East Kirkby American Air Day - 2 May 2011

Hi guys,

Here are a few shots from my camera this weekend. Let me know what you think:











Thanks,
Ben.

Very good...wonder what Dan was thinking in his piccie?

Mine will be added soon. Report in hand.

Johnny_Costino wrote:Very good...wonder what Dan was thinking in his piccie?

"God, i hope the wind doesn't change or my face could end up stuck like this!"

I like it Ben!

Looking forward to seeing the rest

is dan farting???????????????

riz

rizla wrote:is dan farting???????????????

riz

I have to say, there is a resemblance there of my 'toilet' face!!!

rizla wrote:is dan farting???????????????

riz

This one looks a bit of a strain?

Here are some more of my pics

And some more










And some funnies to finish with

Looking good guys!!!!!!!!!

Again, cracking photos Tony! Thanks for sharing those.

Cheers,
Ben.

Nice photo's chaps thanks for posting. Keep em comming

Chris.

Wow! Some superb photos there guys! Think we can call that photo shoot a complete success!!!!

Looking forward to seeing more!!!

All looking really good. Looking forward to seeing yours Mr Costin.

Andy

Brilliant photos!! Can't wait to see some more!!!

nice pics. saw mark at the brewhouse in notts with eric had a good chat with him about new job.

Some cracking shots there guys.

Andy

Looking very good on the picture front guys!

Riz as usual has let the side down lol!

Did you have a good time at Brewhouse Yard Nigel? My dad said it was a good day out.

Sam

GI44-45’s resident singer and boogie-woogie bugle boy; Private Dan “B” O’Dwyer reports in from the 82nd Airborne, shortly before the big jump somewhere over Normandy.

“Over the English National holiday weekend of May 1st & 2nd 2011 GI 44-45 displayed at the American Air Day, held at Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, otherwise known as the old RAF East Kirkby airfield.

To anyone with an interest in WW2 aviation this venue is a real gem. Located on part of the original site of the airfield itself, East Kirkby is probably currently most well know as being the home of ‘Just Jane’ the Avro Lancaster Bomber which has been restored to taxiable condition and is thus able to offer such rides within.

For us, being the American Air Day, the jewel in the crown was knowing that on the Sunday (when the airfield is closed to the public) we would be allowed exclusive access to ‘Drag em oot’ the Dakota C47 that actually saw service on D-Day and Market Garden, which understandably swayed our decision to base our impression for this event on the 505th PIR, 82nd Airborne Division, pre Normandy jump.

Arriving on the Saturday evening we quickly got to work setting up camp before organising meals for the evening. A couple of sociable beers were sunk in the evening whilst catching up with everyone along with the guys from the Lincolnshire Military Preservation Society (LMPS) who were displaying with us as the 82nd, and Gary Bainbridge and Ramsey Green from Summer of ’44 living history group who were also displaying on the Monday as the USAAF Troup Carrier boys.

An early start on Sunday as we had already made plans to spend the morning having the photo shoot with the C47, getting fully kitted up pre-jump with T5 chutes, mae wests etc. We had a healthy turn out of members for this event which allowed us to recreate some iconic photos. I have to confess, in attempting to portray such a famed moment in time and being so close to one of the aircraft probably featured in those original images that we have all seen, made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. What must have been going through their minds? One can only imagine the multitude of feelings of anticipation and fear……





















Upon completing the photo shoot it was time for Lieutenant Ben Major and Corporal Sam Harris to take the squad through an intense ‘crash course’ rifle drill session. This was something we as a group have wanted to do for a while now and for some of us newer guys (along with one or two of the more seasoned guys!) was something we needed to hot up on! Thanks to excellent instruction and the occasional aid of the field manual book as a point of reference to get things 100%, within a couple of hours we were all in pretty good shape and in unisom as a squad.







Later in the day we decided to venture out on a jeep raid, supposedly heading off to do a bit of sightseeing at a castle or something not too far away. Strange, as we seemed to end up in a public house in a little village nearby (never did get to that castle??). Being rural Lincolnshire I suspect this idyllic village had changed very little from back in the war years and the locals were surprised yet pleased to see the lot of us yanks turning up un-announced on their doorstep.




Upon returning to the camp it was time to get kitted up again, this time for a patrol on the perimeter of the airfield and an opportunity for some more photos, this time post-jump. An encounter with a couple of Wehrmacht infantrymen, presumably separated from their squad was quickly taken care of. One killed in close combat, the other taken prisoner.









We had noticed that during the afternoon the main hanger on the airfield was being used to host a 1940’s wedding reception. After being asked by the official wedding photographer to participate in a few wedding photographs our own Sgt Johnny Costino very tactfully managed to coax the bride and groom into inviting us all over to their dance later in the evening! (They sure fell for that one eh, Sarge!!!?)

This put everyone in an excitable mood as this was a totally unexpected yet welcome offer, although a few of the guys had very strangely brought their class A’s ‘just in case’???




We were very kindly allowed by our hosts to help ourselves to the free buffet and lovely cupcakes that were on offer! Aided by a few celebratory beers everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, laughing and dancing the night away. I of course showed the guys a few of my dance moves, much to their entertainment, although maybe not their appreciation… Believe me guys, in years to come these moves will be all the rage!!





Monday morning, the day of the Air Day itself and everyone awoke bright and early (well most of us!) in preparation for the day’s events. For the display we were basically offering a ‘show and tell’ encampment in the format of a pre-jump load-out.

Lt.Major kindly volunteered to get fully kitted up to show the public what a typical paratrooper would have carried for the jump. This always seems to intrigue the public and opened up a good Q&A answer session with the watching crowd.

Unfortunately, although the weather over the weekend was warm and sunny, a strong wind persisted throughout and this lead to the cancellation of the BBMF for the display. Despite this, the public were still treated to a flying display by the two Mustangs that were with us for the day – a beautiful sight indeed!

As the day came to a close, it was time to break down the camp, pack up and prepare to head for home. Without doubt a successful and thoroughly enjoyable weekend with everything we set out to achieve completed and with a few pleasant surprises thrown in to boot!

“Operation cupcake” complete!”


Pvt.Dan O’Dwyer
505th P.I.R

Fantastic report and photographs Dan and Paul!

Thanks for taking the time to prepare them,
Ben.

Cracking report Dan and cracking photo's Paul thank you both for posting

Chris.

All credit to Dan- I wished my photos had come out better, I'm still getting used to the camera.

Videos will be uploaded in next couple of days to the members only section!

Good pics Paul those post jump ones came out quiet well and there is a nice range of pics from the weekend.

That pic of Paul in the conger line just gets me how is everyone else blurred and not Paul??

Can’t wait for the videos…………

Thats my camera skills sam!!! Loves these picture... Made me laugh lots.. great work guys,

Not jealous at all mates:D !! Looks like it was really a good one !! Great report Dan and Paul and very nice pics !! I really need to get this discount card for the Eurostar !!

Cheers

Pat