Jack Posted May 26, 2007 Share Posted May 26, 2007 Folks. As some of you may remember me saying sometime back about an Upottery airfield event.......?? Well it is all coming together and will put some details up over the weekend but just wanted to get the ball rolling now. One of the most exciting bits for me is that a C-47 that was based there and dropped men into Normandy will be landing on the Saturday and will be spending the weekend there - this really is living history. The runways are being swept as we speak......very special and will be a one off. This C-47 is laden with history. So what we need is as many 101st guys as we can to help turn the clock back to 1944. This has never happened before and more than likely won't happen again so if you have done Aldbourne and if you have done Normandy then you need to do Upottery to complete the full circle of this period. We also need as many WW2 vehicles as possible, again a great photo opportunity. I will post up a brief out line later but please do contact me for further information. Best wishes to all. jack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bodge Deep Posted May 26, 2007 Share Posted May 26, 2007 wow! when is it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cripp Posted May 26, 2007 Share Posted May 26, 2007 I'm interested. Circumstances permitting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giz56 Posted May 26, 2007 Share Posted May 26, 2007 I cant even find that on the net anywhere...... who, where, when? Ta Cris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted May 26, 2007 Author Share Posted May 26, 2007 Hi guys. It is the 28&29 July - it is going to be a one off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted May 27, 2007 Author Share Posted May 27, 2007 With regards to the C-47, I will get its war time number and I will see if I can get information from its log to see if we can trace what stick it carried - this could be an interesting story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pop larkin Posted May 27, 2007 Share Posted May 27, 2007 I will be going, hopefully with a fully functioning Chev and 3 or 4 other guys in 101 airborne, Item company, 3rd battalion, 506 gear (who took off from Exeter, so not too far away). Am I right in thinking the C47 will now be at Dunkeswell airfield as the runway is too pot-holed for it to land a Uppotery? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted May 28, 2007 Author Share Posted May 28, 2007 I will be going, hopefully with a fully functioning Chev and 3 or 4 other guys in 101 airborne, Item company, 3rd battalion, 506 gear (who took off from Exeter, so not too far away). Excellent news Paul and must to talk to you about I Co. Am I right in thinking the C47 will now be at Dunkeswell airfield as the runway is too pot-holed for it to land a Uppotery? No it well be landing at Upottery - pretty amazing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giz56 Posted May 28, 2007 Share Posted May 28, 2007 This one sounds cool to me... i have penciled it in... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joris Posted May 28, 2007 Share Posted May 28, 2007 Have to miss out on this one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeEnfield Posted May 28, 2007 Share Posted May 28, 2007 Have to miss out on this one :dunno: Same here,................ :-( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashley Posted May 28, 2007 Share Posted May 28, 2007 Jack, have it earmarked all looks A O.K. at present Ashley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Hardyferret Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 Jack Me and himself would love to come along to this but as you know we are laking in the vehicle department :schocked: as we do not have anything suitable. It is also the birthday of himself on 29th July - so it could be ice cream and jelly all round :banana: :yay: :banana: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick W Posted May 31, 2007 Share Posted May 31, 2007 Is there any sort of timetable of things taking place, and if possible a place to camp? Not sure if we can make the saturday due to work, but definitely the Sunday, even though its a long way, but what will there be to see on Sunday? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted May 31, 2007 Author Share Posted May 31, 2007 Hi Rick. yes I will type them up over the weekend as everything I have here at the moment is with pen and paper :computerterror: Camping will be on the airfield and I can not wait for that as that is going to be special in its own right. Sue. That is great news - on the MV front, whilst his Nibbs is in Normandy having a great time, drinking beer, driving around in a Jeep amongst loads of vets for June 6th (git) can't you go and treat yourself to a GMC or Dodge???? :angel: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick W Posted June 7, 2007 Share Posted June 7, 2007 Im sure someone said they were going to type up the details of this over the wekend...... :whistle: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cripp Posted June 7, 2007 Share Posted June 7, 2007 I read that somewhere too ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted June 7, 2007 Author Share Posted June 7, 2007 Yes will get to it chaps....sorry been very busy and I have to type it from a written letter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snapper Posted June 8, 2007 Share Posted June 8, 2007 joined up writing? Jack - sorry mate - but I can't do the event the weekend after the Hop Farm. Shame. If the wife runs off with George Clooney in the interrim, I may be able to rejig my calendar. mb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cripp Posted June 17, 2007 Share Posted June 17, 2007 Any update yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted June 17, 2007 Author Share Posted June 17, 2007 Hi Paul - will get it posted up today - meant to do it last night but got distracted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted June 17, 2007 Author Share Posted June 17, 2007 Ok folks, apologies for the delay but here is the information about the Upottery weekend and a little bit about the organiser but first of all I would like to drive home the fact that this is a unique opportunity for reenactors and MV owners. It is more than