RAF Shipdham: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 21:34, 21 September 2006

Latest revision as of 12:07, 1 August 2025

(113 intermediate revisions by 55 users not shown)

Line 1:

{{Short description|Former RAF station in Norfolk, England}}

'''RAF Shipdham''' is a former [[World War II]] airfield in [[England]]. The field is located 3 miles S of [[East Dereham]] in [[Norfolk]].

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}

{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}

{{More citations needed|date=March 2013}}

{{Infobox military installation

|name= RAF Shipdham<br />USAAF Station 115

|ensign=[[File:Ensign of the Royal Air Force.svg|90px]]

[[File:Eighth Air Force - Emblem (World War II).png|60px]]

|___location= Located Near [[Dereham]], [[Norfolk]], [[England]]

|coordinates = {{coord|52.62|0.92|type:landmark|display=inline}}

|image= Shipdham-31jan46.png

|image_size= 300px

|caption= Shipdham Airfield - 31 January 1946

|map_type = Norfolk

|pushpin_label_position = none

|map_size =

|map_alt =

|map_caption = Location in Norfolk

|type= [[List of former Royal Air Force stations|Royal Air Force station]]

|code=SJ

|built={{Start date|1942}}

|builder=

|materials=

|height=

|used=1942-{{End date|1957}}

|demolished=

|condition=

|ownership=[[Air Ministry]]

| operator = [[Royal Air Force]]<br>[[United States Army Air Forces]]

| controlledby =[[Twelfth Air Force]]<br>[[Eighth Air Force]]

| garrison = [[319th Operations Group#World War II|319th Bombardment Group (Medium)]]<br>[[44th Fighter Group#World War II|44th Bombardment Group (Heavy)]]

|battles= [[European Theatre of World War II]]<br />Air Offensive, Europe July 1942 - May 1945

}}

[[File:44bg-b24-1.jpg|thumb|Consolidated B-24 Liberators of the 44th Bomb Group on a parachute drop.]]

[[File:44bg-b24-2.jpg|thumb|B-24 of the 44th Bomb Group hit by enemy fire on a mission over enemy territory.]]

[[File:Shipdam-moh-ceremony.jpg|thumb|Medal of Honor Ceremony for Col Leon Johnson at Shipdham Airfield, 1943.]]

[[File:Shipdham Airfield final approach.JPG|thumb|Final approach on NE-SW runway, September 2008.]]

'''Royal Air Force Shipdham''' or more simply '''RAF Shipdham''' is a former [[Royal Air Force]] [[List of former Royal Air Force stations|station]] located 3 miles south of [[Dereham]], [[Norfolk]], [[England]].

== USAAF Use ==

The airfield now operates as Shipdham Airfield.

Shipdham was assigned USAAF designation Station 115.

==History==

=== 319th Bombardment Group (Medium) ===

===USAAF use===

The '''319th Bomb Group (Medium)''' was a [[Ninth Air Force]] [[B-25 Mitchell]] group which arrived at Shipdham on [[12 September]] 1942 from Harding AAF [[Louisiana]]. The group used the base as a staging and transshipment point for deploying to St-Leu, [[Algeria]] as part of [[Twelfth Air Force]] though [[4 October]] 1942.

RAF Shipdham was the first US heavy bomber base in Norfolk and was also the continuous host to [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator]]s longer than any other [[Eighth Air Force]] combat airfield in Britain - from October 1942 to late 1945. It was constructed 1941-42<ref name="Freeman2001p205">{{Harvnb|Freeman|2001|p=205}}</ref> and was assigned USAAF designation Station 115 (SJ).<ref name="CT">{{cite web|url=http://www.controltowers.co.uk/S/Shipdham.htm |title=RAF Shipdham airfield |publisher=Control Towers|access-date=24 February 2013}}</ref>

From 13 September 1943 though 13 June 1945, Shipdham served as headquarters for the [[14th Combat Bombardment Wing]], [[2d Air Division]], [[VIII Bomber Command]] (later [[Eighth Air Force]]).<ref name="Maurer1980p383">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=383.}}</ref>

=== 44th Bombardment Group (Heavy) ===

====319th Bombardment Group (Medium)====

With the departure of the 319th BG, Shipdham was assigned to the '''44th Bombardment Group (Heavy)''', arriving from Will Rogers AAF [[Oklahoma]] in early [[October]] 1942. The 389th was assigned to the 14th Combat Bombardment Wing, and the group tail code was a "Circle-A". It's operational squadrons were:

The '''[[319th Bombardment Group]] (Medium)''' was a [[Twelfth Air Force]] [[Martin B-26 Marauder]] medium bomber group<ref name="Maurer1980p198">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=198.}}</ref> which arrived at Shipdham on 12 September 1942 from [[Harding Army Air Field]], [[Louisiana]].<ref name="Maurer1980p199">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=199.}}</ref>

