Cretteville

Airfield
media-17097.jpeg UPL 17097 The remains of Cretteville Airfield A-14
Advanced Landing Ground A-14
photo taken in 1947

Object Number - UPL 17097 - The remains of Cretteville Airfield A-14 Advanced Landing Ground A-14 photo taken in 1947

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Detailed History

Cretteville airfield (Advanced Landing Ground A-14 "Cretteville") was an Advanced Landing Ground north of the communities of Étainville and Picauville on the Cotentin peninsula in Normandy, France.

The airfield was built between 23 June and 4 July 1944 by the 819 Engineer Aviation Battalion. ALG A-14 was declared operational with 358FG on 4 July. 358FG consisted of 365FS - coded CH, 366FS - coded IA and 367FS - coded CP, all flying the P-47D Thunderbolt. Between 27 July and 15 August, 358 was joined by P-38Js of 393FS (367FG) squadron. On 15 August they were replaced with Thunderbolts of 406FG (512, 513 and 514FS). The movements were the result of the sudden breakthrough near St. Lo, which triggered a lot of movements and reorganisations. 406FG was originally planned to use the former German airfield Lessay. However, destruction caused by departing Germans along with widespread mining of the airfield, meant that 406FG was instead sent to Cretteville. The group ultimately departed for Le Mans on 4 September and the airfield closed the following day.

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 358th Fighter Group 366th Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-673297
  • Highest Rank: Captain
  • Role/Job: Fighter pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 425th Night Fighter Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
  • Role/Job: Night Fighter Pilot and Squandron Commander
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 358th Fighter Group 367th Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-732409
  • Highest Rank: Major

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: P-61 Black Widow
  • Nicknames: Wabash Cannon-Ball IV
  • Unit: 425th Night Fighter Squadron

Revisions

Cretteville: Gallery (8 items)