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{{Short description|Former RAF Station in Norfolk, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{ref improve|date=February 2013}}
{{more citations needed|date=February 2013}}
{{Infobox military structure
{{Infobox military installation
|name= RAF Tibenham<BR>RAF Tivetshall<BR>RFC Tibenham<BR>USAAF Station 124
|name= RAF Tibenham<br />RAF Tivetshall<br />RFC Tibenham<br />USAAF Station 124
[[File:RAF type A roundel.svg|60px]]
|ensign=[[File:RAF type A roundel.svg|60px]] [[File:Ensign of the Royal Air Force.svg|90px]] [[File:Eighth Air Force - Emblem (World War II).png|60px]]
⚫
|location= Located Near [[Diss, Norfolk|Diss]], [[Norfolk]],
[[File:Ensign of the Royal Air Force.svg|90px]]
|country = [[England]]
[[File:Patch 8thUSAAF.png|60px]]
|coordinates = {{coord|52.46|1.16|type:landmark_region:GB-NFK|display=inline}}
⚫
|location= Located Near [[Diss]], [[Norfolk]], [[England]]
⚫
|image= Tibenhamairfield-1945.png
|coordinates=
|image_size= 300px
|coord_region = GB-NFK
⚫
|image= [[File:Tibenhamairfield-1945.png|300px]]
|caption= Postwar photo of Tibenham Airfield, England
|caption= Postwar photo of Tibenham Airfield, England
|map_type = Norfolk
|map_type = Norfolk
|pushpin_label = RAF Tibenham
|latitude = 52.46
|map_size =
|longitude = 1.16
|map_size =
|map_alt =
|map_alt =
|map_caption = Location in Norfolk
|map_caption = Location in Norfolk
|type= [[Royal Air Force station]]
|type= [[List of former Royal Air Force stations|Royal Air Force station]]
|code=
|code=
|built={{Start date|1916}} and 1941
|built={{Start date|1916}} and 1941
Line 24: Line 23:
|materials=
|materials=
|height=
|height=
|used=1916-1920<BR>1942-1959
|used=1916-1920<br />1942-1959
|demolished=
|demolished=
|condition=
|condition=
|ownership=
|ownership=[[Air Ministry]]
|controlledby=[[File:RAF type A roundel.svg|20px]]&nbsp;[[Royal Flying Corps]]<BR>[[File:Us army air corps shield.svg|20px]]&nbsp;[[United States Army Air Forces]]<BR>{{air force|United Kingdom}}
| operator = [[Royal Flying Corps]]<br>[[Royal Air Force]]<BR>[[United States Army Air Forces]]
|garrison=[[Eighth Air Force]]<BR>[[RAF Maintenance Command]]
| controlledby = [[Eighth Air Force]]<br>[[RAF Maintenance Command]]
⚫
|garrison=[[445th Operations Group#World War II|445th Bombardment Group]]
|commanders=
⚫
|occupants=[[445th Operations Group#World War II|445th Bombardment Group]]
|battles= [[European Theatre of World War II]]<br />Air Offensive, Europe July 1942 - May 1945
|battles= [[European Theatre of World War II]]<br />Air Offensive, Europe July 1942 - May 1945
<!-- begin airfield information -->
| IATA =
| ICAO =
| FAA =
| TC =
| LID =
| GPS =
| WMO =
| elevation = <!-- {{Convert| |m|0}} -->
| r1-number = 00/00
| r1-length = <!-- {{Convert| |m|0}} -->
| r1-surface = Concrete
| r2-number = 00/00
| r2-length = <!-- {{Convert| |m|0}} -->
| r2-surface = Concrete
| r3-number = 00/00
| r3-length = <!-- {{Convert| |m|0}} -->
| r3-surface = Concrete
| h1-number =
| h1-length = <!-- {{Convert| |m|0}} -->
| h1-surface =
| airfield_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| airfield_other = <!-- for other sorts of airfield facilities -->
<!-- end airfield information -->
}}
}}
'''Royal Air Force Station Tibenham''' or more simply '''RAF Tibenham''' is a former [[Royal Air Force]] [[Royal Air Force station|station]] located {{convert|13.5|mi}} southwest of [[Norwich]] and {{Convert|5.8|mi}} north of [[Diss]], [[Norfolk]], [[England]].
'''Royal Air Force Tibenham''' or more simply '''RAF Tibenham''' is a former [[Royal Air Force]] [[List of former Royal Air Force stations|station]] located {{convert|13.5|mi}} southwest of [[Norwich]] and {{Convert|5.8|mi}} north of [[Diss, Norfolk|Diss]], [[Norfolk]], [[England]].


