.

Thursday 09/05/2002 4:51:25pm 
Name: Robbie Robinson 
E-Mail: rm.jm(a)ntlworld.com  
Rank: Ex-RAF serviceman. Sgt. 
Now located: Houghton,Cambridgeshire,England. 
Message: I was based at Shepherd,s Grove 1959-1960.
I am trying to locate a LYNN S.CHARLES
who was a Crew Chief with the USAFE.
He served with the 512FIS in 1956 and moved to Sembach,Germany ,with the Squadron.
Later he returned to Bentwaters and served with the 91st TFS from 1961-1964.
I will be very grateful for any help in locating LYNN.
Yours sincerely,
Robbie Robinson.

Monday 08/05/2002 0:58:33am 
Name: Barry Dickieson 
E-Mail: dickiesb(a)cadvision.com  
Now located: Canada 
Message: We have recently completed a website honouring the memory of Flight Sergeant Harry Hansell RCAF, an air gunner who died along side RAF boys in a Halifax bomber over Germany in 1943. His very personal story was in many ways typical of hundreds of Canadian boys, yet his father the Honorable Ernest G. Hansell M.P. was able to determine many details of his war service that often were never known by families who lost sons or husbands under similar circumstances. HARRY'S STORY can be read at http://www.my.intergate.ca/bhansell/ 

Monday 07/22/2002 0:34:16am 
Name: Matty 
E-Mail: Enrique_Wilson(a)hotmail.com  
Message: I'm not an airman im only 16 but the two bases have interested me for a long time, the site provides lots of info. I am hoping to make a visit with some friends, but can u only view the bentwaters airfield from the outside or can u get on it?
Keep up the good work the bases have an excellent history with characters and should not be forgotten !!
Matty 

Tuesday 05/21/2002 5:14:39am 
Name: Jim & Maureen (Jarrett) Tansey 
E-Mail: tanseyj(a)theriver.com  
City/Country: Sierra Vista, Arizona 
Message: Like to think that our pages and Linn's cover all areas of the Twin Bases. Visit us at http://www.geocities.com/rafbentwaters/anew1.htm
We have thousands of names and postings with e-mails of persons associated with the Twin Bases and more. Also pic's and other information. Cheers.

 

From: Graham Haynes
Subject: 2nd Bentwaters/Woodbridge CD

At this stage I don't know whether it will be a 'Part 2' or a revised version of the first one. This will all depend on what additional info/photos I can obtain.
This is a request for information, photos, suggestions for subject matter etc.
Two I have added so far are the 1969 Tiger Meet at Woodbridge and last year's 81st FWA reunion. I intend to increase the Woodbridge coverage on this CD to bring it up to the same level as that of Bentwaters.
Any information, photos, suggestion, by email please to ghaynes(a)netlineuk.net

Steve Pena an6530(a)aol.com November 20, 2001
Woodbridge
Would like to hear from anyone that remembers the 1958 Bedford S type firetruck 'Old Red' that was stationed at Woodbridge. My reason for the request is that I am just about to purchase it!

August 13, 2001
John Sertic jsertic(a)optonline.net
Bentwaters
I had a good friend at Bentwaters and he also married a British girl name Maureen. They eventually came back to the US and he became an Air Traffic Controller. Maureen was never happy here and when the controller's went on strike in 1981
they never got their jobs back, so they went back to live in Ipswich. I have tried several times when I was there to find him, but was usually busy with my in-laws.
Anyway their names are Gary and Maureen Ayers not sure of the last name spelling. They originally stayed with her sister Peggy Collins 74 Suffolk Rd Ipswich.
Not sure if Peggy Collins was married. Gary and Maureen had a son, Mark Ayers, who was about 10 years old when they moved back. He must be close to 30 years old now.
I saw Gary the last time about 1980 in Denver Colorado where he was working. Next thing I know he is calling me at work, saying he is at JFK airport heading back to England.
Gary was discharged from the service in England. He lived there perhaps 2-3 years, but could not getting working papers this was around 1967 to 1970. He could only do odd jobs and they lived in a flat in Ipswich.  I visited him numerous times and convinced him there was jobs in the states for Air Traffic Controllers, which paid great. Then Came the strike. 

Gordon C Rogers 
grogers(a)execpc.com
Tuesday, May 29, 2001
I am looking for Tinna (or Tina) Lucas, daughter of Sylvia Lucas.Tinna was born around 1955 in Ipswich, Married a G.I some time around 1970's. May have moved back to Ipswich. I was station at Bentwaters from Aug. 56 to Nov. 58. 81st air base sqdn, A.I.O
Any one that remembers me is welcome to email me.
Gordon C Rogers. grogers(a)execpc.com 

 

Dan McKenzie dan.mckenzie(a)bigfoot.com 
11 March 2001 11:34
RAF Bentwaters
Linn,
I would like to find out more about the Bentwaters site.
Dan McKenzie
Peterborough, UK.

Anyone who would like to add to Dan's knowledge of Bentwaters, please feel free to email him. Probably a good idea to look at his web site first: http://fp.coldwar.f9.co.uk 

 

From: Roy Allen aldringhamhouse-at-aol.com
Sent: Monday, February 19

Subject: Aldringham House

Dear Linn,
As a Brit, I have found your sites fascinating and especially the "rememberances" section, where I was surprised to find that so many serving airman enjoyed their time over here-despite the weather. No change there!

If any visitors to your site, apart from my new friend Chuck Dalldorf, lived at Aldringham House near Aldeburgh at any stage I would be most grateful if they could contact me at aldringhamhouse-at-aol.com as I am trying to compile a complete history of the place. Dates, location of apartment, any memories or, best of all, pictorial evidence would be marvellous.
Thanks for your help so far.
Regards Roy Allen

 

From: Pat & Malcolm Thomson patmalx(a)earthlink.net 
Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2001 1:44 AM
Subject: Looking for PC Stone

Linn hello from Florida. My name is Malcolm Thomson and I was stationed at both Bentwaters an Woodbridge. I was assigned as an AP first at B/W for four months and then at W/B for twenty one months. I got to the UK on 3 Feb. 62 and departed in Mar 64. I can not tell you how much fun I had over there.

My parents were both from Aberdeen Scotland and I felt at home in Suffolk. When at B/W the local PC was named Scott an older man but very friendly. He could always be counted on for a good story about the old days. I then was transferred to Woodbridge and I was introduced to PC Stone. In less than two years that I knew him I found him to be one of the finest officers I ever knew.

I got into a bit of trouble in an auto accident that I had (thank god no one was hurt). PC Stone handled it in such a manner, that I will always remember him.

After leaving the AF, I returned to NYC and became a Police Officer. I retired in 1988 an I would like to thank PC Stone for giving me a sense of fairness. I hope by now he has retired, and is living the good life. PC Stone lived not to far from Woodbridge at the time. If you locate him an give him this message I would be forever grateful.

Name: W. John Soppet
Email: j.soppet(a)auckland.ac.nz
Base: RAF Bentwaters
Rank: Flight Sergeant, Avionic Technician, Royal New Zealand Airforce
Address: 114 Taikata Rd, Te Atatu Peninsula, Waitakere City, Auckland, New Zealand

I am researching the history of a NZ Spitfire pilot with RAF 126 Squadron in Dec 1944 at Bentwaters. Later that month he flew Mustangs.

 

 

From: Melanie Powell
Sent: 05 February 2000 19:43

I am trying to set up a support group for people in the East Anglia area who like me had G.I. Dads.

I'm a member of a organization called TRACE set up years ago by a lady called Pamela Winfield - her father was a wartime G.I.  I found information about my Dad with the help of Pamela a few years ago. My father had died 2 years before I started my search but I found 2 brothers 2 sisters and lots of family in California.  We all have a close relationship; I've been to U.S.A. 3 times.

I've been very lucky and I'd like to support people who are in this area, maybe have some meetings and swap stories and exchange ideas.  I hope to set up my own web page sometime soon anyway I live in Ipswich.

email melanie.p(a)ntlworld.com 

 

From: Sonnyspat(a)aol.com
Sent: 07 January 2000 00:21

I was born in Woodbridge, my former name was Patricia Barker. I went to School in Woodbridge on New Street until I was 11, from there I went to Mills Grammar School, in Framlingham. I left that school in 1956.

When I left school, I went to work for Woodbridge Urban District Council, they were then near the Post Office at the Cross Corner, and from there I went to work for the USAF at Bentwaters. I married a G.I. who was stationed at Woodbridge in 1959, my 2 oldest children were born in Bentwaters in 1960 and 1961. My youngest daughter was born in Michigan in 1962, when I came to America.

I have been fortunate to have been in many parts of the US and I also had the opportunity to live in Germany and Iceland. When my husband retired we settled in Queensbury, New York, we are about 60 miles away from Lake Placid, 165 miles from Montreal, about 165 miles north of New York City, and 200 miles west of Boston. I live near Lake George, a wonderful lake, so clear that people living around it still get their drinking water from it.

My husband is no longer here. My children are scattered. My oldest daughter lives in Spartanburg, South Carolina, my youngest daughter lives north of Burlington, Vermont. My son lives about 2 miles from me. I have 6 grandchildren, ages ranging from 7 to 21 years of age. My brother's name in Alan Barker, he lives on Lime Kiln Quay Road, by Elmhurst Park. My grandparents lived on Bredfield Street for many years until they moved to New Street.

I have one friend who lives in Pennsylvania who was also born in Woodbridge, I talk to her once in a while on the phone, but she doesn't go on the net.

Pat

 

ARMY SEARCH
This is not Bentwaters/Woodbridge, or even Air Force but with this name, I could hardly refuse, could I?

From: Don Soria wally1(a)home.com
Sent: 13 November 1999 18:44
Subject: The Search for Christofer Barringer

I was in the 101st Airborne Div. and jumped into Normandy on D-Day. I was promptly captured and spent the rest of the war in German POW camps. It was at Stalag 4B near Muhlberg on the Elbe River where I met Chris. He was a Warrant officer in the RAF and was shot down and captured. We became "muck mates" sharing food and providing mutual support. In January I was transferred to an American NCO camp Stalag 3B near Furstenburg on the Oder.

My last contact with him was in December 1945 and he gave the address for answer as:

C.L. Barringer
c/o Lady Latham
Chiltern Court
Baker Street
London West

The address on the letterhead was:
30,Sunny Gardens Rd.
Hendon
London, NW 4

I have posted a note on the Royal British Legions search board, but have had no responses.  Anything you could do, or any ideas you may have will be appreciated.
Chris would be about 80 years old now and of course there is a good possibility he is no longer living. If so I would like to contact his descendants to thank them for his loyalty and help.

Dan Soria
Command Sergeant Major ( Ret.)
U.S. Army

 

REMEMBER A CRASHED VOODOO?

Trying to piece together as much info as I can about my Father's plane crash August 14, 1959 when I was a year old.
My dad was first Lieutenant Sterling H Lee.
He crashed a Voodoo 101 at Wooodbridge, though he was stationed at Bentwaters.

If you recollect anything please e-mail me at dsurflee101(a)yahoo.com 

David Lee
Garden Grove, California

 

Text version to help Search Engines:
Wanted - Jerry Slater, alive and well. Bentwaters 1962-65
81st FMS Aircraft Electrical Shop.
Believed to operate from the State of Ohio.
Contact

ronburrell(a)comcast.net
 

 

 

GREENHAM COMMON 1941-1992

Jonathan Sayers fencer_js(a)yahoo.com

Point your browser at
www.megspace.com/politics/greenham/index.htm    

ANGLIA CONTROL(WATTISHAM)

From: William T. (Bill) Croghan wcroghan(a)FAA.gov
Sent: 01 October 1999 20:54
Base: Anglia Control

Hi all, I just found about about this web site. Delighted that it exists. I hope this message finds ALL of you in good health and spirit.

Nice to see the photos that are shown... it just so happens that I have some of them, too... and more, including newpaper articles about Anglia Contol from the Stars and Stripes!

I'd sure would like to have a listing of the people that were at Anglia Control during my stay. Even though some of my photos are marked with people's names, a list could probably help identify some others.

Since I am only semi-computer literate, I'm going to fire this off into cyber-space and see if anything comes back. Until then, stay well...

Bill
Route 2, Box 416
Harpers Ferry
West Virginia
25425

 

Mark Hitch
mark.hitch(a)virgin.net July 1998

ALL OF YOU !

