[updated:LAST EDITED ON 20-08-02 AT 08:10 PM (GMT)]The Boxted Airfield Society in conjuction with the Suffolk Strut of the PFA are holding an open day and fly in on Sunday 1st September at the Langham Airfield site just north of Colchester once the home of “Zemke’s Wolfpack” the 56th fighter group amongst others. Observing the wartime operations at the base inspired one local youth to become one of the most respected authors in the field of the USAF in England during WW2 whose work we are all familiar with, one Roger Freeman.
For the fly in the organisers are expecting around 50 vintage types including Moths, Cubs and a Chipmunk and Havard plus the Bucker Jungmann diplay team. They also have their fingers crossed on the possiblity of the Mustang from Hardwicke paying a visit. The society has an excellent display of photographs and memorabilia documenting the history of the base that will be on display in the nearby community centre and there will also be a meeting of the Jaguar owners club, ex military vehicles, guided tours of what remains of the base, stalls and side shows etc.
http://www.boxted-airfield.com/
Only about five miles away for me so you know where I’ll be.
Regards,
Phil.A.
By: whalebone - 2nd September 2002 at 10:58
RE: Boxted Three-One
If only I’d been 5 minutes earlier !!!
All my best plans went to pot when just as I was leaving home the good lady wife got called into work to cover someone who had gone sick so I was unable to attend. She’s a district nurse so I was left transportless. Still she won’t be able to argue if I go to Bruntingthorpe in a fortnight now will she! (some hope).
I’m glad the weather was fair and you chaps had a good time, maybe catch you if there’s another one.
Best regards, Phil.A.
By: Moggy C - 2nd September 2002 at 07:25
RE: Boxted Three-One
>When I saw you, you’d just been called to the control tower
>so guessed you must have been busy, next time maybe
That was a hoot!
I was up the far end of the field organising a crew of hefties in yellow waiscoats (Who were doing an excellent job) to move my aircraft off the dust and onto the grass so I could leave.
Hearing the urgent message from the ‘tower’ I (almost) ran the length of the field to find out what they wanted. Eventually found the head controller and enquired what was up.
“Ah yes, can you move your aircraft please? The one behind you wants to get out”
🙂
Moggy
By: Yak 11 Fan - 1st September 2002 at 20:31
RE: Boxted Three-One
When I saw you, you’d just been called to the control tower so guessed you must have been busy, next time maybe
By: Moggy C - 1st September 2002 at 20:22
RE: Boxted Three-One
>Nice looking aircraft Moggy, on the whole it was a good day
>at Boxted
Thank you for that. Why didn’t you collar me for a chat? (all be it I was only there briefly)
Loved the 17ft Wingspan B17! Brilliant, It’s landing was the only one of the day worse than mine.
Moggy
By: Yak 11 Fan - 1st September 2002 at 20:14
RE: Boxted Three-One
Nice looking aircraft Moggy, on the whole it was a good day at Boxted
By: whalebone - 22nd August 2002 at 15:09
RE: Boxted Three-One
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 22-08-02 AT 03:10 PM (GMT)]That’s good news Moggy. Let me know your slot time and the “frequency for the day” and I’ll keep an ear out for you.
Phil.A.
By: Moggy C - 22nd August 2002 at 13:57
RE: Boxted Three-One
Ok,
I’m booked in with the above call-sign.
PA22 from Knettishall in Suffolk, home of the 388th Bomb Group.
Moggy
By: whalebone - 22nd August 2002 at 11:44
Boxted 1st September slight amendment
Please note that the reference to the exhibition at the Langham community center in the initial posting is incorrect. I have been informed that the event takes place entirely on the airfield site only.
Phil.A.
By: Yak 11 Fan - 21st August 2002 at 19:37
RE: No longer confused am I
I may well make the trip down from Ipswich, it would be nice to see the place.
Chris
By: whalebone - 21st August 2002 at 12:39
RE: No longer confused am I
Moggy, check out the events diary on PFA website. There is a 700m grass strip but you will need PPR clearance, a pre-booked slot and briefing before attending, call 01206 231304. Your call will be answered by “Polehouse Nurseries” who are the site operators, ask for a Boxted fly in slot and they will know what you are talking about and give you the relevant info.
As an added incentive those arriving by air get a commemorative plaque plus no landing or entrance fee.
Here’s the link
http://www.pfa.org.uk/boxted/index.asp
You are right, it would be a rare entry in the old log book as apart from a small crop dusting operation and a little gliding, both of which had ceased by the early 70’s, the place has been covered in fruit trees and virtually inactive since then. If you can make it what will you arrive aboard and where from ?
Cheers for now
Phil A
By: Moggy C - 21st August 2002 at 12:04
RE: No longer confused am I
Might try to fly-in, a great name for the logbook.
How much runway/grass is there?
Moggy
By: whalebone - 20th August 2002 at 23:51
RE: Confused? I am!
Whoop’s should have remembered.
Langham is the nearest village and was to be the original name (and still is locally) but, Boxted was chosen in order to prevent the mis-identification that I have just re-created all these years later. Goes to prove the planners were right I guess.
Yup, a few miles to the north of Colchester just off the A12 is where to be. Anyone thinking of going ? Perhaps we could meet up and have a chat or if you fancy a beer, just off site the nearby Sheperd and Dog (in Langham) has a reputation for good ale and grub. :+
Sorry for any confusion.
Phil.A.
By: Moggy C - 20th August 2002 at 22:41
Confused? I am!
Boxted airfield is 5 miles NE of Colchester
Langham aifield is about 65 miles N of Colchester
So where’s the fly-in?
Moggy
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August 20, 2002 at 8:02 pm