GLORY DAYS
I loved my time in Suffolk and miss it terribly.
I try and visit every other year. I am a devout Ipswich Town Football
Club supporter and was lucky to be there during the glorious days!
Cheers again to you Linn for keeping the spirit alive. After all,
those of us who were at RAF Bentwaters and Woodbridge did help
to win the cold war!
Best Wishes
Chuck Dalldorf
I also have memories about The Green Man Pub - you have some photos of the Green Man’s Gun Club Room. The pub was a Tolly Cobbold pub, run by Reggie and Monica (Harper?). Very lovely people. I lived in Tunstall in Corner Cottage just down the road from the church. While I was in glorious Suffolk, Reg and Monica had a wonderful dog named Fred. Fred was a very mellow, excellent pub dog. No matter where he might be in the building, if someone ordered a sausage roll, Fred would materialize out of nowhere to humbly be around in case there was something left over for him.
I saw Monica and Fred out frequently on their walks through the Tunstall Forest and the many public footpaths in and around Tunstall. Fred died during one of their long walks in 1980 and it was a very sad sight to see Monica carrying Fred back to the pub.
Reg always had a wonderful toast whenever you would
buy him a drink. He’d toast his glass, raise his eyes to
the sky and say, "May the Lord make us truly thankful!"
Reg also had coins from throughout the world set into the bar
in the gun club room. He had several Officer and NCO club chits
from Vietnam. I gave him a New York City subway token for the
bar as well.
Cheers:
Chuck Dalldorf (81st
FMS RAF Bentwaters/RAF Woodbridge 1977-81)
FOOTBALL
Hi, although I was never stationed at RAF Bentwaters (was assigned
at RAF Upper Heyford 90-92), I never will forget going to see
a football game at Bentwaters. I was so amazed with the million
dollar plus club and rec center, and other new facilities including
housing! Will be PCSing to the UK again this Summer (RAF Mildenhall)
and must go and see what has become of RAF Bentwaters and my former
base RAF Upper Heyford.
Darryl Richardson
LOST STRIPE
I remember...The coach of the 62/63 Baseball team was "Knobby"
Walsh. Two of my Flight Commanders were, Sgt. Abrahamson and Sgt
Grey. I also have a fond recollection of a Lt. Moody (supply,
I believe) who was dating the same girl from Ipswich I was. Her
name was Margaret Smith and I was desperately in love with her.
When I found out Lt Moody was dating her I was beside myself and
thats where some great stories come in.
I also remember TSgt John Carter who I am sorry to hear has passed
away. He took a stripe from me but as I recall I deserved to lose
it.
Thanks,
Joseph Vialonga (I lived
in NJ at the time, now in Cape Cod Mass.)
THE CAKE SHOP
Really enjoyed the ‘Virtual Stroll’ up the Thoroughfare.
Especially the shot of the Cake Shop. I used to put on 5 pounds
(weight) just walking by there on a Sunday morning!!
In the meantime, here is a picture
of the bride and groom. Kris and Rob met while we were stationed
at RAF Bentwaters. They both attended RAF Woodbridge High School
and dated while there. After we returned to the States, they met
up again when she enrolled at Florida State University. They began
dating again and finally were engaged in Dec 1996, with the wedding
to be after her graduation. He graduated in the summer of 97 and
went into the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. She graduated in Dec 97
and they were married on Valentines Day 1998. They are now happily
married and settling down in there home in Oak Grove, Kentucky
where he is stationed at Fort Campbell Army Post.
Bob & Linda Norway
Great site on Bentwaters and Woodbridge.
Fond memories
of Mr. Karol, Asst Manager of the NCO Club who was Polish, Stan
and Glady’s - bartender and waitress at the Officers Club
and also I distinctly remember a German man who was the NAF Financial
Officer (first name Wilfred?). German POW, stayed in the UK after
the end of the war.
We lived in Felixstowe then Snape on Sailors
Path in a duplex in the middle of a wheat field on Black Heath
Estate.
We have been back to England but not East Anglia.
Next
trip will be the pilgrimage to Bentwaters, a very fond place in
our hearts.
