RAF Sculthorpe was built for the Royal Air Force for use in World
War 2.It was built up for U.S.Airforce
use and was the biggest operational airfield in the U.K. by 1957. carrying 10,000
personnel and at one time
the biggest Atomic bomber base in Europe.
The 39th AAA Brigade arrived in February 1951 to take over it's defense, they were joined by other
U.S.Army groups, the 50th RCAT (Radio Controlled Airplane Target ) Detachment and the
172nd Smoke Generating Company. The Army left in 1957.
The men of the 39th AAA were responsible for saving many lives in
the great floods of January 1953,
17 Americans lost their lives. Airman Reis Leming was awarded the George Medal for
saving 27 people
from the freezing water before collapsing. The
George Medal also went to S/Sgt F.
Kilpatrick.
Other members of the wing also received
awards. A memorial stands overlooking the sea
at
Hunstanton in honour of the Americans who lost their lives.
I was once told that Christy was based there, He was not in the 53 Year Book. Do you know anyone who was there between 1952 and 1954? If so
please let me know
RAF SCULTHORPE SPRING 1953