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swinny
4/12/2008 5:37:48 AM | Early on I mentioned visiting Deenthorpe as a wish of mine.
Well , our holiday this year will be England , we went to Scotland for four years and now we want to visit the south of England.
So , I want to make a trip to Deenthorpe as well.
We will be staying for 2,5 weeks and in Portsmouth for one week and according to Google maps it should be around 160 miles to Deenethorpe.
I just hope it will be possible to walk around there.
I cant wait.
Andy
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 My adoption graves http://www.remember-our-heroes.nl/us_401stBG.htm
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donaldbyers
4/12/2008 8:14:06 AM | Andy,
Paul should answer this as he was around there walking around. Something about permission on some things. Hope you can work it in.
Don
Sgt. Donald C. Byers, 613th Bomb Squadron, Togglier, 42-97344 Carrie B II, KIA 08/24/1944.
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Paul Bellamy
4/12/2008 8:54:42 AM | Hi Andy,
Although the airfield part of the site has a number of public footpaths across it, the rest of the base is private and permission needs to be sought to visit the living sites etc.
The best thing to do is keep in contact with the 401st Historical Society, who are in a better position to arrange access.
Hope to see you sometime,
Paul
Paul Bellamy
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swinny
4/12/2008 3:44:12 PM | Sorry Paul, could you explain that to me, what I have to do ?
Also are you aware of a museum in that part of England who has a B-17 ?
Or others things to see.
Andy
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My adoption graves http://www.remember-our-heroes.nl/us_401stBG.htm
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Paul Bellamy
4/13/2008 9:03:35 AM | Hi Andy,
E-mail Graham Bratley of the 401BG Historical Society via grahambratley AT hotmail.com and have a chat with him about when you're coming over and where you'd like to go. He's the best chap to be able to sort things out.
As for B-17s in the UK, there are three:
B-17G 44-83735 at IWM Duxford, Cambridge.
B-17G 44-83868 at RAF Museum Hendon, London.
B-17G 44-85784 at IWM Duxford, Cambridge.
Duxford is the closest museum to Deenethorpe, and is right beside the motorway so is easy to get to.
It also has the advantage of having two Forts on site;
44-83735 is a permanent exhibit marked up as 42-31983 IY-G Mary Alice of the 401st BG, 615th BS.
44-85784 is more commonly known as Sally B, so may be away at an airshow, depending on when you visit.
In addition, B-17G 44-85734 Liberty Belle is slated to be in the UK sometime this summer.
I'm not sure where she'll be based, but Duxford would seem the most sensible option in terms of ground support.
Hope that's of use,
Paul
Paul Bellamy
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swinny
4/13/2008 10:48:43 AM | Thanks Paul
I will chat with him , thanks
I really cant wait to go on our holiday, I am still looking for 2 locations to stay, in Cornwall and Hampshire.
The first week in Cornwall ( 18 - 26 july ) and 1 week in Hampshire ( 26 - 2 aug ) so it would be likely to go the second week, because it would be the closed by.
The Duxford is on my list now , thanks.
Andy
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My adoption graves http://www.remember-our-heroes.nl/us_401stBG.htm
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swinny
4/14/2008 3:45:41 PM | Hey Paul
I just talked to Graham and he will arrange everything, this is really great.
I cant wait.
Thanks for helping me.
Andy
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My adoption graves http://www.remember-our-heroes.nl/us_401stBG.htm
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EDanaII
4/15/2008 1:45:19 PM | Other things to see while you are there: Weldon Church, Rockingham Castle, Deene Hall... All very interesting and I'm sure Graham can tell you all about them.
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win-win
4/16/2008 11:48:12 AM | Swimmy:
Lucky you - Couple of 'prep' things to consider:
- - 401BG stained Glass Windows (at St.Mary the Virgin Weldon): West facing window (re photo). (The Stars and Stripes flag that was flown at Peterborough Cathedral (1944), was beside the 401BG window in 1999).
- - Rosie's Sweat Box Crashsite (at road south of main runway), and
- - Deene Village crashsite (northwest of main runway):
Terrain and hedges at both crashsites make it a hard to find from the roads. Paul Knight (401BG Historical Society) knows the sites well and would be very helpful in finding them and telling you what happened on both - he was at both crashsites the day(s) they occurred.
- - Base buildings and roads: Some roads in the on-base 'tech areas' are nw blocked-off for farm use with fences (since the Google earth aerial photo was taken). So driving around in that area has a few detours, FYI.
