Mark Nicholson
Mark Nicholson
  • Видео 44
  • Просмотров 142 976
RAF Alconbury to RAF Wethersfield - USAF Memorials & Incidents. 'Who Has Touched the Sky?'
This video lists a number of Tributes, Memorials and incidents that I know about with regard to the United States Air Force in England. Obviously, this is not a complete historical listing. The Bases featured are in no particular order.
On a personal note, I passed through the Dorman Memorial Archway at the former RAF Woodbridge Base to get to the football field on many occasions (1975-1978) without realising the significance of the structure. Only in later years did I realise the importance of this Memorial and indeed other such Tributes hence the reason for posting this video.
Photo Credits: I have taken several images from other videos I have posted and included them under this one title...
Просмотров: 233

Видео

RAF Sculthorpe - The Legacy Lives on in Building 380.
Просмотров 5894 месяца назад
On Sunday May 5th 2024, the 'RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre' moved into its new permanent Home at the former Base. It was very apparent that much work had gone into the refurbishment of the building and those involved are to be praised for their efforts as the History of this once important Air Force Base will be preserved. A visit to the Heritage Centre is highly recommended. This updated vide...
RAF Bentwaters (2001).
Просмотров 2634 месяца назад
This is a short updated video of RAF Bentwater's Technical Site (Thompson Drive and surrounding area) and was filmed in Hi8 Video Format in 2001. Note: The video clips were filmed using obsolete technology by todays standards, however, they are watchable if lacking in definition quality. The layout of the Tech Site at this former Air Force Installation remains pretty much as it did at Base clos...
Thorpe Abbotts Memorial Museum. 100th Bomb Group, USAAF - Station 139
Просмотров 1356 месяцев назад
Thorpe Abbotts Memorial Museum is a fine Tribute to the 100th Bomb Group of the 8th USAAF. Whilst the heroic exploits of 'The Bloody Hundredth' are well documented, special mention must go to those who created this Museum - some are no longer with us and to those volunteers who continue the 'Mission' to preserve the History of the 100th BG. Thank you to all concerned. Many years ago, a WWII Vet...
RAF Lakenheath (48th FW) to RAF Mildenhall (100th ARW) Road Trip - April 2022.
Просмотров 3336 месяцев назад
This video is a reminder for those who either served, lived or were connected with RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall or indeed anyone with an interest in these USAF Bases and is a brief overview of the area today (2022). This presentation is a pared down and revised edition of a previously posted video. It includes a brief segment of video footage from Air Fete 2001 which was the last Air Show ...
RAF Bentwaters & RAF Woodbridge. The Domestic Sites Revisited (2001-2002).
Просмотров 6078 месяцев назад
I have previously posted videos about the Domestic Sites at the 'Twin Bases' and this presentation continues on that same theme. Many scenes and images will therefore be familiar but some New Material has been added. It should be noted that RAF Woodbridge is now called Sutton Heath which is a predominantly civilian community with former Base housing and the Elementary School being used but it a...
RAF Croughton and RAF Barford St. John, 422nd Air Base Group, USAF, England.
Просмотров 1,1 тыс.Год назад
This video recognises those who have served and continue to serve at RAF Croughton & RAF Barford St. John. The image for this video is of the Road Sign which is directly opposite the Main Gate to the Base and gives notice to drivers - obviously directed at US Personnel to 'DRIVE ON THE LEFT.' It is equally a poignant reminder of the tragic Road Traffic Accident that occurred along this road on ...
RAF Woodbridge Road Trip - April 2022 (Long Version). Featuring Base and Bury Hill Housing Areas.
Просмотров 589Год назад
This is a repost of a deleted video and though similar in layout to other related titles about the Base, it focuses in more detail on Housing both on Woodbridge Base and Bury Hill in Melton. The video also features the former Elementary School. Overall, this presentation might interest those USAF Service Members and their Families or even British Army Personnel who either commuted to or lived o...