The personnel of the group used the base as a staging and assembly point before moving in early October for [[RAF Horsham St Faith]] in Norfolk.<ref name="Freeman2001p206">{{Harvnb|Freeman|2001|p=206.}}</ref> From there the unit moved to [[Algeria]] in the [[Mediterranean Theater of Operations]] (MTO) in November as part of the [[Operation Torch]] invasion forces.{{Citation needed|date=February 2013}}

* 66th Bomb Squadron (WQ)

* 67th Bomb Squadron (NB)

* 68th Bomb Squadron (GJ)

* 506th Bomb Squadron (QK)

====44th Bombardment Group (Heavy)====

The group flew [[B-24 Liberator]]s as part of the Eighth Air Force's strategic bombing campaign.

With the departure of the 319th BG, Shipdham was assigned to the '''44th Bombardment Group (Heavy)''',<ref name="Maurer1980p101">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=101.}}</ref> arriving from [[Will Rogers Field]], [[Oklahoma]] on 10 October 1942.<ref name="Maurer1980p102">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=102.}}</ref>

The 44th was assigned to the 14th Combat Bombardment Wing, and the group tail code was a "Circle-A". Its operational squadrons were:

The 44th Bomg Group's operations consisted primarily of assaults against strategic targets in [[France]], [[Belgium]], [[Holland]], [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[Rumania]], [[Austria]], [[Poland]], and [[Sicily]]. Pounded submarine installations, industrial establishments, airfields, harbors, shipyards, and other objectives in [[France]] and [[Germany]], [[November]] [[1942]] - [[June]] [[1943]].

* [[66th Bombardment Squadron]] (WQ)

* [[67th Bombardment Squadron]] (NB)

* [[68th Bombardment Squadron]] (QK)

* [[506th Bombardment Squadron]] (GJ)

The group flew [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator]]s as part of the Eighth Air Force's strategic bombing campaign. The 44th was the first USAAF group to be equipped with the Liberator and the unit had helped form other groups destined to fly the type. The Group was initially under strength, one of its four squadrons having been detached in the US. In March 1943 the 506th Squadron was assigned to the group.<ref name="Freeman2001p206"/>

The unit received a [[Distinguished Unit Citation]] for an extremely hazardous mission against naval installations at [[Kiel]] on [[14 May]] 1943: with its B-24's carrying incendiaries to be dropped after three [[B-17]] groups had released high explosive bombs, the 44th flew in the wake of the main formation; thus the B-24's were particularly vulnerable because they had no protection from fire power of the main force, and this vulnerability increased when the group had to open its own formation for the attack; but the 44th blanketed the target with incendiaries in spite of the concentrated flak and continuous interceptor attacks it encountered.

The 44th Bomb Group's operations consisted primarily of assaults against strategic targets in [[France]], [[Belgium]], the [[Netherlands]], [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[Romania]], [[Austria]], [[Poland]], and [[Sicily]]. Among the targets attacked were submarine installations, industrial establishments, airfields, harbors, shipyards, and other objectives, November 1942 - June 1943.<ref name="Maurer1980p101"/>

Late in [[June]] 1943 a large detachment moved to North Africa to help facilitate the [[Allied invasion of Sicily]] by bombing airfields and marshalling yards in [[Italy]]. The detachment also participated in the famous [[Tidal Wave (1943)|low-level raid on the Ploesti oil fields]] on [[1 August]] 1943. The group was awarded a [[Distinguished Unit Citation]] for its part in this raid and its commander, '''[[Colonel]] Leon Johnson''', was awarded the [[Medal of Honor]] for his daring and initiative in leading his men into smoke, flame, and alerted fighter and antiaircraft opposition over the target, which already had been bombed in error by another group. Before returning to England at the end of [[August]], the detachment bombed an aircraft factory in [[Austria]] and supported ground forces in Sicily.

The unit received a [[Distinguished Unit Citation]] (DUC) for an extremely hazardous mission against naval installations at [[Kiel]] on 14 May 1943: Its B-24's flew in the wake of the main formation and carried incendiaries to be dropped after three [[Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress]] groups had released high explosive bombs, thus the group's aircraft were particularly vulnerable lacking the protection of the firepower of the main force. This vulnerability increased when the group opened its own formation for the attack; but the 44th blanketed the target with incendiaries in spite of the concentrated flak and continuous interceptor attacks it encountered.<ref name="Maurer1980p101"/>

In [[September]] 1943 the group struck airfields in [[Holland]] and [[France]] and convoys in the [[North Sea]]. Also in [[September]], a detachment was sent to North Africa to support the [[Operation Avalanche (World War II)|Salerno operations]]. The detachment returned to England in [[October]] and from [[November]] 1943 to [[April]] [[1945]], the entire group carried out operations against targets in western Europe, concentrating on airfields, oil installations, and marshalling yards.

