Fowlmere, Cambridgeshire

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media-12840.jpeg UPL 12840 A photograph taken in January 2015 showing the sign of the Chequers pub in Fowlmere, Cambridgeshire. The sign is painted with red and white chequers on the one side to honour the American pilots of the 339th Fighter Group which were based at Fowlmere airfield from April 1944 to October 1945. The opposite side is painted blue and white chequers to honour the No.19 RAF Squadron which were also based at Fowlmere airfield prior to the arrival of the American airmen in 1944.

Self.

Object Number - UPL 12840 - A photograph taken in January 2015 showing the sign of the Chequers pub in Fowlmere, Cambridgeshire. The sign is painted with red and white chequers...

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Detailed History

Fowlmere village was visited frequently by the American Airmen of the 339th Fighter Group who were based at nearby Fowlmere airfield from April 1944 to October 1945.



The Chequers, Fowlmere

The Chequers pub sign is painted with red and white chequers on the one side to honour the American pilots of the 339th Fighter Group and the pub itself still displays photographs which depict scenes from Fowlmere airfield.



In September 1986, former American servicemen of the 339th Fighter Group, under the leadership of their old base commander, Col. John B. Henry, visited The Chequers and presented them with a tankard and certificate for their "logistic support".

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 339th Fighter Group 503rd Fighter Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-832663
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Fighter Pilot

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: P-51 Mustang
  • Nicknames: Irish Eyes
  • Unit: 339th Fighter Group 503rd Fighter Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: P-51 Mustang
  • Nicknames: Irish Eyes
  • Unit: 339th Fighter Group 503rd Fighter Squadron

Revisions

Date
Contributorrossingtonj
Changes
Sources

Own knowledge, The Chequers website: http://www.thechequersfowlmere.co.uk/about-us.html

Fowlmere, Cambridgeshire: Gallery (4 items)