unique for those reenactors who portray the 101st airborne, it doesn’t need me to say that but Upottery was the marshalling areas for certain companies from the 101st and E Company being the most famous and those of us who were lucky enough to be at Gathering of Eagles at Aldbourne last year and to be in the company of Eagleman Don Burgett will know that it was from Upottery that Don left to jump into Normandy. This is the chance to complete the circle and spend sometime on the soil these men walked. I have long thought that it would be wonderful to be able to spend an evening under the canvas at Upottery airfield – now here is our chance. I am up for filling my GMC and other vehicles up with troopers to go out in the evening for a road run to the nearest pub – or two or to the other local airfields - that would grab peoples attention and everyone would be able to share their knowledge with local…again many great photo opportunities. On hand also will be historians who will be able to fill in the blanks of the role of the airfield and tales of the 101st and a chance to see some unique pictures – all in all gents, a wonderful one off. The new owner of a nice parcel of Upottery will be at the weekend also…….. I have posted some pictures of various pictures of Upottery from over the years. Now to the organisers – the event is being organised by the South West Airfields Trust, this, like all trusts is run by a dedicated few and they are a hell of a team and they drive and focus is to preserving aviation history in the South West of England. The trust has managed to organise some very impressive events over the last few years. The most recent being the Devon air day in August last year held at the WW2 airfield of Dunkeswell. This historic venue was host to a magnificent array of WW2 aircraft with financial assitance from the National Lottery Heritage Fund – these guys are well respected and have vet contacts all over the world – give them your support. So about the event, its best discussed as a historic enactment of the event that was put in Smeatharpe “Upottery Airbase” in 1944, July after D-Day and 439 T.T.C. The airmen after nearly a month of hectic flights of re supply and hospital runs suddenly became redundant due to the opening of Mulberry harbour’s and the breakout. All this activity suddenly closing up made the guys fidgety and to “ Let off storm” – Col Young’s own words, he thought a gala day would focus the men and being an X barnstormer pilot himself, he introduced a field event with races between the Squadrons, 100mtr, 200mtr,sack race, bike race around perimeter, stretcher race, tug of war greasy pole and the greasy pig (which they ate in the evening). As well as these events he also had aircraft do some stunts, a F47D Thunderbolt verses a C47 Dakota where by Col Young flying a Dakota managed to duck and dive so that the Thunderbolt couldn’t get a bead on him and nearly overshot into the ground……3 times. Also glider trips open to the public if they wanted a ride! A stunt where a C47 pulled 3 gliders and parachute displays where by folks expected a parachutist but they dropped a dummy, which bounced. One major deal is the C47 that was actually stationed at Upottery is flying in on the Saturday morning to a welcoming band and will be parked up all weekend. Then we have re-enactors doing a mock battle with R/C aircraft German, British and American groups Military Vehicles on site perhaps a parade around arena if time allows, then there is to be crafts, refreshments, stalls and exhibits, etc… Then a service on Sunday for the participating cadet forces / British Legion/ Veteran agency’s attending re-enactors, invited guests and veterans. There will be a bar set up, a hog roast and barbeque and an impromptu sing along on Saturday evening for those overnighters who are camping. So the organisers are trying to incorporate a fun weekend with remembrance and to raise their profile and raise money for future projects - there are so many. But the achievable-realistic ones are memorials at Culmhead. RAF fighting base, Exeter RAF base and USA/ RAF base 440 TCC (joint). If any left over, control tower conservation on pioneer restoration project both BIG money. The entrance fee is £10 head entrance to event under 16’s free with adults this ticket is viable on both days. Vets with WW2 campaign medals free. Lets do it. PM if you are interested in coming. Cheers Jack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted June 17, 2007 Author Share Posted June 17, 2007 And just a reminder; Don left there on D-Day along with over 1300 101st and 82nd Paratroopers in 81 C-47's. The airfield took a year to build and it was built by Irish labour, it was build to be used just for one day which was June 5th 1944. It was of course used a lot longer than that as when the pilots came back from the Normandy drop they went back over on resupply duties. on June the 7th 50 C-47's towed 30 Horsa and 20 Waco gliders carrying just under 1000 Glider Infantry troops that were part of the second airborne invasion, looking at the airfield which is now ever so quite you just wouldn't what a massive part it played in freeing the world. I am very interested in having an MV/reenactors weekend down there next year but have to give that some thought. Here are just some of the pictures. Maps of the airfield, for context purposes - the left using runway 27. . http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/UpotteryAirfieldMap.jpg[/img] http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/UpotteryAirfieldBirdseyeview.jpg[/img] . The control tower. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/IMAG0021.jpg[/img] . http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/IMAG0027.jpg[/img] . http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/IMAG0028.jpg[/img] . The ground floor http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/IMAG0034.jpg[/img] . The stairs http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/IMAG0030.jpg[/img] At the top of the stairs http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/IMAG0037.jpg[/img] . A room on the top floor with the kiddies looking out a runway 27 http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/IMAG0047.jpg[/img] . When in Normandy the kiddies picked up a stone from the church at Angoville au Plain, the church is famed for its "bloody pews". On D-Day June 6, 1944 and the days that followed, the church was used as a medical aid station by men of the famed 101st Airborne Division and more specifically two medics from the 501st PIR, named Robert Wright and Kenneth Moore. The two men saved the lives and eased the suffering of many a friend and foe alike. Unfortunately, a small child from the village was unable to be saved. They placed the stone that they brought back on the viewing platform of the control tower. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/IMAG0049.jpg[/img] . . Bridies tankers jacket that is full of signatures of 101st 506th Vets that left from Upottery. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/IMAG0044.jpg[/img] . Family on the viewing platform which is now minus its hand rails. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/IMAG0039.jpg[/img] . Runway 27. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/ElizaOrb.jpg[/img] http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/RW271.jpg[/img] http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/RW272.jpg[/img] The last standing sentry box, there were three orginaly. When the airfield was sealed off just prior to the invasion the only wayin or out of the base where through these points. This 'building' is now a listed building so now it can never be destroyed. This is also the memorial to all of the men who left the base, never to return. All of the crosses are still there and are now sealed behind perspexs. . http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/sentrybox.jpg[/img] http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/sentryboxpoppies.jpg[/img] . Just two of the fields that were used as 'tent city' by the troopers. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/Tentcity1.jpg[/img] http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b107/richmorris/Tentcity2.jpg[/img] . Overall, a very special place, I love it there. Best wishes. Jack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted June 17, 2007 Author Share Posted June 17, 2007 And just a reminder... Guys, just thought you maybe interested in a reply to the images that we took at Upottery from Don Burgett............ jack, I just viewed your posted photos - - - - - When I got to the runway I just sat and stared, you can't possibly know what that view did to me. Thank you for taking the time, trouble, effort and your pain to get the photos. Also thanks to your kiddies for thinking of bringing the camera along with their dad after taking the pictures. Or the other way around. Jack, give our thanks to the person who gave you permission and the combination to the lock to enter the hallowed ground in our names. He could have said "No." Right now I can hear the pilots cranking the engines, the cough and fireing as they caught and revved up. The pilots pushed the throttles to proper RPM, checked their mags and gauges the C-47 shook and vibrated as though eager and we were silent to the man. The ship farthest to our left added throttle, moved forward toward the runway, did a right ninety and paraded left to right before us as vanguard, moving between us and the runway, heading to the right end of the runway and take-off point. We watched the flames of exhaust in the growing dark as the ship, filled with 101st Eagle men loaded with tools of war shadowed past. It became our turn, the ship shuddered and moved, turned right and followed the ships in line before us. At the end of the runway we did a left 180, lined up with that runway, the ship in front of was gathering speed heading away from us. Our pilot firewalled the throttles and we went as over a bumpy country road heading toward the skies and Normandy. When the gear cleared the ground we were airborne, we cheered as one breaking the silence. We were going to war. To my recollection I never saw the control tower. All the while we were in the marshalling we were busy from revellie to taps studying maps, arial photos, listening to breifings, studying enemy weapons, studying men dressed in various enemy uniforms parading in and out of our tents unannounced, cleaning and recleaning weapons, sharpening trench knives, placing weapons on our bodies to see where we as individuals found them best suited, and everything else it takes to get ready to spearhead an operation as large as The Normandy Invasion. The control towers are located on the runways; the only time we got to the runways was when we arrived at our assigned planes and then we had to get pararacks ready and installed on the belly of the planes. Count our ammo, load our weapons and make sure all was in readiness. Once in the plane and all was loaded outside and inside it was beginning to get dark and we were preoccupied with other things. Jack, what memories. Thank all of you from all of us. Don Burgett, I suddenly feel a little older tonight. *thanks to Don & Mark Bando and Trigger Time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Posted June 17, 2007 Share Posted June 17, 2007 Just an up date the pilot who fly's C/47 N-1944 will if the weather permits fly into Upottery with a Piper Cub to inspect the runways on Wednesday June 20th. The C/47 in question operated from Upottery 1944, including the D-Day Mission it was flown by Major Cecil Petty the CO of the 92nd Troop Carrier squadron, a picture of the plane can be seen in Col Young's Book "Into The Valley" evacuating POW's. Our Trust has tried to bring this plane back before, last year it was booked for Dunkeswell and called off last minute because of magneto problems. Providing we can pull this off it will be the only C/47 to land at Upottery since 1944. We are doing our best and any suggestion that the runways are full of pot holes is incorrect, we are concentrating on the East West runway this is the longest and has now been cleared of all obstacles. It was also the runway used just before midnight June 5th 1944 by the 81 aircraft carrying 1357 paratroops including the Band of Brothers, What ever the out come we would like your support, for those camping on the Saturday night there will be a hog roast, a balloon launch and bar has been applied for. Robin SWAHT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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