Mathams wood ALG as it was known to start with, went on to be known as RAF Sawbridgeworth. With many varied squadrons operating from here probably the best known was 2(AC) Squadron, initially with Lysanders P-40’s then Mustang 1’s.
On May 14th the Squadron celebrates its 94th anniversary, the same day a new memorial will be dedicated to the airfield at Shingle Hall Farm, Trimms Green, Sawbridgeworth.The Memorial will be a curved brick structure with a single blade from a P-51 Mustang set into the centre and a plaque on each side. The service of Dedication will start at 1400 hours, but members of the public can come along earlier.
There will be a display of 2(AC) squadron history, and former wartime members of the squadron will be on hand to talk to, Two of the squadrons pilots from the Mustang days, Doug Reich and Ivor Harris both have many funny and sad tales to tell.
It was hoped for a flypast from present day Tornado aircraft from 2(AC) but operational requirements unfortunately decree this impossible.
A display of Military Vehicles from the era, hot and cold food, tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available at a reasonable price. Parking is available at Shingle Hall Farm under 309 (Sawbridgeworth) ATC control.
Paul Doyle,the author of the book ‘Where the Lysanders were’ will be on hand and will have copies of his book with him.
This is the second airfield memorial we have funded and built, and follows on from the successful Hunsdon airfield dedication last May.
By: Denis - 9th May 2006 at 20:36
JDK,
If we could only have had a Lysander for the flypast as well 😉 Thanks for the link to your book, its on my ‘next thing to purchase’ list.
By: JDK - 9th May 2006 at 02:53
Paul Doyle,the author of the book ‘Where the Lysanders were’ will be on hand and will have copies of his book with him.
A book I can throughly recommend, having used it as a reference in my recent book on the Lysander . A good work, showing a light into a very specific and interesting area of aviation history.
By: Denis - 8th May 2006 at 23:07
It seems we shall have a flypast after all. Additional money has been pledged to enable Maurice Hammond to appear with his P-51 Mustang, we are just awaiting confirmation from Stansted that the aircraft can operate in the area, well that and the weather permitting!. 🙂
Six days to go.
By: Denis - 29th April 2006 at 14:16
Thank you Janie.
bumped the thread, 15 or so days to go.
By: Chipmunk Carol - 26th April 2006 at 19:31
Maybe you next arrange for one at Hatfield before Arlington totally obliterate its past!Anthony
There are no plans for a memorial, as far as I know, although there may be some art coming to the area. An attempt to return the light beacon, currently at North Weald, is still under consideration.
Most interestingly, the Hertfordshire Constabulary, which is taking over the old de Havilland offices has submitted plans for a building in the shape of an aircraft!
As for putting a propeller there, it looks like the airfield will be getting a wind turbine. That was certainly not my idea, although I believe on resident said that it was a fitting memorial!
Denis: Bravo and apologies for hijacking the thread.
By: wamwig - 26th April 2006 at 08:37
Denis
Well done, I shall try to be there, lost count of the amount of times I’ve driven through there and pointed it out to people and they say “where’s the airfield?” Pity the blister hangar isnt there any more.
Maybe you next arrange for one at Hatfield before Arlington totally obliterate its past!
Anthony
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April 25, 2006 at 10:29 pm