Rivenhall The History of an Essex Airfield

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{detailed description}The wartime airfield at Rivenhall is typical of the many air bases which were hastily built in Great Britain following the entry of the United States into the Second World War.
It was first used by a long-range Mustang Fighter Group whose task it was to escort the bombers of the U.S. Eighth Air Force on daylight raids deep into Germany and this was followed by four squadrons of Marauder bombers who stayed at Rivenhall for a total of 111 days. They were used against targets on the Continent in support of the Allied Forces prior to and following the Normandy Invasion in June 1944.
The final aircraft to use the airfield were the Stirling tugs and Horsa gliders of No. 38 Group of the Royal Air Force. These squadrons performed a variety of duties and eventually took part in the final airborne operation of the war. the Rhine Crossing.
For the historian, Rivenhall is fortunate in that many of the wartime features still exist, due to the giant electronic firm of GEC/ Marconi having leased much of the site and buildings for their own use
In addition to the operational history. this book contains a total of 69 photographs, the majority of which have never before been published, and a number of maps and appendices.
The author is currently employed in the design office of a large aircraft components company and admits to a life-time's passion for aviation in all its forms.
Cover photograph: Close formation flying by 598th Bomb Squadron. Photo J. Snow.
{Author / Publisher / Date}by B. A. Stait
published by Alan Sutton 1984 1st edn. 109pp illustrated, appendices, bibliography 16x22 card covers
{condition}very good
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