Nuthampstead

Airfield
Aerial photograph of Nuthampstead Airfield looking north, the technical and recreation sites are on the left, the ammunition dump and firing butts are at the bottom, 9 June 1948. Photograph taken by No. 58 Squadron, sortie number RAF/58/53. English Heritage (RAF Photography). eh-411.jpg RAF_58_53_VP2_5136 Aerial photograph of Nuthampstead Airfield looking north, the technical and recreation sites are on the left, the ammunition dump and firing butts are at the bottom, 9 June 1948. Photograph taken by No. 58 Squadron, sortie number RAF/58/53. English Heritage (RAF Photography). Historic England

IWM, English Heritage Collection

Object Number - RAF_58_53_VP2_5136 - Aerial photograph of Nuthampstead Airfield looking north, the technical and recreation sites are on the left, the ammunition dump and firing butts...

Built during 1942-43, Nuthampstead was the nearest Eighth Air Force heavy bomber base to London. It had three concrete runways, 50 loop hardstandings and two dispersed T2 hangars. It was first occupied from September 1943 to April 1944 by the 55th Fighter Group, equipped with P-38s, which was the first group to use these aircraft for long-range escort missions. The 398th Bomb Group, equipped with B-17s took over the station in April 1944 and remained until June 1945. Transferred to the RAF in July 1945, Nuthampstead was used as a Maintenance Unit ordnance store until 1954 and eventually closed in 1959.



In the 1960s, it was one of the sites considered for London's third airport, but was ultimately rejected in favour of Stansted. Since mostly demolished and returned to agriculture, plus forestry and light industry, Nuthampstead retains a small, private, grass airstrip.



Nuthampstead Airfield Museum is dedicated commemorating the experiences of the 55th Fighter Group and 398th Bomb Group. Visit the museum's website to find out when its next open day is: https://www.nuthampsteadairfieldmuseum.com/



More information on the history of Nuthampstead can be found here: http://www.station131.co.uk/



More information on the 398th can also be found at the website of the 398th Bomb Group Memorial Association, including many interviews with 398th veterans: http://www.398th.org/

Connections

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

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 398th Bomb Group 603rd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-727643
  • Highest Rank: Captain
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 398th Bomb Group 603rd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 35914673
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 398th Bomb Group 603rd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 17135994 / O-722753
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 55th Fighter Group 343rd Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 42037245 at enlistment, then O-753724
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Fighter Pilot, Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 398th Bomb Group 603rd Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 35701607
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Doodit
  • Unit: 398th Bomb Group 601st Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Stinker
  • Unit: 398th Bomb Group 602nd Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Unit: 398th Bomb Group 600th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Zoomeriago
  • Unit: 398th Bomb Group 603rd Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Lodian
  • Unit: 398th Bomb Group 601st Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
ContributorLucy May
Changes
Sources

Updating the information about Nuthampstead Airfield Museum:
https://www.nuthampsteadairfieldmuseum.com/

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Barry Anderson, Army Air Forces Stations (Alabama, 1985) / Roger Freeman, Airfields of the Eighth Then And Now (London, 1978)
Roger Freeman, Mighty Eighth War Manual (2nd edn, London, 2001)

http://ukga.com/airfield/nuthampstead

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Nuthampstead

http://www.station131.co.uk/Site%20Frame.htm

http://nuthampsteadairfieldmuseum.webs.com/

Nuthampstead: Gallery (433 items)