Sent: Saturday, December 22, 2007
From: Michael B. Combs
Email: mcombs#at#pacific.net]
Subject: Memories of Bentwaters and Woodbridge

Linn
These are links to stories I've written about my times at Bentwaters/Woodbridge 1970-1975.

On our way to RAF Bentwaters, January 1970

Living in the Coach and Horses, Melton, January 1970

Living with Dilly Dog in Saxmundham, then Woodbridge, 1970-1975

Travelling with a water bed - Woodbridge base housing, 1974

I hope you will be able to post these links on your Twin Bases website.
I would really enjoy the opportunity to share my memories with others.

Mike Combs
Budget Officer
81st Combat Support Group
81st Tactical Fighter Wing
1970-1975

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Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 4:02 AM
From: Walter Haller
Email: WalterH#at#aol.com
Subject: New videos of the Twin Bases posted on Youtube

Greetings Linn from sunny and warm Florida... While I was recently doing the annual search for my Christmas decorations I came across an old PAL video tape that I recorded with some Anglia TV programs, about the Twin Base's deactivation. I thought fellow twin baser's would find them interesting, so I posted them on YouTube.com, to add to my few already there. Hope you have a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year....Walter Haller, TSgt USAF, Retired

PS; Enjoy receiving your updates on holiday properties for rent, maybe some summer, I'll escape the wicked heat here in Florida, for a cool summer in Suffolk, Thanks.

"50 Years of Freedom" the last Air Show at RAF Bentwaters, Sept. 1992
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14_ZtIuvOj0

1992 Anglia TV report on the upcoming departure of USAF personnel and aircraft from the twin bases of RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Yr37DyVQiM

Col. Roger Radcliff's departure from RAF Bentwaters 1992, from Anglia TV
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uno9sg76Ao

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From: Mike Van Ryn
Email: mgvanryn#at#verizon.net]
Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2007 12:51 AM

Hello Linn,
I was wondering if you could post this picture [see below] from the 81s CRS ECM Pod Shop circa 1987.
I won't tell you were I am in this picture (top row, third from right).
The second picture is of a mural on the wall the RHAW Shop.
Anyway, I know there are several ECM folks that visit the website and they would get a kick out of seeing this.
I must give credit to Jon Harshaw for sending these to me.
Thanks!
Cheers,
Mike

 

(Click on these images to see larger versions)

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From: Jim Cowper
Email: cowperj#at#hawaii.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2007

Linn,
I was with the first contingent to arrive in the UK (Suffolk) on Aug 28, 1951,so we weren't invited to that reunion, We did a good enough job to get three guys promoted to General Officers. Attached [see below] is a copy of a picture of the old timers from the 81FIW 1947-1954 . I was a Corporal when I was assigned to the 91st Ftr Sq.
Jim Cowper.

(Click on the image to see larger versions)

 

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From: Ed Keeney
Email: keeneagle#at#verizon.net
Sent: 26 November 2007
To: Linn Barringer
Subject: 81st SPS Picnic pictures

Linn,
I found some pictures taken during a squadron picnic on RAF Bentwaters. I was a Flight Chief on Woodbridge and also worked in Plans and Programs on Bentwaters. The pictures have a developed date of Oct 1980 but unfortunately, I don't have a date when they were taken or other names for the pictures. I was stationed there between 1977-1980. I made MSgt before I left, but I believe I was still a TSgt in these. Hope you can get these posted and get some names.

(Click on these images to see larger versions)

81st SPS squadron picnic, some time in the 1977-1980 time-frame

  

Ed Keeney, SMSgt, USAF (Ret)
AF Air/Security Police
Life Member -- AFSPA - VFW - NRA

1830 Artemis Ridge
West Richland, WA 99353

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From: LARRYDJACOBSSR#at#aol.com
Sent: 12 November 2007 22:23

Subject: RAF Bentwaters Phantoms 1967 Football Schedule

Here's a copy of the program for the game between the "RAF Bentwaters Phantoms" and the "RAF Wethersfield Raiders", 30 September 1967, played at RAF Bentwaters. Look at the roster and you'll find our own Hardy B. Jones, # 63

Jake

 

 

 

 

From: LARRYDJACOBSSR#at#aol.com
Sent: Monday, November 05, 2007 5:53 PM

Subject: Bentwaters map and Ipswich YMCA Brochure and

Here's a few items for your reminiscence

Jake

Click on the images above, to see larger versions

 

 

From: sidcranston#at#yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, June 23, 2007 5:38 AM

Linn,
Thanks for this info. I was not flimiliar with Gen. Olds, but this story, and the subsequent 'visit' to the obituaries, brought back a memory....
I was assigned as a replacement in the 78th, on Woodbridge. The unfortunate individual I replaced had taken a short ride in a Martin-Baker ejection seat, all the way to the hanger roof.
I have thought about him a few times, and was always careful about the safety pin that had to be inserted in the imitator under the seat to prevent such accidents from happening.
Thing is, I heard his name at the time, but never thought much about it then.
Now I am thinking he should be listed as a casualty on the obit page. I just don't have any info about him.... I was sent there in the summer of 1970, so he was probably killed early that year.
Thanks for your diligence.
Sid Cranston
Former 1&2 engine jet acraft mechanic
78 TFS, RAF Woodbridge

 

From: rvmorgan007#at#aol.com
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2007 10:55 PM

Many thanks for keeping this running history of our past. Of all my assignments in 20 years, I remember the RAF Bentwaters-Woodbridge service as a second home. Your memorials mention Chaplain Joe McCausland at RAF Woodbridge, a compatriot and a friend. Also chaplain, Lt Col Charles H. Glaize. He was the Senior Installation Chaplain and a special friend. Our youngest daughter was named after his daughter Beth. His wife Nancy still lives in Florida and we keep in touch.
Fortunately my wife and I were able to visit the area once a year for some years. The company that I worked for had a factory in Holland and we did a major trade show at the Birmingham NEC. We always spent time in Ipswich, staying at the White Horse Hotel. Dear friends in Woodbridge were always on the itinerary and we enjoyed fine fellowship and great meals at the local restaurants.
In closing, yes Robin Olds was special, he treated the enlisted personnel with respect and dignity.
RAYMOND V. MORGAN
MSgt, USAF Ret.

 

 

These video links to YouTube will bring back memories for many of you, I'm sure.