Upottery Airfield 2007

[Jack]

Just to set the scene, I would like you to read the below:

 

Take-offs at Upottery airfield by the 439th began at 2313, 5 June. A description by 1st Lt. Josh Logan [see photo of Lt. Logan and Col. Sink], a member of the 50th TC Wing Intelligence, sent as a member of the briefing team to the 439th TC Group, provides a stirring account of the atmosphere and emotions present at this airfield and at many others that night:

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After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, from that time, practically everybody in the United States was ready to just strike some kind of blow, and they had to wait, and wait, and wait. There was this long series of delays and frustrations, and finally there was the talk of the invasion, and that built up to this one moment, which was at Upottery for me.

 

I went out to the field that night, around 11:00 pm, to the control tower, and it was absolutely packed with everybody in the outfit, and also everybody in surrounding outfits. That was the only way they could see the take-offs. These planes were very heavily loaded, there was no question about that. Not only were the paratroopers jammed in, but they had all kinds of guns of various sizes, explosives of all sorts, and all kinds of equipment. As they came lumbering by, you had a terrible feeling that they weren’t going to get off the ground. . . and everybody was so nervous. But when that first plane [The Argonia] took-off and got about two feet off the ground, there was such a sound from that group of people—a kind of wild mixed cry of vengeance and cheering and relief. It was the most extraordinary sound I ever heard in my life. I will never forget it. It left a stain in my memory ”

 

Extract from http://www.usaaftroopcarrier.com

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[LeeEnfield]

Cheers for that, Jack.

A moment of HISTORY.

 

Andy

 

 

[Jack]

This event was organised by the small and dedicated team of the South West Airfields Trust. It is there goal and drive, to amongst other things to erect memorials of the sacrifices made by many during the WW2 years. The southwest, like many regions of southern England had its share of victories and losses – all part of the final price.

 

 

As some of you know, I have been to Upottery many times and have many associations around it and again another one of those special and may be more spiritual times that we have has since owning my GMC. My association began in 2001 and my connection with Dunkeswell started when I was about 6 when my uncle decided to tow me along one of the runways in my go cart and behind his car – I have a scar on my forehead – least said, soonest mended. This is the second event that I have been to this year where it has some serious significance and is for me, what events are all about, as a rule and as you may know, I am not one for parking up in a field then standing there with my hands in my pockets. I like to be at places that give you moments of reflection and thought – there was plenty opportunity for this if you are that way inclined.

 

With the summer being a wash out the organiser nearly made the decision to play the plug in the show days before it was meant to happen. Thankfully they didn’t and thankfully the C-47 was able to fly in, this was a miracle in itself as only 6 people are able to fly one of these in the UK and 5 of them were otherwise disposed through illness, travel plans etc etc but by some miracle they found a ‘window’ and brought it in a head of the dates planned. We all knew that by having a C-47 return to the airfield that it left from on June 5 1944 was going to be some very extraordinary and very unique and it was.

 

Upottery airfield was brought to the worlds attention when Band of Brothers was first broadcasted around the world, before then it was unheard of and its significance would of with out doubt would have been lost. No one should underestimate the work and vision that people like Robin Gilbert play in preserving our history – we should all thank people like this when we get the opportunity as these guys know the importance of places like this, way before places become ‘famous’. Upottery was a busy airfield and was home to the Troop Carrier Squadrons and has been home to, PBY Liberators, Privateers, Horsa, Waco gliders but it is most famous for being the airfield that elements of the 101st Airborne Division 'Screaming Eagles' left for Normandy on D-Day and for some, was the last time that they were to step foot on mother earth. The cargo that these planes carried to the battle were trained to wreak death and destruction at anytime that the faced the enemy. These men jumped into the peaceful country side of Normandy and helped turned it into one of the most violent and brutal places on earth at that time.

 

Ironically, it is places like this that allow one to forget about the troubles of the world and allow one to immerse themselves in their own thoughts.

