Lessay

Airfield
media-21100.jpeg UPL 21100 Lt. Frank Burgmeier-Lead Navigator (Left) and Lt. Walt Foster-Lead Bombardier (Right) outside of their tent near Lessay, France August-September 1944. To pass time, they played Gin Rummy (Frank usually won), read and built furniture. They also rode bikes and went to the Red Cross for movies and coffee and donuts. Walter E Foster collection

JMF

Object Number - UPL 21100 - Lt. Frank Burgmeier-Lead Navigator (Left) and Lt. Walt Foster-Lead Bombardier (Right) outside of their tent near Lessay, France August-September...

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Detailed History

49°12'08"N 001°30'29"E





runway: 07/25 - 6000x120ft - PSP (CLOSED)

runway: 13/31 - 5000x120ft - PSP (CLOSED)

runway: 07/25 - 1250x80m/4101x..ft - grass





Lessay airfield (French: Aérodrome de Lessay or Aérodrome Charles Lindbergh, also known as Advanced Landing Ground A-20 'Lessay', ICAO LFOM) is an airfield southeast of Lessay on the Cotentin peninsula in Normandy, France.

According to French sources the airfield opened in December 1923. On 4 June 1927 the airfield was used by Charles Lindbergh as his final stop in Europe, before boarding a ship in Cherbourg for his return to the United States. It is not clear what happened at the airfield between 1928 and April 1944. In April 1944, elements of the Fs.Jg.-Regt. 6 (Fallschirm-Jäger-Regiment 6, or Para Regiment 6) were tasked with defending the airfield.

After it was captured from the Germans, the airfield was completely rebuilt by 830 Engineer Aviation Battalion between 1 and 25 August 1944. It was planned to reopen as a medium bomber base and became operational on 25 August. 323 Bombardment Group (Medium) flying B-26 Marauders were based at the airfield until 24 September. After the bombers left, the airfield closed on 28 September 1944. The grounds were then returned to the french authorities.

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 456th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 456th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 456th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot / Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 98th Combat Bomb Wing 416th Bomb Group Headquarters (416th Bomb Group)
  • Service Numbers: O-17955
  • Highest Rank: Brigadier General
  • Role/Job: Pilot - Group Commander - Wing Commander

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JMF

Lessay: Gallery (2 items)