Late in June 1943 a large detachment moved to [[Libya]] to help facilitate the [[Allied invasion of Sicily]] by bombing airfields and marshalling yards in Italy. The detachment also participated in the famous [[Tidal Wave (1943)|low-level raid on the Ploesti oil fields]] on 1 August 1943. The group was awarded a DUC for its part in this raid and its commander, '''[[Colonel]] [[Leon W. Johnson]]''', was awarded the [[Medal of Honor]] for his daring and initiative in leading his men into smoke, flame, and alerted fighter and antiaircraft opposition over the target, which already had been bombed in error by another group.<ref name="Maurer1980p101"/>

THe unit took part in the intensive campaign of heavy bombers against the German aircraft industry during [[Big Week]], 20-25 Feb 1944. Sometimes flew support and interdictory missions. Struck airfields, railroads, and V-weapon sites in preparation for the [[D-Day|Normandy invasion]]; supported the invasion in [[June]] 1944 by attacking strong points in the beachhead area and transportation targets behind the front lines. Aided the [[Caen]] offensive and the [[St Lo]] breakthrough in [[July]]. Dropped food, ammunition, and other supplies to troops engaged in the [[Operation Market-Garden|airborne attack on Holland]] in [[September]]. Helped to check the enemy offensive during the [[Battle of the Bulge]], Dec 1944-Jan 1945, by striking bridges, tunnels, choke points, rail and road junctions, and communications in the battle area. Attacked airfields and transportation in support of the advance into Germany, and flew a resupply mission during the [[Operation Varsity|airborne assault across the Rhine]] in [[March]] [[1945]].

Before returning to England at the end of August, the detachment bombed an aircraft factory in Austria and supported ground forces in Sicily. In September 1943 the group struck airfields in the [[Netherlands]] and France and convoys in the [[North Sea]]. Also in September, a detachment was sent to North Africa to support the [[Operation Avalanche (World War II)|Salerno operations]].<ref name="Maurer1980p102"/>

The 44th Bomb Group flew its last combat mission on [[25 April]] 1945. The unit returned to Sioux Falls AAF [[South Dakota]] in June 1945.

This proved to be the 44th's last detachment and in October when several new B-24 groups were arriving in Norfolk, the 44th was fully committed to the combined bomber offensive from the UK. From November 1943 to April 1945, the group carried out operations against targets in western Europe, concentrating on airfields, oil installations, and marshalling yards.<ref name="Maurer1980p102"/>

In prepration for [[Operation Downfall]] - overall Allied plan for the invasion of [[Japan]] the group was redesignated the '''44th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy)''' in [[August]] 1945 in preperation for recieving [[B-29]]s. After [[V-J Day]] the unit was assigned to [[Strategic Air Command]] on [[21 March]] [[1946]], however it was inactivated on [[12 July]] 1946.

The group took part in the intensive campaign of heavy bombers against the German aircraft industry during [[Big Week]], 20–25 February 1944. The group flew support and interdictory missions; struck airfields, railroads, and V-weapon sites in preparation for the [[D-Day|Normandy invasion]]; supported the invasion in June 1944 by attacking strong points in the beachhead area and transportation targets behind the front lines. The group aided the [[Caen]] offensive and the [[Saint-Lô]] breakthrough in July; and dropped food, ammunition, and other supplies to troops engaged in the [[Operation Market-Garden|airborne attack on the Netherlands]] in September. The group also helped to check the enemy offensive during the [[Battle of the Bulge]], December 1944–January 1945, by striking bridges, tunnels, choke points, rail and road junctions, and communications in the battle area. The group attacked airfields and transportation in support of the advance into Germany, and flew a resupply mission during the [[Operation Varsity|airborne assault across the Rhine]] in March 1945.<ref name="Maurer1980p102"/>

== Postwar Use ==

The 44th Bomb Group flew its last combat mission on 25 April 1945. During the course of hostilities, the 44th flew a total of 343 missions and its gunners were credited with 330 enemy fighters shot down; its own losses, the highest of any B-24 group in the Eighth, were 153.{{Citation needed|date=February 2013}} The unit returned to Sioux Falls Army Airfield, [[South Dakota]] in June 1945.<ref name="Maurer1980p102"/>

After the war, the field was closed in [[1945]].

