By: G-ASEA - 21st July 2008 at 21:19
Mourmelon had at least one large hanger. There are two photos in Victor Binghams ‘ Blitzed!’ which shows damaged Magister and Battle. I have a photo of a damaged Battle on oil drums, with another Battle in the background. So i would think the airfield may have been a good size.
Dave
By: Arabella-Cox - 21st July 2008 at 09:54
Hi Dave
The airfield buildings in the background look to be very substantial which make me think that Reims is more likely, but then how big an airfield was Mourmelon? Is there an french airfields expert out there please?
regards
DaveW
By: G-ASEA - 20th July 2008 at 22:00
Thanks Dave, I have just got a copy of the photo, thats what made me ask the question.The Dragon said to burnt at Mourmelon, this didn’t seem to happen. I have a few photo’s of Fairey Battles said to have been burnt, which also did not happen. But then if the germans where close they may not have had time! My father told me that my uncle who was at HQ Reims said that many service personnel where put on a charge at the time for destrorying aeroplane’s, rather than letting them fall into enemy hands.
Dave
By: Arabella-Cox - 20th July 2008 at 17:53
Hello Dave
Some years ago I was in correspondence with Joe Stevens, ex 218 S re Battles in France. In amongst the stuff he sent me was a photograph of abandoned a/c on a French airfield and some details that Malcolm Philimore of Air Britain had provided. Mentor L4421 is visible on one of the photographs, or at least the rear fuselage is, and the airfield is thought to be Reims. The subject of Joe’s query to AB was Dragon G-ACIU which is also believed to be in the photograph.
The form 78 for the Mentor says “1632 Census, abandoned in France”
MF says about the Dragon”…to 24S 3/4/40 and detached to Reims, France, Damaged on take off Mourmelon 29/4/40. Abandoned on evacuation and burned 9/5/40.”
If you would care to have a copy of the photograph call me on [email]].
regards DaveW
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July 19, 2008 at 10:36 pm