Mike Miller
HALT, YOU'RE UNDER ARREST
My two oldest daughters were arrested by a Col. Charles Halt
of the UFO Rendlesham Incident fame (Dec 1980). They too departed
the base near the Officers Housing Area on Bentwaters. Pam and
I had to go to the Security Police desk and gain their release.
Where was Ray Young when I needed him? He was five years too late.
Cheers
Ron and Pam Burrell
BICYCLE SIGHTSEEING
Thanks for you efforts. My father was stationed at Woodbridge from 1955-1958, while I was 7-10 years old. I too have fond memories of the area, as a great place to play and go sightseeing on my bicycle.
We lived in Thorpeness and Aldeburgh while they were building the housing at Woodbridge. I stumbled on the East Anglia USAF page by checking out searches to my family name, where I found my sister trying to locate her old school friends!
I have been to London many times in the past few years, but have
never had the chance to go see the old places. Thanks for the
memories.
Robert Klueh
USED CAR ADS
Great pics. The BX at Woodbridge base really brings back memories.
When we first arrived at Woodbridge, I would go down to the BX
every day to buy a snack and check out the used car ads. Not that
I could afford a car, but hey I was sixteen, I had to at least
look (it's US law doncha know :)
I just added a message board to my Woodbridge High School stuff.
Check it out at http://www.io.com/~nelson
Cheers,
Nelson Bishop
MR GROVER - FAVORITE TEACHER
I was never in the US Air Force in England. My father was. I was a dependant. I first arrived in January of 1986. I had just turned 15. Through the years I was there I lived in Felixstowe at Undercliff Road (Jan 86 - Feb 87) and 28 Lansdowne Road (Feb 87 - Oct 88)
(HELLO! SGT. ALLAN. DIRKSEN HERE. HOW ARE ROBERT AND JASON).
After this we finally got base housing at RAF Woodbridge (Oct 88 - Mar 90).
I graduated from Woodbridge High School in June of 1989. By the way, if any other WHS students are reading this, Mr Grover died of a heart attack in '93. He was my favorite teacher too. Anyway, I went back to England in June of 97 and boy had the bases changed. The only thing that hasn't been fenced off is the base housing. Everything else is behind a barbed wire fence. Those bases have a lot of memories for me. It was a shame to see them in that condition. But on the other side of the coin RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall looked good. They'll never close those bases.
After high school I worked at the BX in the warehouse for a few months. I then joined the Air Force. About 15 months after joining I got in to a car accident and was put on TDRL which gave me the chance to go back to England for a couple of years (Dec 91 - Oct 93). It was during this time that I saw the base go from fully alive to utterly dead. All of the buildings were empty. The Air Force was just completing its desertion. It was like a ghost town. It had an eerie feel to it. Like walking through the Twilight Zone.
My name is Dirksen Kelley. If anybody knows me, please drop me
a line.
My e-mail is: dirksen_kel(a)hotmail.com
FEEDING THE FISH
...is the hatchery for fish still nearby ?? I remember feeding
the fish...
Boing Funston
FELIXSTOWE
Just thought that we would drop a line. Got your Site from Bob
and Linda Norway. We were stationed down at Felixstowe from 1988
until 1992. One of the nicest things that happened while we were
there was our son meeting Bob and Linda's daughter. They are to
be married Feb 14 1998. We will always have memories of East Anglia
where we army types were their yanks.
Cheers,
Bob and Clara Hicks
TEA WITH PRINCE CHARLES
I lived on Woodbridge AFB between the years 1977 & 1980.
My father was commander of the 67ARRS Col. Charles M. Teed. He
even had tea with your Prince Charles. My father is now retired
and lives with my mother (Mary Belle Teed) in Roseville Ca. I
was a young boy during those years. Age 7 to 10 to be specific.
Those were the best years of my life, many fine memories. The
British were wonderful people. Many of my friends lived off base,
giving me ample time to play in the countryside.
Chad Teed
F100s
I was stationed at Woodbridge from 1963 to 1965. Still have fond
memories. I was with the 79th TAC fighter squadron that was flying
F100's then.
