Great Ashfield

Airfield
Replica entrance sign at Great Ashfield, home of the 385th Bomb Group. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Replica of entrance to Station 155.' media-413589.jpg FRE 4905 Replica entrance sign at Great Ashfield, home of the 385th Bomb Group. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Replica of entrance to Station 155.' Roger Freeman Collection

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection

Object Number - FRE 4905 - Replica entrance sign at Great Ashfield, home of the 385th Bomb Group. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Replica of entrance to Station 155.'

The airfield was built in 1942 by John Laing & Son Ltd. 108,000 tons of concrete was used in its construction, creating a Class 'A' airfield suitable for heavy bombers. The 385th Bomb Group took up residence in the summer of 1943, and remained at the airfield until 1945. In total the 385th flew 296 missions from Great Ashfield, losing 129 B-17s. From October 1945 Maintenance Command took control of the airfield, before the site was abandoned in 1959-1960.

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: Canadian
  • Service Numbers: O-808074
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 549th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 551st Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 550th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 18153997
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier, Flight Engineer, Bombardier; Togglier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 548th Bomb Squadron 551st Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-746142
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Blivit
  • Unit: 100th Bomb Group 349th Bomb Squadron 418th Bomb Squadron
B-17 Flying Fortresses of the 385th Bomb Group fly in formation. Passed for publication 15 Nov 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'U.S. Flying Fortresses In Action. Here is a series of pictures taken of Flying Fortresses over enemy territoty[sic] during a recent raid. These four engined "giants" are doing a good job with their successful daylight operations, and every bomb dropped is helping to speed up the end of the war. Photo Shows:- Aerial scenes of Fortresses over enemy territory in formation and in f
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Liberty Belle
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 549th Bomb Squadron
Sergeant Joseph Ferlazzo and Staff Sergeant Arthur Barker of the 385th Bomb Group with a B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Slo Jo". Passed for publication 10 Oct 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: '230168.' Printed caption on reverse: 'Flying Fortresses In Combat Missions Over Europe. Picture Shows:- Sgt. Joseph J. Ferlazzo, Brooklyn, N.Y., and S/Sgt. Arthur Barker, Keokse, Va., with the Fortress "Slo Joe", which is the ship of 1/Lt. Novo J. Maryonovich, Gary, Indiana. U.S. Pool/SG/H. Keystone 26.' Censo
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Slo Jo
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 550th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Murder Inc., Grim Reaper
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 550th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
Contributoracbernstein1
Changes
Sources

Contributed courtesy of the 385th BG Association.  https://www.385thbga.com/wp-content/uploads/Great-Ashfield-Winter-1943-…

Date
Contributoracbernstein1
Changes
Sources

Contributed courtesy of the 385th BG Association

https://www.385thbga.com/wp-content/uploads/Fire.pdf

Date
ContributorLucy May
Changes
Sources

Connected aircraft records that have 'Gt Ashfield' in their biography fields.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

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

Great Ashfield: Gallery (132 items)