Whilst working on a research project about the UK Chinook Force – for publishing elsewhere. I discovered the following awkward historical fact:
The Chinook UK Main Operating Base, RAF Odiham, Hampshire was officially opened 18 Oct 1937 by a senior Luftwaffe Officer Gen Erhard Milch. His day job, at the time, was the illegal build up of the German AF.
Following the start of WWII, he is quoted as saying that the Luftwaffe was not to attack the base. He stated it was to become the UK HQ of the Luftwaffe post Operation Sea Lion. As a result, RAF Odiham wasn’t attacked during WWII.
As the war in Europe came to a close, he escaped Germany and was captured by the Allies shortly afterwards. Later being tried for War Crimes at Nuremburg and sentenced to life imprisonment.
One wonders who thought it was a good idea to invite him to Odiham, in the first place.
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By: hypersonic - 16th September 2024 at 10:01
It must be a different time / location there weren’t Spitfires based at Odiham in 1937.
The first Spitfire Sqn (19 Sqn) formed at Duxford, in the Summer of 1938. Maybe that was the location? A piece of irony there – Duxford went on to serve with distinction in the Battle of Britain of course.
However, as a Cold War aviation historian, I’m a bit out of my depth here!!
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By: Fargo Boyle - 16th September 2024 at 01:20
I don’t know if it was the same visit, but I recall a story about a pre-war German delegation visit to a Spitfire squadron, where all concerned were told not to mention the then secret new reflector gunsight. When they arrived, the pilots were amazed to see the accompanying top brass extol the virtues of same, and inviting them to have a look in the cockpit at the new equipment. Possibly read it in ‘Fly for your Life?’
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September 15, 2024 at 4:30 pm