Charlie Reed
COLONEL HALT
My father was stationed at Bentwaters from 1978 - 1984. I went to, and graduated from, Woodbridge American High School. During that time, we lived in Marlesford, Framlingham, and on Woodbridge base.
We were living on the base during the famous (or infamous) UFO incidents in 1980. I remember Lieutenant Colonel Halt, the Deputy Base Commander, very well. In fact, my mother was his secretary.
... I would like very much to return to Britain and see how much has changed since I was last there....
Cheers
Chuck Ross
TUNETWISTERS AT THE SHIP, BLAXHALL
I was stationed at Bentwaters from 1971 to 1974, and have nothing
but good memories of the area. I played in a band called the Tunetwisters
for a couple of years. I also played on Friday nights at a pub
called the Ship, near Bentwaters, I'd like to say in Blaxaul (sp?)
but the memory fades. (close enough, Clyde,
it's Blaxhall)
Clyde Clevenger, Scio, Oregon
AFFECTION
I remember my time in East Anglia with great affection and the
people I met there are special in my memories of that era
John Fodor
DESIGN AND BUILD
Although I have lived in Texas since 1980, I was formerly the
UK architectural assistant to the 81st FBW Base Engineer and was
responsible under Captain Bisher, Major Maney, Captain Bill Jeans
and others for the design and building of many early base structures,
including the "new" control tower, the flight line fire
station, the library, etc.
If I can help with remembering any details from the 1953-1960
period that might be of value, please e-mail me at subsea(a)ix.netcom.com or fax me at (512) 345-1423 (USA).
Derrick Booth
LAGER, CHEDDAR, DARTS, FOOTBALL, WOMEN
I worked on those bases in the seventies. Living and working
in the Suffolk area will never be forgotten. You have a great
country and a great people.
Somehow my fellow Americans were able to get accommodations in
the most unlikely of places. Most however had one thing in common
they got to love, your lager, your English cheddar, Darts, football
and of course your women many of whom are now here raising little
Americans, which are now growing up and visiting East Anglia on
there own.
I looked over your list and saw a few names that I remembered.
I could give you dozens more and the outfit they served with.
I and others would like to be able to find each other and any
help you can give I know would be appreciated.
My screen name is as close as I could get to my second home town.
Sincerely
"Felixtoe"
LITTLE BLOKE
There are many fond remembrance of Woodbridge. It has always
had a special place in our hearts. We shall never forget England.
My youngest son, Tony (Anthony) was born there. We, actually just
me, tease him that he is our little "bloke". He always
gets a smile on his face when we do that. He was too young to
remember England and Woodbridge but he has always had a desire
to travel there. I hope that he will do that. Maybe he would be
willing to take his mother and father along with his family.
God Bless!
Frank Rebnord
DAUGHTER'S BIRTH
I was stationed at RAF Woodbridge from 1970-72 as a Captain (O-3)
in the 78th Tactical Fighter Squadron flying the F-4 Phantom II.
(Our daughter was born at RAF Lakenheath in 1971.)
We initially lived in Hilly Fields in Woodbridge, then on Colchester
Road in Ipswich before being posted to Aviano, Italy. In addition
to our daughter's birth, we have many fond memories of East Anglia
and the UK.
Jim D. Adams
Hopkinsville, KY
THE EARLY 60s
We just returned from two weeks in England of which four nights
were spent in Woodbridge. I wish I had found this page before
our visit. I was stationed at RAF Bentwaters, RAF Woodbridge,
and Martlesham Heath in the early 1960s. I enjoyed my stay very
much and have been back twice. We stayed on the "Barge"
in Melton. It was great ! I saw more sunshine in those two weeks
than I did in the three years I was stationed there. We were visiting
Janet and Bill Hamilton in Woodbridge and also saw a lot of Suffolk.
Joel and Jane Becton
BEST 8 YEARS OF MY LIFE
I retired in 1992. Was assigned to Bent / Wood 81st Civil Engineering Squadron from 1984 to retirement date. Primary job was Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Chief at Woodbridge.
