Bassingbourn: Before the 91st took up residence in '42

[Micawber]

I don't feel up to rehashing the history so a rough summary can be found here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Bassingbourn

Here are a few random photos taken during 11 OTU's Operational Training Unit] tenure. Apologies if I have posted them before, I have a feeling I may have done so. I will try and dig out photos of some of the Blenheim's etc if and when I get chance. Aircraft from here took part in the first RAF 1000 bomber raids....

 

[DJS48]

I enjoy the posting of your pictures. For me it's the same as having a first cup of morning coffee.


With regard to many WW-2 "publicity" photos I have seen, there appears to be too many people around whirling propellers, makes me nervous.

"I will gladly pay you Tuesday, for a hamburger today".

Regards,
Don

 

[Micawber]

I enjoy the posting of your pictures. For me it's the same as having a first cup of morning coffee.


With regard to many WW-2 "publicity" photos I have seen, there appears to be too many people around whirling propellers, makes me nervous.

"I will gladly pay you Tuesday, for a hamburger today".

Regards,
Don

Agreed but then the old saying" familiarity breeds contempt" is true. I well remember one 91st BG H ground crew guy, Whitmal Warren Hill [sheet metal], who served in the 441st sub depot unit on the base, breaking down while recounting the story of one of his buddies during a memorial dedication speech. He remembered his mate had a habit of riding his bike around the place, including the hardstands, a bit hunched up with his head down. This habit cost him his life when he rode into a spinning B-17 prop which caught him across the back.

 

[Carl]

Agreed but then the old saying" familiarity breed contempt" is true. I well remember one 91st BG H ground crew guy, Whitmal Warren Hill [sheet metal], who served in the 441st sub depot unit on the base, breaking down while recounting the story of one of his buddies during a memorial dedication speech. He remembered his mate had a habit of riding his bike around the place, including the hardstands, a bit hunched up with his head down. This habit cost him his life when he rode into a spinning B-17 prop which caught him across the back.

ooohhhh

 

[DJS48]

You are right Micawber, the more a person is around such things, that's when an accident might occur. Therefore, one must keep their wits about them.

Cheers and Happy Holidays,
Don