Guercif Airfield: Difference between revisions
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==History== |
==History== |
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During [[World War II]] the airfield's primary use was for [[C-47 Skytrain]] troop carrier and logistics operations by the [[Twelfth Air Force]]. The airfield was constructed as a temporary facility, with a hard earth or pierced steel planking (PSP) runway and parking apron. with few or no permanent structures, Tents were used for ground support operations and personnel billeting. |
During [[World War II]] the airfield's primary use was for tactical photographic reconnaissance and [[C-47 Skytrain]] troop carrier and logistics operations by the [[Twelfth Air Force]]. The airfield was constructed as a temporary facility, with a hard earth or pierced steel planking (PSP) runway and parking apron. with few or no permanent structures, Tents were used for ground support operations and personnel billeting. |
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The first operations from the airfield began at the beginning of April 1943, soon after it's construction by Army Engineers when the [[111th Observation Squadron]] (Medium) of the [[68th Observation Group]] began flying [[A-20 Havoc]] reconnaissance and photographic observation missions. The squadron remained at the airfield until it moved to [[Nouvion Airfield]], [[Algeria]] at the end of May. |
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A few days later, elements of the [[316th Troop Carrier Group]], the 36th, and 45th Squadrons began arriving on the airfield at the end of May. Group HQ moved in a few days later from [[Nouvion Airfield|Nouvion]], [[Algeria]]. The group flew operational missions as part of the [[North African Campaign]] from the airfield until the end of June when the unit moved up to [[Enfidaville Airfield]], [[Tunisia]] to better support the advancing Allied forces. After the 316th moved east, the airfield was dismantled and the land returned to civil authorities. |
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Today the area where Guercif Airfield was constructed is now an agricultural area, with little or no evidence of its existence. |
Today the area where Guercif Airfield was constructed is now an agricultural area, with little or no evidence of its existence. |
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Revision as of 02:37, 24 July 2009
Guercif Airfield.png) | |
|---|---|
| Part of Twelfth Air Force | |
| Coordinates | 34°13′48.60″N 003°20′33.37″W / 34.2301667°N 3.3426028°W |
| Type | Military Airfield |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | United States Army Air Forces |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1942 |
| In use | 1942-1943 |
Guercif Airfield is an abandoned military airfield in Morocco, located located in the vicinity of Guercif, approximately 46km west-southwest of Taourirt. It's precise location is undetermined.
History
During World War II the airfield's primary use was for tactical photographic reconnaissance and C-47 Skytrain troop carrier and logistics operations by the Twelfth Air Force. The airfield was constructed as a temporary facility, with a hard earth or pierced steel planking (PSP) runway and parking apron. with few or no permanent structures, Tents were used for ground support operations and personnel billeting.
The first operations from the airfield began at the beginning of April 1943, soon after it's construction by Army Engineers when the 111th Observation Squadron (Medium) of the 68th Observation Group began flying A-20 Havoc reconnaissance and photographic observation missions. The squadron remained at the airfield until it moved to Nouvion Airfield, Algeria at the end of May.
A few days later, elements of the 316th Troop Carrier Group, the 36th, and 45th Squadrons began arriving on the airfield at the end of May. Group HQ moved in a few days later from Nouvion, Algeria. The group flew operational missions as part of the North African Campaign from the airfield until the end of June when the unit moved up to Enfidaville Airfield, Tunisia to better support the advancing Allied forces. After the 316th moved east, the airfield was dismantled and the land returned to civil authorities.
Today the area where Guercif Airfield was constructed is now an agricultural area, with little or no evidence of its existence.
References
This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency
- Maurer, Maurer. Air Force Combat Units of World War II. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History, 1983. ISBN 0-89201-092-4.
- Mauer, Mauer (1969), Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II, Air Force Historical Studies Office, Maxwell AFB, Alabama. ISBN 0892010975