- - If there's any way to take Paul Bellamy's 'then-and-now' photos and building ID info with you, it would help identify buildings you see - (they have no signs or numbers on them there).
Have a great visit - I'm several shades of green.
Win
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swinny
4/16/2008 3:36:51 PM | Thanks Win-win
I only have one day , but I will try to see as much as possible.
I know there is not much left , but just being there will be very great I am sure.
The pictures of Paul is an excellent idea, I will do that, thanks
Andy
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My adoption graves http://www.remember-our-heroes.nl/us_401stBG.htm
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win-win
4/17/2008 12:30:50 PM | Hi again:
We had only 1-day also (in Oct. '07) but a wonderful and memorable day that was, thanks to Paul Knight!
(of the 401BG Hist. Soc.)
You can accomplish a lot in 1-day - especially with the looks of your preparations.
Win
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Phoenix
4/18/2008 12:30:35 PM | Win,
If you are still feeling green, then just to cheer you up I may get in the car this weekend, nip over to Deenethorpe and wander around for the day boring my wife with cross referencing my airfield plans, if the sun shines I might make it two days 😂
All the best
Dale
ps please note the British humour 😎
improvise, adapt, overcome
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swinny
4/18/2008 6:04:15 PM | Just another question regarding our stay in England this year.
Paul , I understand that you are doing WWII Reenacting ?
Can you tell me if there is anything planned for 18 July to 3 august in the south of England ?
I would really like to see it.
Andy
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My adoption graves http://www.remember-our-heroes.nl/us_401stBG.htm
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win-win
4/18/2008 10:32:16 PM | OK Swinny, you win. I'm way-green now.
When you visit DP, remember there's farming going on...careful where you step...
One of these days...we'll get there for a few days, too.
Have a great time.
Win
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swinny
4/21/2008 7:22:24 AM | Ok thanks Win-win , I will mind my steps 😂
My trip is planned now, with help of Graham.
My oldest son , Marlon and I we will be going to Deenethorpe on Sunday 27th July , we will spend about 3 hours in Deenthorpe and then go further to Cambridge American cemetery, after that directly to the Duxford museum.
It will be a long trip starting from 0600 and we will be back in Portsmouth around 2200 hours 🙄
I cant wait.
Andy
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My adoption graves http://www.remember-our-heroes.nl/us_401stBG.htm
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win-win
4/21/2008 10:24:39 AM | Hi and Wow!
Great itinerary, and Graham charts another winner.
We've yet to get to Madingly and Duxford - maybe next pilgrimage.
Have a marvelous journey.
Win
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rick_kaufman
4/21/2008 7:43:06 PM | I am considering making a similar visit with my family this summer.
My father (Richard H. "Dick" Kaufman) was a pilot in the 614th between Dec 1943 and Jul 1944.
I have sent an email to Graham; It appears that he was highly helpful to you and I hope I have similar luck!
Who knows, maybe my trip will coincide with yours and we can meet. My trip is in the VERY premature forming stage at this time. I think we will visit London, Normandy, Deenthorpe, and possibly Cambridge/Duxsford. I have to make sure the rest of the family gets to see things other than WW2 history afterall...
RK
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EDanaII
4/22/2008 9:35:52 AM | Non military things to see while you are in England:
- The Tower.
- Windsor Castle.
- Stonehenge.
- Westminster Abbey.
- Bath
- The British Museum.
- Deene Hall.
- Rockingham Castle & Village.
Military things to see:
- The Royal Airforce at Hendon.
- The Royal Airforce at Cosford.
- The Imperial War Museum.
I'm not too sure about Paul's RAF Twinwood Farms, but I'm assuming it's a tourable site.
Welcome, Rick. 🙂
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win-win
4/22/2008 10:39:26 AM | Rick:
In London, also, if you're interested, adding to EDanaII's list:
St.Paul's Cathedral (not free, check their website):
- - Awesome to visit in itself (you can still climb to the dome and outer balcony).
- - Late afternoons they have (free) 'Evensong' services that are short and enable early arrivals to sit in the choir seats in the altar area;
- - At the east end, beyond the choir and altar, is the American Memorial Chapel (post WWII) and 'Roll of Honour' book of names of those U.S. Servicemen stationed in England who lost their lived. The original 'Roll' is under glass, and one-page turned each day.
- - There's a 2nd copy of the 'Roll of Honour' that, if you have Virgers' assistance (they're like hosts and tourguides), they will look for (U.S. Servicemen casualty) names for you and permit you to photo the page(s). There's no photo or video permitted in the Cathedral, otherwise).