 

 

Joris and his good lady Dorien came over from Holland for the event and stayed at Beckett Towers for a couple of days before we made the trip down to Upottery. Three GMC’s were going down in convoy. My GMC, the Cubed family’s GMC and Lawson nearly acquired tipping GMC. As you may know, I have had few problems with my GMC and this was going to be the majhor test run after some ‘maintenance’. With the help of Jerry and Lawson we rebuilt the top end of the engine and was now running as sweat as I have heard any GMC engine and was looking forward to the run down to Devon. Lawson and I were waiting for Rich to arrive from Hampshire with his short wheel base GMC – I decided that I would move me truck out of my drive and when I fired it up it was running as rough as it was when the head gasket had gone. The colour drained from my face within milliseconds, at this point Rich arrived and parked up his GMC and jumped out and could tell that I was staring death in the face. I asked Rich if he had ever seen a grown man cry – he said he had and it was himself!

 

The problem that the two plugs had sooted up badly and wasn’t allowing the plugs to spark – I cleaned these and to my relief the old girl fired up and we were back on track.

 

 

We had a good drive down and we arrived at the airfield to be greeted with the sight of the C47 standing proud on the horizon, it was at this time there knew that we were in for a special weekend. Just before we turned on to the perimeter track that is now the road we traveled through Upottery village. Some people may think that I am an emotional wreck but we traveled through that village at around 10 mph as I wanted to take in the moment and again I had tears in my eyes. I never quite sure why this happens but it seems to happen at profound times and places – this GMC has never failed in giving me special experiences and I have long dreamt of driving my GMC through there and I did.

 

Joris and Mrs Cubed and the Cublets went on ahead of us and were there when we arrived. We all quickly pitched tents as the sky was black and we all couldn’t wait to look at the C47. A fair number of the 101st reenactors that I had invited down were all ready there and these guys are good and add immensely to the ‘atmosphere’ and was pleased that this group where there with us and they too appreciated the significance of the Upottery and that specific C47. These guys from the Screaming Eagles LHA where total professional and I ask them if any one would be as kind as to stand guard over the C47 during the evening and I am pleased to report that they stood there until 6 o’clock in the morning. The Becketts and the Dutchies went to the pub in the GMC’s for something to eat and we left the Cubes at the airfields as the Cubelets were in bed. For some reason we managed to spend £25 on chips in the pub – beer was good to!

 

Saturday we moved our vehicles to the runway and around the plane the reenactors really did bring the whole scene to life was very surreal site and made photo opportunities were had. The attention to detail that this guys put in is outstanding – to go as far as having a demonstration of a Mohawk haircut under the wings of a C47 with simply above and beyond. We also managed to get them to the control tower which is strictly ‘off limits’. The whole weekend was over whelming for them as an event like this has never happened before and this really was the missing link in the 101st story. Most have done Aldbourne and Normandy but no one has ever done Upottery and this is why they traveled from all over the UK to get there.

 

It was good to of met Great War Truck who had just come from a photo shoot (another one) and Tim was telling me that he learnt to drive on the runways 25 years ago – Tim did point out that he no longer joys rides……..It was also good to of met other MV owners throughout the weekend, always nice being with like minded people. Saturday whilst down the pub with Cubes I showed a couple of cool tricks to the Cubelets – they were amazed! Late Saturday night was spent in the Becketts Mobile Towers (tent) and the night was spent listening to Lawson telling us about the mad bloke he had met and about R Cubes plan’s for his Meteor engine and the fun was added to by the drunk Irish German reenactor – don’t ask…but it was very entertaining.

 

 

On the Sunday the sun was out and we had the opportunity of climbing inside the C47 and most people confirmed that this was more than a dream come true and that they weren’t expecting this treat. It was amazing to step into and you will shocked by how fragile these planes are – I am sure you could fire 177 pellet through them. It was an honour to look around this historic aircraft and pleased to be part of that. I have the stick number so hopefully will be able to research the names of that stick. The reenactors wanted to lay a wreath at the memorial of the 101st which is an sentry box and some of you may of seen the images of the opening of that memorial that we attended in June 6 2004 and was wonderful to take those guys down there in a convoy of GMC’s, Dodges and Jeeps and was a great site to see.

 

The day was ended by a service on the airfield by the RBL and was, as always very sad when the Bugler plays but was a fitting way to end the event.

