RAF Goxhill: Difference between revisions
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== RAF Bomber Command == |
== RAF Bomber Command == |
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Goxhill was built as |
Goxhill was origionally built as a balloon barrage to protect the Port of Hull and the River Humber. In June 1941 it was transferred to RAF Bomber Command. Its first occupant was No. 1 Group that took up residence on 26 June 1941. The mission of No. 1 Group was towing practice targets with Lysanders, it's first operation beginning on 25 October. |
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== RAF Fighter Command == |
== RAF Fighter Command == |
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The 496th Fighter Group was a Combat Crew Replacement Center for 8th and 9th USAAF units. It consisted of the 554th Fighter Squadron with P-38x and the 555th Fighter Squadron with P-51s. |
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== Current Use == |
== Current Use == |
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In Jul 1977, the MOD sold off the remaining parts of Goxhill to private owners. |
In Jul 1977, the MOD sold off the remaining parts of Goxhill to private owners. |
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Today, nearly the entire airfield remains intact. Many of the World War II buildings remain and perhaps of its relative inaccessability, Goxhill looks very much like it did uring the war years. |
Today, nearly the entire airfield remains intact and is primarily used for agriculture. Many of the World War II buildings remain and perhaps of its relative inaccessability, Goxhill looks very much like it did uring the war years. |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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Revision as of 00:27, 20 March 2006
RAF Goxhill is a former United States Army Air Force station in England. It is located just to the east of the town of Goxhill in North Lincolnshire.
During World War II it was known as USAAF Station 345.
RAF Bomber Command
Goxhill was origionally built as a balloon barrage to protect the Port of Hull and the River Humber. In June 1941 it was transferred to RAF Bomber Command. Its first occupant was No. 1 Group that took up residence on 26 June 1941. The mission of No. 1 Group was towing practice targets with Lysanders, it's first operation beginning on 25 October.
RAF Fighter Command
In December 1941, RAF Fighter Command replaced the Bomber Command training unit with No. 12 Group, flying Spitfires from No. 616 Squadron at RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey. Fighter Command operated the base until May 1942.
USAAF Use
The base was relegated to satellite field use by RAF Kirmington until August 1942, when it was taken over by the United States Army Air Force. The USAAF used Goxhill as a training base though the balence of the war, with several squadrons using it after their initial deployment to the UK, then moving on to a permanent facility for their operational missions.
Both the USAAF 8th and 9th Air Force utilized Goxhill. Units which trained here were:
| Group | Aircraft | Date Arrived | Date Departed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Fighter Group | P-38 "Lightning" | 10 June 1942 | 24 August 1942 |
| 52nd Fighter Group | P-39 "Airacobra" | 26 August 1942 | 9 November 1942 |
| 78th Fighter Group | P-38 "Lightning" | December 1942 | April 1943 |
| 353rd Fighter Group | P-47 "Thunderbolt" | June 1943 | 3 August 1943 |
| 356th Fighter Group | P-47 "Thunderbolt" | 27 August 1943 | 5 October 1943 |
| 358th Fighter Group | P-47 "Thunderbolt" | 20 October 1943 | 29 November 1943 |
| 496th Fighter Training Group | P-51 "Mustang" and P-38 "Lightning" | December 1943 | December 1944 |
The 496th Fighter Group was a Combat Crew Replacement Center for 8th and 9th USAAF units. It consisted of the 554th Fighter Squadron with P-38x and the 555th Fighter Squadron with P-51s.
Current Use
On 20 Janurary 1945, the USAAF returned Goxhill to RAF control, and on 27 May it was assigned to Maintence Command for storage of excess munitions. RAF Goxhill remained a storage depot until it was deactivated on 14 December 1953.
Goxhill airfield was leased to farmers for agricultural use until 29 January 1962, when it was finally sold by the Ministry Of Defense. The Technical Site and the aircraft hangars, however, was retained by the MOD for storage uses.
In Jul 1977, the MOD sold off the remaining parts of Goxhill to private owners.
Today, nearly the entire airfield remains intact and is primarily used for agriculture. Many of the World War II buildings remain and perhaps of its relative inaccessability, Goxhill looks very much like it did uring the war years.
See also
External links
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 | This United States military article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |