RAF Debden: Difference between revisions
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=== 4th Fighter Group === |
=== 4th Fighter Group === |
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[[Image:4fg-p51-wd.jpg|thumb|300px|North American P-51D-20-NA Mustang Serial 44-72308 of the 335th Fighter Squadron.]] |
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[[Image:4fg-p51-vf.jpg|thumb|300px|North American P-51D-10-NA Mustang Serial 44-14277 of the 336th Fighter Squadron. This aircraft was shot down over Praha [[16 April]] 1945 and the pilot was taken POW.]] |
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The airfield was transferred on [[12 September]] [[1942]] to the [[United States Army Air Force]] [[Eighth Air Force]]. With the transfer of the airfield and the entry of the [[United States]] into the war, the Americans in the RAF [[Eagle squadron]]s were tranferred into the American ranks, with the 71, 121 and 133 RAF Eagle Squadrons becoming the '''4th Fighter Group'''. Aircraft of the group were identified by red around their cowlings and tails. |
The airfield was transferred on [[12 September]] [[1942]] to the [[United States Army Air Force]] [[Eighth Air Force]]. With the transfer of the airfield and the entry of the [[United States]] into the war, the Americans in the RAF [[Eagle squadron]]s were tranferred into the American ranks, with the 71, 121 and 133 RAF Eagle Squadrons becoming the '''4th Fighter Group'''. Aircraft of the group were identified by red around their cowlings and tails. |
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Revision as of 10:10, 13 September 2006
RAF Debden is a former RAF airfield in England. The field is located 2 miles SE of Saffron Walden and approximately 1 mile north of the village of Debden in Essex.
RAF Use
The airfield was opened in April 1937 and was first used by the Royal Air Force. During the early years of World War II, it was a Sector Station with an Operations Block for No.11 Group during the Battle of Britain. Many different RAF Sqns here including 1, 17, 29, 65, 73, 80, 85, 87, 111, 157, 418, 504 and 601. Airfield attacked several times during the Battle of Britain.
Hard surface runways were laid in 1940. During May through September 1942 it was used by RAF 71, 121 and 133 Eagle Sqns here with Spitfires V's,
USAAF Use
Debden was assigned USAAF designation Station 156.
4th Fighter Group
The airfield was transferred on 12 September 1942 to the United States Army Air Force Eighth Air Force. With the transfer of the airfield and the entry of the United States into the war, the Americans in the RAF Eagle squadrons were tranferred into the American ranks, with the 71, 121 and 133 RAF Eagle Squadrons becoming the 4th Fighter Group. Aircraft of the group were identified by red around their cowlings and tails.
The group consisted of the following squadrons:
- 334th Fighter Squadron (QP) (Former 71 Squadron)
- 335th Fighter Squadron (WD) (Former 121 Squadron)
- 336th Fighter Squadron (VF) (Former 133 Squadron)
The 4th Fighter Group destroyed more enemy planes in the air and on the ground than any other fighter group of Eighth Air Force. The group operated first with Spitfires but changed to P-47's in March 1943 and to P-51's in April 1944.
On numerous occasions the 4th FG escorted B-17/B-24 bombers that attacked factories, submarine pens, V-weapon sites, and other targets in France, the Low Countries, or Germany. The gropu went out sometimes with a small force of bombers to draw up the enemy's fighters so they could be destroyed in aerial combat. At other times the 4th attacked the enemy's air power by strafing and dive-bombing airfields. Also hit troops, supply depots, roads, bridges, rail lines, and trains.
The unit participated in the intensive campaign against the German Air Force and aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. Received a Distinguished Unit Citation for aggressiveness in seeking out and destroying enemy aircraft and in attacking enemy air bases during the period 5 March - 24 April 1944.
The 4th FG flew interdictory and counter-air missions during the invasion of Normandy in June 1944. Supported the airborne invasion of Holland in September. Participated in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Covered the airborne assault across the Rhine in March 1945.
With the cessastion of hostilities, the group was briefly moved to RAF Steeple Morden in early July, then on 10 November the group was inactivated at Camp Kilmer New Jersey.
Postwar Use
Debden was returned to Royal Air Force control on 5 September 1945.
10/44, 616 Sqn here with Meteors.
/46 to /60, diversion airfield for Duxford, Technical Training School /60 to /75, RAF Police Depot, after the RAF left the site became home to Carver Barracks.
See also
References
- Freeman, Roger A., Airfields Of The Eighth, Then And Now, 1978
- www.controltowers.co.uk Debden
- www.littlefriends.co.uk 4th FG
External links
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