Lived in Felixstowe on Landsdown Road. Have returned there twice since 92 to visit friends. Was last there in June 1997. An old friend obtained authorization for me to get on the Bentwaters Base and take some pictures. Very strange being on the main site and hearing silence. The ghosts of airmen past where everywhere.
To you and all the wonderful people of Suffolk a hearty thanks for the best 8 years of my life. Some day my wife and I will return to stay. I hope to organize a reunion in 2002 for 81 CES Fire Protection.
A couple we keep in touch with is Tony and Bridgette Lay of Loe
Road in Felixstowe. Great friends who provided us with opportunity
to be part of the community. At one point I was the Group Scout
Leader for the 1st Felixstowe Sea Scouts.
John and Lynette Allan
(MSgt - USAF Retired)
FROZE MY BUTT OFF
Hi! My name is Lori E. Rehfeldt. I was stationed at RAF Bentwaters from 1978-1980. I froze my butt off on the main gate. Someone said your last base is the best base, and where you are going is even better. RAF Bentwaters was my first assignment. I was assigned to the 81st SPS, B flight.
I made some great friends in the dorm. Some, I still keep in touch with...Katy Mathews and Erin Shelley. I did hear from Gary Schuman, and ran into others along the way. I just finished reading LEFT AT EAST GATE by Larry Warren and related to a lot it. I was there!! I want to go back--to visit--do a pilgrimage. RAF Bentwaters was my Vietnam. I know other cops will completely understand.
Whatever became of xxxxxxx or xxxxxxxx. I don't miss them. I
resent the way they treated those under their command. I saw one
too many good guys go SNAP because they got tired of the b.s...I'd
love to talk to others to cope over that time period. I still
have nightmares. And, God I respect any cop who stands near the
gate in the middle of the night.
Lori
HITCHING TO EDINBURGH
Meaning no disrespect to those who served in combat, Bentwaters was my Vietnam as well. I was a security police augmentee (Augie Doggie), issued flak vest, helmet and M-16 and ordered to guard the base against the Communist hordes expected at any moment. Needless to say, the hordes never materialized. But I and my fellow airmen were part of the force that eventually won the cold war, and I am finally now proud to say that.
FOND Memories: Hitching to Edinborough [sic] one long weekend,
biking to the coast, riding the back road between Bentwaters and
Woodbridge to deliver supplies (81 Supply Sq., Bench Stock) in
a Dodge pickup barely narrower than the roadway, a MASH-style
football game on the Woodbridge field between Supply and the Fire
Squadron (full tackle, 11 on 11, with no pads or helmets), ultimate
Frisbee and tackle football games on the lawn of the dorm, midnight
chow.
NOT-so-fond memories: Rained once a day, every day, from the day
I arrived (1/12/78) until the first week of May, and a depressing
percentage of the days for the remainder of my 2 year stint.
THOROUGHFARE
I lived in Woodbridge in 1988 While stationed at BW/WB. I rented
the large white house on Thoroughfare, with the phone box on the
corner directly across from the Council building. It was nice
to find these pages
Paul Topolosky
AT HOME IN SUFFOLK
I have extremely fond memories of the Woodbridge, Suffolk area.
I was very young and a very long way from my home. Everyone I
met made me feel at home in Suffolk. I think of your area as my
second home because of those feelings all those years ago.
The rural nature of your area reminded me so much of my home in
East Tennessee.
Bill Brown
BEST FRIENDS
Some of my very best friends are those I made while in England (beg. 1985). There are many people I would like to get in touch with again, both Americans stationed at the bases Bentwaters/Woodbridge as well as some of my wonderful British neighbors.
Thank you so much for the trip down memory lane! I am feeling so nostalgic after looking through the Suffolk areas, I can't wait until morning so I can show my son these wonderful sights. He was born at RAF Lakenheath...
Although I was a military spouse, I taught pre-school at Woodbridge,
and made some wonderful friends. I hope through your service,
perhaps we can once again get in touch.
Victoria
If you want to contact these memory weavers,
many of them also have entries on the US/UK
Search pages.