D-Day: Peter Brown helps us remember RAF Hartford Bridge in June 1944

The 6th June. D-Day.... At Royal Air Force Hartford Bridge the scene of frenetic activity.

"Gentlemen, from this moment Hartford Bridge is on standby. You are confined to quarters." These were the words from Group Captain MacDonald on calling the base together, the first indication that D-Day was under way. The invasion of Europe was about to begin. Contact with anyone off the airfield was not permitted. Overhead the columns of glider-towing aircraft were relentless, on the ground there was activity wherever you should look. On the evening of 5th June black and white stripes had rapidly been applied to fuselages and wings, smoke cylinders attached, all the messes were closed by 1800. Anticipation was at fever point.

342 Squadron, Free French Air Force..."nous sommes préparés".

June, 1944, RAF Hartford Bridge ready to strike back

Read more: http://blackbusheairport.proboards.com/thread/3/photo-day?page=2#ixzz5HeUSjMl5

Thank you to Peter Brown for sharing and for ensuring the important history of Blackbushe is not forgotten.  Find out more about the history of Blackbushe on Peter's website 'Blackbushe Airport - The One Stop Forum'.  You will need to set up a free account to view the content.