MEMORIES of RAF Burtonwood in the 1950s will be brought back to life online by Burtonwood Association President Aldon Ferguson next Monday, March 15.
Following on from the success of his recent Zoom lecture “Why did the US Army occupy the Burtonwood Base?” which attracted well over 100 viewers, Aldon is now turning his attention to life at the base during the 1950s.
RAF Burtonwood had completed its role in the Berlin Air Lift in late 1949 and now settled down to its Cold War role supporting the USAF deterrent in Europe.
Undertaking this role required major changes. The main runway was extended from 5,500 ft to 9,000 ft, Header House was built and the new Terminal building and control tower. 55 single storey family housing units were constructed on Site 3 and the base was occupied by 5,500 servicemen and women, together with their dependents. Schools were opened, messes upgraded, and heating was improved.
Sport was a major feature and the Burtonwood Bullets football team beat all other UK bases. VIPs and world-class entertainers came to perform.
The airfield was busy with WB-29, and later WB-50, weather reconnaissance aircraft, air-sea rescue aircraft and scores of transport aircraft flying constantly to and from the US and all across Europe. The hangars were also full of the latest jets, such as F-84’s and F-86’s, undergoing major upgrades. There were two detachments of B-36 aircraft in this period, four Open House public days and the place just hummed day and night.
Hear about all this, see many photos, videos and much more, by joining Aldon next Monday, 15 March, at 7pm UK time.
To register please e-mail Aldon Ferguson on [email protected] for a FREE link to the lecture.
Unique partnership helps keep memories of RAF Burtonwood alive
