Attlebridge

Airfield
Aerial photograph of Attlebridge airfield, looking north, the fuel store and a T2 hangar are in the upper centre, 31 January 1946. Photograph taken by No. 90 Squadron, sortie number RAF/3G/TUD/UK/51. English Heritage (RAF Photography). eh-159.jpg RAF_3G_TUD_UK_51_V_5191 Aerial photograph of Attlebridge airfield, looking north, the fuel store and a T2 hangar are in the upper centre, 31 January 1946. Photograph taken by No. 90 Squadron, sortie number RAF/3G/TUD/UK/51. English Heritage (RAF Photography). Historic England

IWM, English Heritage Collection

Object Number - RAF_3G_TUD_UK_51_V_5191 - Aerial photograph of Attlebridge airfield, looking north, the fuel store and a T2 hangar are in the upper centre, 31 January 1946. Photograph taken...

Attlebridge was constructed for RAF use and completed to that standard in 1942. However, with news that it was to be assigned to the American Air Force, the runways were extended and additional hardstandings and outbuildings constructed for the heavy bombers that would shortly be arriving. In actual fact the first American visitors, of the 319th Bomb Group, flew medium B-26 Marauders. They arrived in October 1942 to use the base as a satellite field for Horsham St. Faith but by the next month they were moving on to North Africa with the Twelfth Air Force. After that the base was used to train B-24 Liberator crews for the 2nd Bomb Wing. The first full Group to be stationed at Attlebridge were the 466th Bomb Group, who arrived in February 1944.

Connections

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People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 787th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 36035236
  • Highest Rank: Technician Fourth Grade
  • Role/Job: waist gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 784th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 33586613
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant (3rd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 787th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant (3rd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 787th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 38300523
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant (2nd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 787th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 33342849
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant (3rd Grade)
  • Role/Job: Gunner

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Merchant of Venice
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 785th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Eastern Beast
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 785th Bomb Squadron
The nose art of a B-24 Liberator (serial number 41-28746) nicknamed "Jamaica?" of the 466th Bomb Group.
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Jamaica?
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 785th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Gruesome Goose
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 787th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Tell Me More
  • Unit: 466th Bomb Group 787th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
Contributorvenablesg
Changes
Sources

Wasson, Earl and Brassfield, Chris, “Attlebridge Arsenal:  The Men and Aircraft of the 466th Bomb Group.”  Turner Publishing Company, Paducah, Kentucky, 2005.  96th Combat Wing, 2nd Air Division, 8th Air Force, Attlebridge England, Station 120.  466th Bomb Group, 785th Bomb Squadron, Crew #584.  Page 247. 

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Barry Anderson, Army Air Forces Stations (Alabama, 1985) / Roger Freeman, Airfields of the Eighth Then And Now (London, 1978)

Attlebridge: Gallery (776 items)