RAF Woodbridge. 2003 - 2022. Short Version.
Просмотров 1,4 тыс.Год назад
This presentation is another Trip Down Memory Lane featuring a pared down version of previously posted videos about the Base. Basically, a quick 'Drive' to and around the former Base though not all areas are featured. It stems from a request as to 'What does the Base Look Like Today?' I hope this video answers that question with end images showing what this former RAF/USAF Base looked like in 2...
RAF Woodbridge & Bentwaters. The UFO Enigma - December 1980. An Overview...
Просмотров 465Год назад
Does this video resolve a 40 year old Mystery? The answer is a definite NO! Indeed, it may further confuse what is already a baffling and controversial incident. This presentation is a revised edition of a previously posted video which I deleted but have been requested to repost?? It doesn't or more importantly detail the confusing events of this much debated subject, but is essentially a remin...
RAF Bentwaters (1951 - 1993) Part 1. The Domestic Site.
Просмотров 966Год назад
The 81st Tactical Fighter Wing, USAF vacated the 'Twin Bases' of RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge in 1993 and 2023 will see the 30th Anniversary of the departure and closure of these installations. This video is a brief look at the Domestic Side of the former RAF Bentwaters using previously posted content which has been edited and condensed. The New Community of Rendlesham is a mix of Private new hous...
The Royal Air Force - A Tribute. 'Through Adversity to the Stars'
Просмотров 1,7 тыс.Год назад
This video is a Tribute to the Royal Air Force. It is not a history of the Service but focuses on a number of RAF Stations (Past & Present) and Aircraft, many of which have since been retired. PHOTO CREDITS: My photographs and video segments are supplemented by several sourced images. No breach of personal copyright is intended by their inclusion. With thanks to David Lowe and the Public Domain...
RAF Upper Heyford, England. In Memory of Major Robert Sipes, 66th TAC RECON WING, USAF. (Revised).
Просмотров 580Год назад
RAF Upper Heyford, England. In Memory of Major Robert Sipes, 66th TAC RECON WING, USAF. (Revised).
USAF C-141 'Starlifter' Crash Site Memorial, Thorney, Cambridgeshire, England.
Просмотров 7212 года назад
USAF C-141 'Starlifter' Crash Site Memorial, Thorney, Cambridgeshire, England.
RAF Woodbridge American High School, England. 'One Last Look'...
Просмотров 1 тыс.2 года назад
RAF Woodbridge American High School, England. 'One Last Look'...
This is RAF West Raynham. 2022.
Просмотров 7 тыс.2 года назад
This is RAF West Raynham. 2022.
RAF Bentwaters & Woodbridge Weapons Storage Area.
Просмотров 2,1 тыс.2 года назад
RAF Bentwaters & Woodbridge Weapons Storage Area.
The US Military Cemetery, Madingley, Cambridge, England.
Просмотров 1,5 тыс.2 года назад
The US Military Cemetery, Madingley, Cambridge, England.
RAF Nocton Hall - USAF Contingency Hospital.
Просмотров 1,4 тыс.2 года назад
RAF Nocton Hall - USAF Contingency Hospital.
USAF Bases in Britain - 2022.
Просмотров 3,3 тыс.2 года назад
USAF Bases in Britain - 2022.
RAF Swinderby. Featuring RAF Cranwell & The International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln.
Просмотров 3,4 тыс.2 года назад
RAF Swinderby. Featuring RAF Cranwell & The International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln.
RAF Sculthorpe. 'One Last Look.' May 2022.
Просмотров 4,7 тыс.2 года назад
RAF Sculthorpe. 'One Last Look.' May 2022.
RAF Upper Heyford & RAF Croughton Road Trip. May 2022
Просмотров 7 тыс.2 года назад
RAF Upper Heyford & RAF Croughton Road Trip. May 2022
RAF Bentwaters - Road Trip to the Former Base. April 3rd 2022
Просмотров 3,6 тыс.2 года назад
RAF Bentwaters - Road Trip to the Former Base. April 3rd 2022
RAF Alconbury & RAF Molesworth (Revised/Updated 2022), 423rd Air Base Group, USAF.
Просмотров 4,8 тыс.2 года назад
RAF Alconbury & RAF Molesworth (Revised/Updated 2022), 423rd Air Base Group, USAF.
RAF Greenham Common featuring RAF Welford.
Просмотров 1,3 тыс.2 года назад
RAF Greenham Common featuring RAF Welford.
The USAF in Britain - The 'American Airman' - 1950's and Beyond.
Просмотров 9442 года назад
The USAF in Britain - The 'American Airman' - 1950's and Beyond.

Комментарии

  • @kevinwagers9015
    @kevinwagers9015 2 дня назад

    Wow! That brought back some memories. My family and I were there 74-77 & 84-88. I joined the Air Force and was station at Mildenhall 99-04. I took several road trips to Woodbridge to revisit home. It was bittersweet.

  • @t-mobiletodd9093
    @t-mobiletodd9093 8 дней назад

    It, RAF Croughton, was always a COMMs based. Years later, I worked for BT and can confirm that it will not be going away anytime soon. 🤫

  • @htw9594
    @htw9594 13 дней назад

    Was there 1959 - 1961. Fifth to seventh grade .

  • @skipsmoyer4574
    @skipsmoyer4574 18 дней назад

    Was stationed there Nov 78 -80 just missed the UFO event by week or so. Climbed the water tower one night alone. Some period after told a buddy ( Tim) and he talked me taking him up so we went. Most amazing we didn't get caught. Thanks for trip back.

    • @Chelveston78
      @Chelveston78 18 дней назад

      Thank you for your comment. You might find my Y/T video titled RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge 'The Domestic Site' Revisited (2001-2002) interesting as those Base 'Landmarks' - the Water Towers, briefly feature at 1.38 mins. Long gone today but they seemed to offer a challenge for so many back in the day. Thanks again....

  • @skipsmoyer4574
    @skipsmoyer4574 19 дней назад

    Was there Nov 78 -80. This has helped me as looked at new Google map and couldn't find orientation, now see much was demolition. I climbed the water tower twice, first alone, then some time later a friend talked me into again and we both went up. Never got caught.

    • @Chelveston78
      @Chelveston78 18 дней назад

      Hi and thank you for your comment. Check out my Y/T video titled RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge 'The Domestic Site' Revisited (2001 -2002). Essentially a rehash of this video with a few contemporary scenes added. The Water Towers were Base 'Landmarks' and briefly feature at 1.38 mins. They're long gone today but many accepted the challenge to climb these structures - good memories. All the best.

  • @ihazdashcam
    @ihazdashcam 27 дней назад

    My dad worked the command post from 84-87. We left in July 87. Lived in Trimley St Martin in Felixstowe until we moved onto WB.

  • @TucsonHighBand
    @TucsonHighBand 28 дней назад

    I’m crying now. I met my husband there in 1988. I worked in the housing office. I left in 1989 and went back to AZ. He transferred to Offut. We long distance dated and married in 1990 before the Gulf War. We were going to go back on our anniversary in 2020, but Covid. I was thinking about going back for our 35th. I don’t think I could now.

  • @LoboAtwater-o8h
    @LoboAtwater-o8h Месяц назад

    I was there in the 70s…

  • @barrybark3995
    @barrybark3995 Месяц назад

    outside the gym was a clump of bamboo ,by the year 2000 it was a forest

  • @tracyhoughton3749
    @tracyhoughton3749 Месяц назад

    I am proud to live in lincolnshire and have seen just jane taxi many times and watch BBMF fly over, thanks for keeping the memories alive 😊

  • @craigcowan2971
    @craigcowan2971 2 месяца назад

    I was at dependent at Alconbury, ‘74-‘78. At that time we didn’t have a school team as 9-12 grade were bussed to Lakenheath and lived in dorms. The base teams were the Spartans. Later, Alconbury JHS became Alconbury HS with their teams being the Dragons.

  • @pennymccormick3471
    @pennymccormick3471 2 месяца назад

    Thank you so much for sharing this! My father was stationed there 72 to 76. We lived on Portal Drive, you went right by our old house! I love living there. Best part if my childhood.

  • @joycekoyama7959
    @joycekoyama7959 2 месяца назад

    Thank you for the memories. We were stationed at Upper Heyford in 1969-1971. I am still so thankful for the opportunity to see this part of the world and have lived in the English community in Somerton. Great benefits as an Air Force brat that most kids don't enjoy. Some wonderful memories!

  • @robw3027
    @robw3027 3 месяца назад

    Thanks for the tour. I wish I had been there when the F-111's were in residence. A feeling of sadness though- the past has been swept away.

  • @philparrott4424
    @philparrott4424 3 месяца назад

    I was stationed at RAF Croughton from 1976 to 1979. always loved the nurses at Stoke Manville Hospital in Aylesbury. Good times and good memories.

  • @EM-od6gu
    @EM-od6gu 3 месяца назад

    My sister attended in mid 80s. I was to young.

  • @PS-ru2ov
    @PS-ru2ov 3 месяца назад

    how come you were able to go on base??, I remember visiting an american friend of mine sadly i have lost touch with them when they were based there in 2005, amazing place for a British person like me felt weird using US $ in the UK!!! i visited Lakenheath i would love to go on base again

    • @Chelveston78
      @Chelveston78 3 месяца назад

      In answer to your question. My Father was USAF (Retired) and we'd meet up at these Bases - more often RAF Upper Heyford when active and RAF Croughton. Civilian access is controlled and is limited to those on either 'Official Business' or those sponsored by either an Active Duty or Retired USAF member - effectively they 'sign you in' at the Base and are responsible for you during the visit/stay. And yes, these installations are amazing - 'Small Town USA' in a foreign land.

  • @daz6637
    @daz6637 3 месяца назад

    I did the Army short rigger course in 1998! Still used wellies at Stenigot.😂

  • @stevenrawlinson8752
    @stevenrawlinson8752 3 месяца назад

    i lived at RAF SCULTHORPE 683B CAMBRIDGE STREET 75-77 DAD WAS POSTED AT RAF WEST RAYNHAM

  • @pattondiorama7136
    @pattondiorama7136 3 месяца назад

    I was stationed there 1990-1992. Had some great times there.

  • @YourUncleMorty
    @YourUncleMorty 3 месяца назад

    I was there in 77 TDY from Wiesbaden. My team and I Built the guard tower shown at the beginning of the video. I have seen it in a few other recent videos. It's Good to know it's still standing......Mark Arbogast

  • @johnexford3281
    @johnexford3281 4 месяца назад

    I was stationed there '87 to '91......Fire Fighter...Met my wife and had a great life.....👍👍

  • @jasonwhitaker2963
    @jasonwhitaker2963 4 месяца назад

    My father was weapons loader at RAF Bentwaters from Oct. 71 - June 76. Thanks for posting the video.

  • @James-gf9jl
    @James-gf9jl 4 месяца назад

    For "Urban Explorers" read "Vandals".

  • @maxwellfan55
    @maxwellfan55 4 месяца назад

    We will never forget hosting our dear American friends who remain UK brothers and sisters in arms.

  • @grh9885
    @grh9885 4 месяца назад

    I was there 1984 -1988. Go POL

    • @2rs2ns
      @2rs2ns 20 дней назад

      me too 😅 Go CRS!

  • @peppifree123
    @peppifree123 4 месяца назад

    20th TFW 1980/81 "Sleep tight tonight, Heyfords on alert"

  • @Junior-v6e
    @Junior-v6e 4 месяца назад

    Graduated high school in 78 and stationed at Bentwaters and Woodbridge with Security Police. Was 18 and 19 so I guess some of the students on the school buses that entered through the main gate were my age. Loved this base. Wrapped up my 6 year enlistment at Edwards AFB on my 24th birthday as SSgt then off to CA Highway Patrol Academy the month after.

  • @johnnysea7
    @johnnysea7 4 месяца назад

    Thank you for posting this video. I was stationed at RAF Upper Heyford from November 1979 to November 1981. It was my first assignment after Technical School, I was a fresh 17-year-old Airman Basic then. 😱 Looking at your video, I recognized the Base Exchange, Movie Theater, & Bowling Alley. Other than that, I did not recognize anything else. It looks like a different place -- I guess it IS a different place now 45 years later (geez, I'm old). Oddly enough, the lasting takeaway from my experience there was, not so much the work I did there, (it sucked) but it was the music (which definitely did NOT suck). Since it was my first time in a different country, everything was new and different to me. I remember taking a keen interest in this new music I was hearing on BBC1, from these bands that I had never heard of before, like The Police, Human League, Duran Duran, etc. (actually: XTC). Once again, thank you for posting. It took me back to those slightly thrilling days of yesteryear.

  • @tickledcobweb8764
    @tickledcobweb8764 4 месяца назад

    I live next to it

  • @solcasared
    @solcasared 4 месяца назад

    I remember doing discos with 2 lovely girl dancers in all of the USAF bases including bentwaters in the early 70s All in all 11 different bases a real education and fun

  • @gemsfreak5278
    @gemsfreak5278 4 месяца назад

    I was there when Col. Kelly crashed. I was 10 and I remember this event. I think he had a daughter about my age. Wethersfield AFB, 4 years. We first lived off-base in Castle Headingham and eventually moved on base into a tiny trailer park. I am glad I can still remember!

  • @rodpettet2819
    @rodpettet2819 4 месяца назад

    I just discovered this. Such joy. Swinderby was my first posting out of Boy Entrant training in 1961. So many memories jogged by your excellent photos. Your coverage is simply the best. Thanks. So sad nothing left. I was a wireless tech then, working in the new control tower and what was known then as the old tower. On top of which there was a small room with a round window we used as a workshop and hiding place out of sight. Nice camp with many attractive WAFs. Flying training with Vampires. Very cold in winter.

  • @jasonwhitaker2963
    @jasonwhitaker2963 4 месяца назад

    Thanks for posting the video. I was an USAF brat. My father was stationed their from October 1971 to June 1976. Had base housing at RAF Woodbridge. Spent in Great Glenham and Ipswich before getting base housing.

  • @buffplums
    @buffplums 4 месяца назад

    If some of the design from the TSRII didnt go into that aircraft I would eat my old RAF beret

  • @thomaslake2946
    @thomaslake2946 5 месяцев назад

    Were is rendlesham

    • @Chelveston78
      @Chelveston78 5 месяцев назад

      Hi, the original settlement at Rendlesham was/is to the West of the former RAF Bentwaters. A settlement since Medieval times, in fact earlier. The 14th Century St. Gregory's Church still survives? Interestingly and very recently (2022), there have been archaeological digs around Rendlesham sheading more light on the areas early settlement. I would suggest that you check out Google Maps satellite imagery which may explain better how the area would have looked if you exclude the Base? Today, the Domestic Site at the former Base forms part of the 'New Village Community' of Rendlesham. Hope this answers your question? All the best.

  • @user-sv4pj5jl8n
    @user-sv4pj5jl8n 5 месяцев назад

    The 1940's music doesn't work for this presentation. When I worked there in the late 1980's -1990's the music was more energetic. Why not re-edit using Big Country singing "In a Big Country" and Tears for Fears "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" and The Clash "Rock the Casaba". Also, the parody song "Bomb, Bomb Iraq" fits the mood of 20th TFW personnel from the Wing Commander down to the one striper Knuckle Buster maintaining our Aardvarks and Ravens. Just saying, a USAF RAF Upper Heyford Vet.

    • @Chelveston78
      @Chelveston78 5 месяцев назад

      Hi and thank you for your comment. I understand your point and I debated about what music score to add to this video. My final choice was purely subjective by not focussing on any particular time frame during the USAF era (1950 - 1994) but highlighting the long US presence at RAF Upper Heyford with some Glenn Miller 'American Swing.' By the way, some good 1980's song titles you list. All the best...

    • @user-sv4pj5jl8n
      @user-sv4pj5jl8n 4 месяца назад

      My dad would have appreciated the Glen Miller music as he sailed the Pacific at 13 knots on board the USS Kangaroo in 1945.

  • @conneryc
    @conneryc 5 месяцев назад

    Thank you for posting this “tour”. I was stationed at RAF Croughton from 1986 - 89 as a 307x0/493x0. My two oldest sons were both born at the UH base hospital. All shipping was done at the UH Commissary and BX. I really miss my time there.

  • @tobyeez
    @tobyeez 5 месяцев назад

    Captain Pletcher. You here. Lt Lazarus.

  • @tobyeez
    @tobyeez 5 месяцев назад

    The whiskey area. 81 SPS. 88-92. Good ole days. Sound off 81st. Line up for guard mount.

  • @rongoulet9303
    @rongoulet9303 5 месяцев назад

    Mark, lot of these buildings ate not familiar as I was stationed there June 68 to Ja. 72.

  • @malcolmmckinlay2143
    @malcolmmckinlay2143 5 месяцев назад

    You have missed off the biggest RAF Burtonwood over 59,000 personal and seven satalites

    • @Chelveston78
      @Chelveston78 5 месяцев назад

      Hi and thank you for your comment and for referencing RAF Burtonwood. This RAF/USAF installation was not included in this presentation as it didn't fit the criteria of the video - 'USAF Bases in Britain 1968 - Today' with its role as an Operational USAF Base having long since ended though I am aware that from 1967, the US Army used the Station as a Storage Facility until its closure in the early 1990's thus maintaining the United States connection. Another RAF Station consigned to the History Books but thankfully a Heritage Centre has been created so preserving the memory of this once important Base. I wish you well.

  • @ihazdashcam
    @ihazdashcam 5 месяцев назад

    6:38 My house from 86-87 on the left where the blue car is parked

  • @CarlWatts-pv7vb
    @CarlWatts-pv7vb 6 месяцев назад

    I was station there from 77-79 worked in the gym and played some basketball during the days when Hank Brown was the star player. Carl Watts was my name remember?

  • @grahamcharles6997
    @grahamcharles6997 6 месяцев назад

    Worked with a band in the 80's, gigged here and most other American bases throughout the UK. the American hospitality was second to none, we were treated like lords and ladies. I lived near Upper Heyford and Croughton and had many American friends, most who went back to the USA as the bases closed one by one,. Some of the best times of my life.

  • @angelsone-five7912
    @angelsone-five7912 6 месяцев назад

    Aint progress a wonderful thing ? 🤮

  • @CharlesJones-q1d
    @CharlesJones-q1d 6 месяцев назад

    I still have fond memories of RAF Bentwaters and those F4’s 1971- 73!! Thanks for the video!!!

  • @jimkelly5457
    @jimkelly5457 6 месяцев назад

    My first duty assignment in ¹969 straight out of basic. 20th SPS. I spent one and a half years there when th3 powers to be started down sizing the base. Myself a nd many were transferred to Torrejon, Spain. My four years in Europe was the best education a young man of 18 could ever hope for. Beautiful country and fond memories?

    • @clc2112
      @clc2112 4 месяца назад

      My first duty station as an SP, too. 85-87. Wonderful experience. RAF Mayberry

  • @edcartadittmer
    @edcartadittmer 6 месяцев назад

    I was there from 72 to 75 81st SPS

  • @angelsone-five7912
    @angelsone-five7912 7 месяцев назад

    Excellent.