Telerghma
AirfieldImage stamped on reverse: 'Passed for publication 6 Sep 1943.' [stamp] and '282422.' [Censor no.]
Printed caption on reverse: '#63 Sideview of Fortress with crew and natives.' Roger Freeman Collection
IWM, Roger Freeman Collection
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Detailed History
Built by the French Colonial government prior to World War II, the small airport was seized by American Forces in the initial aftermath of the Operation Torch landings on 2 December 1942. By 13 December, French troops and United States Army Engineers had improved the runway sufficiently for 17th Bombardment Group B-26 Marauder medium bombers to begin using the facility, now known as "Telerghma Airfield."
Major Twelfth Air Force units assigned to the airfield during the North African Campaign were:
17th Bombardment Group, 13 December 1942 – 10 May 1943, B-26 Marauder
310th Bombardment Group, 21 December 1942 – 1 January 1943, B-25 Mitchell
319th Bombardment Group, 12 December 1942 – 3 March 1943, B-26 Marauder
14th Fighter Group, 5 May-13 June 1943, P-38 Lightning
33d Fighter Group, 24 December 1942 – 7 January 1943; 20 February-2 March 1943, P-40 Warhawk
52d Fighter Group, 17 January-9 March 1943, Spitfire
82d Fighter Group, January-28 March 1943, P-38 Lightning
After the Battle of North Africa ended, Telerghma Airfield was converted into a Bombardment Training Center, used to instruct French Air Force ground and bomber crews in safe and effective tactical operation and maintenance of American fighter and bomber aircraft. The training center closed at the end of October 1944, and the airfield was returned to civil authorities.
On 17 August 1943, aircraft from the 385th Bomb Group landed at Telerghma after bombing targets at Regensburg. According to their Bomb Group history 'conditions and support facilities in North Africa left much to be desired. Shuttle logistics were a nightmare. Not enough material or correct personnel were available to properly service the aircraft. Shuttle missions were never repeated.'
There were photographers with the 385th Bomb Group airmen while they were at Telerghma and their photos capture not only the Americans' first experiences of North Africa but also some aspects of daily life - from dress to culture - of the people who lived there, and their reactions to the arrival of American men and machines. See: https://www.americanairmuseum.com/media?search=385th+%23+&type=&collect…
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 82nd Fighter Group 97th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: 16026965 on enlisting
- Highest Rank: Major
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 27th Air Transport Group 55th Fighter Group 82nd Fighter Group 338th Fighter Squadron 95th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-730690
- Highest Rank: Major
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot 1056 twin engine