Headcorn
AirfieldIWM, English Heritage Collection
Built as an RAF Advanced Landing Ground (ALG), work on the airfield began in early 1943. It was improved and made ready for USAAF use by adding more aircraft standings and temporary buildings. Accommodation was provided in the form of tents and requisitioned local buildings. The first American unit to be based there was the 362nd Fighter Group, equipped with P-47 Thunderbolts. It arrived in April, and flew from the base until July, when it moved to France to support the Allied liberation of Europe. The temporary airfield was returned to its civilian owners in September 1944, and the land returned to agriculture.
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People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 362nd Fighter Group 378th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-697598
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Fighter Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 362nd Fighter Group 379th Fighter Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-695218 and 16083196 on enlisting T43
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Fighter pilot
Aircraft
Revisions
Barry Anderson, Army Air Forces Stations (Alabama, 1985) / Roger Freeman, Airfields of the Ninth Then and Now (London, 1994)