 

We had a great drive back in the sunshine and we didn’t didn’t pass Rich anywhere along the way so I think he must of made it back ok! As always everyone was great company and it was good to have Joris there to and was Lawson first show and I think he can now see why this movement is so addictive – get him and R Cubed together and it is just ‘truck’ talk all night long!

 

 

With out a doubt hats off to Robin and his team – I don’t think that they slept for weeks. Will it be bigger and better next year? Will we do it again next year? You bet your life we will and it will be bigger and better? It will special keep your diaries clear – I have plans……….

 

Watch this space.

 

 

Enjoy the pictures.

 

 

R Cubed just as we are pulling on to the peri track.

 

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Our man Joris.

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HMVF members

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Erm, Rich letting the side down by doing 'woman' stuff.

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Lawson and his truck

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Rich and his GMC

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101st guys

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German reenactor

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The Service

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More to follow..........

[Mark]

Sounds like an amazing experience there old boy, reading that makes me sad I was not able to make it.

[Lawson]

Well i took the day off today.. The alarm when off at 04.30 this morning, for me to go to southampton to pick up my truck for the week away....STUFF THAT... was to tired for all that nonseance so i decided to upload some pictures instead..I hope you all enjoy them...plus do you think i had a good time at this event lol..Take a look

 

The C47 on main runway DUSK

 

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This C-47 june the 5th 1944 upottery

 

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This C-47 on main runway at upottery 1944 she is the second one in and now she is back for the first time since then at upottery on the same runway in 63 years....What a treat for all that attended

 

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A tribute to all those brave guys that we all owe so much to...Going to and at the memorial

 

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The control tower with the 101 boys

 

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The Reenactment..Got those germans on the run

 

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Jack and my truck .. And my truck

 

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Well there really is no need to ask ...yer i had a bloody great time thanks...Lawson

 

 

[Marmite!!]

Excellent report Jack, maybe we'll be able to get along if it's on next year :-D

[Guest shane taylor]

Great read chaps and going to have to get there next year. I think you are bang on about static shows, with the amount of history that we have around us we should be doing more events like this, static shows are a bit like a fete :computerterror:

 

Nice pictures Lawson and nice truck, looks cool withg no canvas, you don't see them very often. How was your first show?

[Lawson]

Hi shane taylor thanks for your comments about my jimmy tipper...Yer had a great time and met some really nice people...I found the the whole event with the C-47 being there again for the first time since june the 5th 1944 all very moving. real treat..as far as to say a good time was had by all,, Ilook forward to seeing you there next year mate...Just a few more pics thought....

 

Joris sat on my hood

 

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Sun Down At Upottery

 

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My Truck with the cubes close behind...We are nearly there!!!

 

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[Jack]

Great work Laws - do you have any pictures of the inside of the C47 :-D my batteries went flat at point :oops:

[Lawson]

Hey jack here are some pics from inside C-47

 

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[Jessie The Jeep]

Looks like a great weekend. Wish I could have been there, but too many weekends and not enough money!! :cry:

 

Maybe next time.

 

Steve

[Bodge Deep]

Nice one J, looked like quite an event...

shoulda been there, but like Steve said... :oops:

[Jack]

She is leaving Upottery tomorrow - will try and get back there to take some pictures of her going :-D that would be something special too.

[Lawson]

Would like to make it back there myself to see that to jack...Would really make a nice end to the whole event...will call you tommorow :-D

[martylee]

Looks like you had a great time! That's good! Looking forward to seeing even more photos!

 

 

Marty

[Great War truck]

She flew off today without a hitch (but with lots of dust). I do hope that we will see it there again one day.

 

Tim (too)

 

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[General Mayhem]

I was so dissappointed to miss this event, this an aircraft that oozes history, it was the saviour of the Berlin airlift. For those of you interested there's a web page with acres and acres of DC3's C47's and all it's many variants on:

 

http://www.douglasdc3.com/photo/

[LeeEnfield]

They are a CLASSIC looking plane,.......................

Cheers for the pics.

 

Andy

[Joris]

It truly was an experience! :bow: