50th Anniversary

A visitor's perspective by Graham Haynes

All pictures © Copyright 2001 Graham Haynes - for larger versions, contact Graham.

September 1951 saw the arrival in the U.K. of the USAF's 81st Fighter Interceptor Wing. As part of the Third Air Force under the command of United States Air Forces in Europe, the 81st became the first F-86 Sabre unit in Europe. Its role was to assist No.11 Group, RAF Fighter Command, with the air defence of the U.K. and to support offensive air operations against Warsaw Pact forces. RAF Bentwaters, in the heart of the Suffolk countryside became the wing's headquarters although its three F-86A Sabre squadrons were co-located at Bentwaters and Shepherds Grove. The 81st Fighter Wing was destined to remain at Bentwaters for the next 42 years.

On 15th September 2001, some 50 years after the 81st's arrival at Bentwaters, a large number of ex-81st personnel and their families made the pilgrimage back to the base as part of the 81st Fighter Wing Association's 50th anniversary reunion. Amongst these 'veterans' were aircrew and ground crew associated with most, if not all of the aircraft types flown by the 81st whilst at Bentwaters - namely the F-86, F-84F, F-101, F-4 and A-10. The event was charged with emotion, both from a historical viewpoint and as a result of the terrorist atrocities back in the U.S.As a mark of respect for those who had lost their lives, both the union flag and the stars and stripes flew at half mast alongside the control tower. Throughout the day the control tower was open, allowing visitors the opportunity to view an excellent display of memorabilia and photographs.

 

 

Aircraft present at Bentwaters for the occasion were a

P-51D Mustang

AT-6D Harvard

...owned by Maurice Hammond from Eye, Suffolk, the latter aircraft turning up unexpected.  Near perfect weather conditions allowed both aircraft to carry out short but impressive flying displays before landing and parking by the control tower.

Other than the RAF Harrier deployment in 1994 and occasional light aircraft movements, this was the first time the runway had been used since Col Roger R. Radcliff and Col Wally Berg flew the last two A-10s out on 23rd March 1993.

The presence of the P-51 at Bentwaters was particularly significant as this type, albeit a different version, was the first aircraft to operate from the base. On 11th December 1944, Mustang IIIs belonging to No. 129 Squadron, RAF arrived at Bentwaters followed three days later Nos. 118 and 165 Squadrons. A full complement of six squadrons was eventually reached by the end of December 1944 with the arrival of Nos. 234, 64 and 126 Squadrons. The Mustangs remained at Bentwaters until 5th September 1945.

Mustang, Harvard and US Flag

 

Plinth for the commemorative stone, draped in the flags of the United Kingdom and the United States, prior to the unveiling by retired RAF and USAF officers who had served at RAF Bentwaters

Following the arrival of Maurice Hammond's Mustang and Harvard a short service was carried out to unveil a stone by the control tower dedicated to all those RAF and USAF personnel who served at Bentwaters between 1944 and 1993.After the unveiling ceremony an announcement was made by the new owners of Bentwaters, Bill and John Kemball, of their intention to turn part of the control tower into a museum. This was good news for all those people, myself included, who want to see some form of museum at the base. Hopefully this museum will enable future generations to learn about the important role that RAF Bentwaters played during the Second World War and throughout the Cold War.

As far as I was concerned, I thoroughly enjoyed my day back at Bentwaters. To see and experience the emotions and to hear all those stories of what life was like 'on base' was something that I could not have prepared myself for. It's such a pity that the day went by so fast. I managed to meet a number of people (Linn Barringer, Geoff Pleasance, Bill and John Kemball to name but a few) who up until this point had just been names or email correspondents. I didn't get the opportunity to meet Doug Deas to thank him for his part in the organisation of the event but I guess I will get the opportunity soon. As an aside, I was pleasantly surprised at how many people actually knew who I was, having bought my CD-ROM on the history of Bentwaters & Woodbridge. Not quite reached Linn's celebrity status yet though!!

I look forward to the next reunion at Bentwaters, hopefully in the not too distant future and not under the shadow of such horrific terrorist activities as we witnessed a few days previous. Until next time, thanks again to all those who organised the event, you did an excellent job!

Graham Haynes, Sudbourne, Suffolk