;Legacy

==See also==

Reassigned to [[Great Bend Army Airfield]], [[Kansas]] 25 July 1945. In preparation for [[Operation Downfall]], the overall Allied plan for the invasion of Japan, the group was redesignated the '''44th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy)''' in August 1945 in preparation for receiving [[Boeing B-29 Superfortress]]es. Assigned to [[Strategic Air Command]] on 21 March 1946. Reassigned to [[Smoky Hill Army Airfield]], [[Kansas]], 14 December 1945. Inactivated 12 July 1946.<ref name="Maurer1980p102"/>

* [[List of RAF stations]]

* [[Eighth Air Force|USAAF Eighth Air Force - World War II]]

===Air Ministry use===

Between 1946 and 1947, the airfield was used as a transit centre for German POWs en route from the United States for repatriation to Germany.<ref name="CT"/>

The base was also home to [[No. 258 Maintenance Unit RAF]]<ref name="ABCT">{{cite web|url=http://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/airfield-finder/shipdham/ |title=Shipdham |publisher=[[Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust]]|access-date=12 April 2020}}</ref>

Part of Shipdham was sold in 1957 and the remainder between 1962 and 1963.<ref name="Freeman2001p206"/>

==Current use==

With the end of military control Arrow Air Services acquired the airfield from a local farmer and applied for planning permission to re-open the airfield. This was granted in September 1969, and the following April. work began on refurbishing the facility. Two of the concrete runways were refurbished, together with the approach road and perimeter track. The runway lights were found to be still serviceable, although they had to be brought up to modern standards.<ref name="Freeman2001p206"/>

Shipdham was opened to private flying on 16 June 1970<ref name="CT"/> and currently is the home of the Shipdham Aero Club. Its clubhouse is home to their museum and the airfield is unlicensed. Most of the airfield buildings remain in various states of decay, and part of the site is in use as an industrial estate.<ref name="Freeman2001p206"/>

In 2012, Powererd Paraglider training operation - Ufly4fun Pilots Club moved to the airfield from Northrepps Aerodrome.

It was reported in July 2023 that the airfield would close for good in November 2023 and would be redeveloped as a [[Photovoltaic power station|solar farm]].<ref name="pilotweb">{{cite web|url=https://pilotweb.aero/news/shipdham-airfield-to-close-in-november-2023/ |title=Shipdham to close |access-date=24 August 2023}}</ref>

==See also==

{{Portal|United Kingdom|Aviation}}

* [[List of former Royal Air Force stations]]

* [[List of Norfolk airfields]]

==References==

{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}

===Citations===

{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===

* Freeman, Roger A., Airfields Of The Eighth, Then And Now, 1978

* {{wikicite|ref={{harvid|Freeman|2001}}|reference=Freeman, R. ''Airfields of the Eighth - Then and Now. After the Battle''. London, UK: Battle of Britain International Ltd., 2001. {{ISBN|0-9009-13-09-6}}.}}

* [http://www.controltowers.co.uk/S/Shipdham.htm www.controltowers.co.uk Shipdham ]

* Freeman, Roger A. (1991) ''The Mighty Eighth: The Colour Record''. Cassell & Co. {{ISBN|0-304-35708-1}}

* [http://mighty8thaf.preller.us/php/1Loc.php?Base=Shipdham mighty8thaf.preller.us Shipdham ]

* {{wikicite|ref={{harvid|Maurer|1980}}|reference=Maurer, M. ''Air Force Combat Units of World War II''. USAF Historical Division. Washington D.C., USA: Zenger Publishing Co., Inc, 1980. {{ISBN|0-89201-092-4}}.}}

== External links ==

{{Commons category|RAF Shipdham}}

* [http://mighty8thaf.preller.us/php/1Loc.php?Base=Shipdham mighty8thaf.preller.us Shipdham]

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060306114356/http://mighty8thaf.preller.us/gallery/Shipdham Photos of Shipdham Airfield]

* [Website - https://www.cityofgroveok.gov/building/page/united-states-air-force-44th-bomb-group-flying-8-balls]

* [http://www.controltowers.co.uk/S/Shipdham_B-24.htm B-24D "Calaban"]

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061013020456/http://www.wartimememories.co.uk/airfields/shipdham.html The Wartime Memories Project - RAF Shipdham]

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061114133516/http://www.modern-ruins.com/shipdham/shipdham.html Shipdham Bomber Base, 1991]

{{Royal Air Force}}

* [http://mighty8thaf.preller.us/gallery/Shipdham Photos of Shipdham Airfield]

{{USAAF 12th Air Force World War II}}

* [http://www.44thbombgroup.com/main.html 44th Bomb Group Website]

{{USAAF 8th Air Force UK}}

* [http://www.multimap.com/map/photo.cgi?client=public&X=598000&Y=307000&scale=25000&width=700&height=400&gride=598400&gridn=307300&lang=&db=hcgaz&coordsys=gb Aerial Photo of RAF Shipdham From Multimap.Com]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Shipdham}}

[[Category:Defunct World War II USAAF Fields]]

[[Category:Airfields of the VIII Bomber Command in the United Kingdom]]

{{USAF-stub}}

[[Category:Royal Air Force stations in Norfolk]]

[[Category:Shipdham|RAF]]

[[Category:Military airbases established in 1942]]

[[Category:Military airbases closed in 1957]]