- - There's a great park on the south side of the Cathedral that makes a great 'take-out' lunch picnic area.
Millennium Bridge: (free) Near the Cathedral, this is a great pedestrian (only) bridge across the Thames River; and
Shakespeare Theater: (exterior free; tours inside not) Just across the Millennium Bridge from St. Paul's, is the reconstructed 'Globe', which has great tours through it all day (without having to actually see a play). And nearby, markers where the original Globe was actually located.
British Museum: (free)
As with Swinny, I'm several shades of green - your trip sounds wonderful.
Win
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donaldbyers
4/23/2008 3:16:12 PM | "rick_kaufman":
I am considering making a similar visit with my family this summer.
My father (Richard H. "Dick" Kaufman) was a pilot in the 614th between Dec 1943 and Jul 1944.
I have sent an email to Graham; It appears that he was highly helpful to you and I hope I have similar luck!
Who knows, maybe my trip will coincide with yours and we can meet. My trip is in the VERY premature forming stage at this time. I think we will visit London, Normandy, Deenthorpe, and possibly Cambridge/Duxsford. I have to make sure the rest of the family gets to see things other than WW2 history afterall...
RK
Rick might you know any of the serial numbes your father flew with the second crew he flew with for 25 missions.
Don Byers
Sgt. Donald C. Byers, 613th Bomb Squadron, Togglier, 42-97344 Carrie B II, KIA 08/24/1944.
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swinny
7/17/2008 8:29:41 AM | Tommorow I will leave for 3 weeks to England.
The visit to Deenethorpe is planned on sunday the 27th July.
I cant wait .
More when I will be back.
See you all in 3 weeks
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My adoption graves http://www.remember-our-heroes.nl/us_401stBG.htm
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swinny
8/14/2008 10:09:13 AM | Hey all
Just to let you all know , I had a wonderful time at Deenethorpe.
It was a long drive but I really loved it.
What a strange feeling to be there .
My son also loved it , his day couldn't be better , driving in a ww2 Jeep , he is still telling it to everybody.
I saw Paul and Graham , but I forget the names of the other 2 men 🤦
Thank you all
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My adoption graves http://www.remember-our-heroes.nl/us_401stBG.htm
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EDanaII
8/14/2008 10:24:07 AM | Awesome, Andy and welcome back. I'm glad you had a good time.
The shorter fellow in the background appears to be Paul Knight. I'm not sure of the other guy.
BTW, I'm writing a Thank You letter to our Belgian friends, I may want to enlist your help in making sure it is properly translated into to Dutch. Any help would be appreciated.
Once again, welcome back.
Ed.
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Paul Bellamy
8/14/2008 11:35:03 AM | Welcome back Andy,
Good to meet you finally.
You managed to pick the hottest day at Deenethorpe I can remember for a long time.
The pair in the background are Dale (Phoenix) and Paul Knight.
All the best,
Paul
Paul Bellamy
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swinny
8/14/2008 1:19:34 PM | Thanks,
Yes it was very very hot that day.
We also went to the cemetery at Cambridge , that was very peacefully.
Afterwards we went to Duxford , I never knew it was so big , we had a wonderful time.
I also flew in a 1943 Tiger Moth , it was perfect.
@Ed , of course I would be very pleased to help you with the translation.
Just let me know.
Andy
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My adoption graves http://www.remember-our-heroes.nl/us_401stBG.htm
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EDanaII
8/14/2008 2:57:49 PM | Thanks Andy, I appreciate that. I think I might have something by next Monday. I'll shoot you a copy of the translation then, just to make sure I don't have something egregious in there like "your mother flosses her teeth with duct-tape" or something. 🙂
Ed.
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win-win
8/17/2008 12:16:32 PM | Swinny:
1. Bravo Zulu! (U. S. Navy for 'Well Done'), to you your Family and everyone there at Station 128;
2. I was just re-reading your initial post way-back in April...and now your wonderful 'results' photos.
3. Congratulations! Maybe this 'thread' will encourage more 'can do' and 'will do'...Deenethorpe visits.
Win
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donaldbyers
8/18/2008 9:25:48 AM | Very happy for you and glad you and your son had a great time. It's that same feeling when you get into a B-17 and climb into the wild blue younder (sorry ed) that feeling is their.
Let me add my WELCOME BACK
Don
Sgt. Donald C. Byers, 613th Bomb Squadron, Togglier, 42-97344 Carrie B II, KIA 08/24/1944.
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