Torretta

Airfield
media-23398.jpeg UPL 23398 Torretta Airfield (Cerignola #3)
Home of the 461st BG & 484th BG
15th AF

Object Number - UPL 23398 - Torretta Airfield (Cerignola #3) Home of the 461st BG & 484th BG 15th AF

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Detailed History

Torretta airfield (also known as Cerignola #3) was a semi-permanent heavy bomber airfield located approximately 14km (9mi) southwest of Cerignola in Apulia, Italy.

The air field opened in December 1943 with a single runway. The airfield was initially used by 205 Group. When the other squadrons left 142 Sqn and 150 Sqn remained at the muddy field until February 1944. When 330 Wing left the airfield was handed over to the USAAF, who improved the aerodrome to be used as an affective bomber base.

Its double PSP runway with extensive taxiway and hardstand parking areas and steel control tower were built by the US Army Corps Of Enigineers in early 1944, as part of the Foggia Airfield Complex, a series of World War II military airfields located within a 25 mile (40 km) radius of Foggia. The only known USAAF units to operate from the very large and expansive field are the 461st and 484th Bombardment Group, flying a total of six squadrons of B-24 Liberators, from February 1944 until September 1945.

The airfield remained operational until the end of the war and the airfield closed in August 1945

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 461st Bomb Group 764th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 32821360
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant (RAF)
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 461st Bomb Group 765th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 39906487
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Waist gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 461st Bomb Group 767th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 16116044 / T-004502
  • Highest Rank: Flight Officer
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 461st Bomb Group 765th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 38600941
  • Highest Rank: Corporal (RAF)
  • Role/Job: Nose turret gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 461st Bomb Group 764th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 33614032
  • Highest Rank: Corporal (RAF)
  • Role/Job: Nose gunner

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Malfunctioned Sired By Ford
  • Unit: 461st Bomb Group 767th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Heaven Can Wait
  • Unit: 461st Bomb Group 766th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Ten Aces and A Queen
  • Unit: 461st Bomb Group 765th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Hard Guy
  • Unit: 461st Bomb Group 764th Bomb Squadron 767th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Unit: 461st Bomb Group 766th Bomb Squadron

Revisions

Date
Contributor466thHistorian
Changes
Sources

corrected spelling

Date
Contributor466thHistorian
Changes

Torretta: Gallery (20 items)