I live on the old Domestic site at RAF Woodbridge

I’m a military helicopter pilot flying out of Wattisham.

I find everything to do with the old base extremely fascinating

As I fly along the runway I cannot sometimes help letting my mind wander as I feel like I’m taxi-ing my A10A prior to a mission. I would like to know more about what life was like here as an American airman, at work and at play, family life to Sqdn life.

Do you know any old airman from the base who is on the internet who wouldn't mind ‘pulling up a sandbag’ and telling me about any experiences gained here.

 

ANYONE !

I'm interested to hear from anyone who was stationed at Woodbridge or Bentwaters during the 1980 Rendlesham forest incident.
Please e-mail me.
Georgina Bruni
georgina(a)easynet.co.uk June 1998

Note: In November 2000, Georgina published her book "You can't tell the people" published by Sidgwick & Jackson, ISBN 0-283-06358-0 - buy it here.

 

 

YES IT'S ME. I DIDN'T KNOW THE WEBSITE EXISTED UNTIL MSGT BRADLEY MOORE WHO WAS A TSGT AT THE TIME IN VEHICLE MAINTENANCE TOLD ME ABOUT IT. HE IS AT MILDENHALL VEHICLE MAINTENANCE. THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE AT LAKENHEATH AND MILDENHALL FROM BENTWATERS, I GAVE SOME OF THEM THE WEBSITE ADDRESS.

I WILL GET TOGETHER A LIST OF NAMES AND SEND THEM TO YOU. WHAT HAVE YOU ALL BEEN DOING SINCE THE CLOSURE OF THE "BEST" BASE IN ENGLAND? AFTER WE CLOSED BENTWATERS I WENT TO THE COMMISSARY WAREHOUSE AT LAKENHEATH, THEN MILDENHALL SUPPLY, FROM THERE TO TMO AT LAKENHEATH, CLOSING NOCTON HALL, FROM THERE TO HOUSING AT MILDENHALL AND FINALLY IN JUL 95 I GOT TO VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AT LAKENHEATH AND HAVE BEEN THERE SINCE. I STILL LIVE IN IPSWICH, THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT DRIVE FROM LEISTON, WOODBRIDGE (JIMMY SPEAS) AND FELIXSTOWE.

MY WIFE IS FROM IPSWICH, WE WERE MARRIED IN 1983 AND HAVE TWO SONS. I CAME HERE IN 1980 AND WAS AT BENTWATERS UNTIL THE LAST DAY. IT WAS REALLY SAD TO LEAVE THE BASE KNOWING THAT IT WOULD BE FOR THE LAST TIME. I GO BY THERE WHEN I GO TO CAULDFIELDS GARAGE IN TUNSTALL FOR AN MOT. SOME THINGS DON'T CHANGE.

THIS IS ABOUT IT FOR NOW, I WILL SEND YOU A PHOTO OF ME AND THE FAMILY TO PUT ON THE SITE. TAKE IT EASY AND LET'S FIND MORE PEOPLE FROM "THE CREEK."

ESKER BOBO
14 March 1999

 

Hi Everyone who used to live in or around Bentwaters/Woodbridge. We have just found your site due to a phone call from one of our daughter, Lisa's, classmates at Woodbridge High School trying to gather people for the '99 Reunion.

How fun it is to see names, faces and locations that bring back such fun memories of the three years we lived in the UK.

We are Paul and Nancy Garni, and I worked with Bob Coltrin, Sally Bental, Rita Jolly, Everett Watts, Ann (nee) Barber, and Lief Peterson at the Civilian Personnel Office on Bentwaters from the end of May '76 until May '79. We have two children, Joe and Lisa, who attended school at Woodbridge and are both now married (Joe ~ 36 years old and Lisa ~ 34). We lived in Saxmundham for the first 16 months and then got base housing on Bentwaters, living just down the street from the Chapel.

We returned to Albuquerque, NM and I worked at Kirtland AFB until my retirement in '96, now living the "good life" playing golf and awaiting our first grandchild within the next few weeks. Nancy went to work at Kirtland and retired in '93.

Thanks for a walk down memory lane.

Paul Garni