==History==
==History==
Tibenham was used as a [[Royal Flying Corps]] landing ground during the [[World War I|First World War]] and was known as '''RFC Tibenham'''.<ref name="ABCT">{{cite web|url=http://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/tibenham |title=Tibenham |publisher=Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust|accessdate=15 February 2013}}</ref>
Tibenham was used as a [[Royal Flying Corps]] landing ground during the [[World War I|First World War]] and was known as '''RFC Tibenham'''.<ref name="ABCT">{{cite web|url=http://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/tibenham |title=Tibenham |publisher=[[Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust]]|access-date=15 February 2013}}</ref>


[[No. 51 Squadron RAF|No. 51 Squadron RFC]] and [[No. 75 Squadron RAF|75 Sqn RFC]] allegedly used the landing ground.<ref name="ABCT"/>
[[No. 51 Squadron RAF|No. 51 Squadron RFC]] and [[No. 75 Squadron RAF|75 Sqn RFC]] allegedly used the landing ground.<ref name="ABCT"/>


===USAAF use===
===USAAF use===
The airfield was built up during 1941/42 as a standard [[heavy bomber]] airfield with a main runway {{convert|6,000|ft|m|abbr=on|adj=mid|long}} (03-21) and two secondary runways {{convert|4200|ft|m}} in length (08-26, 15-33). It had an enclosed perimeter track containing 36 frying-pan type hardstands and fourteen loops. Two T-2 hangars were constructed on the eastern side of the airfield and adjacent to the technical site. Accommodations were constructed for about 2,900 personnel.<ref name="Freeman2001p223">{{Harvnb|Freeman|2001|p=223.}}</ref> Tibenham was assigned USAAF designation Station 124.<ref name="ABCT"/>
The airfield was built up during 1941/42 as a standard [[heavy bomber]] airfield with a main runway {{convert|6000|ft|m|abbr=on|adj=mid|long}} (03-21) and two secondary runways {{convert|4200|ft|m}} in length (08-26, 15–33). It had an enclosed perimeter track containing 36 frying-pan type hardstands and fourteen loops. Two T-2 hangars were constructed on the eastern side of the airfield and adjacent to the technical site. Accommodations were constructed for about 2,900 personnel.<ref name="Freeman2001p223">{{Harvnb|Freeman|2001|p=223.}}</ref> Tibenham was assigned USAAF designation Station 124.<ref name="ABCT"/>


====320th Bombardment Group (Medium)====
====320th Bombardment Group (Medium)====
Line 48: Line 70:


====445th Bombardment Group (Heavy)====
====445th Bombardment Group (Heavy)====
Tibenham became home to the [[445th Bombardment Group]] (Heavy) of the [[United States Army Air Forces]] [[Eighth Air Force]]. The 445th arrived from [[Sioux City Army Air Base]], [[Iowa]] on 4 November 1943.<ref name="Maurer1980p320">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=320.}}</ref> The 445th was assigned to the 2nd Combat Bombardment Wing, and the group tail code was a "Circle-F".<ref name="M8">{{cite web|title=445th Bombardment Group (Heavy)|url=http://mighty8thaf.preller.us/php/1Unit.php?Unitkey=445|publisher=Mighty 8th Cross-Reference|accessdate=17 February 2013}}</ref>
Tibenham became home to the [[445th Bombardment Group]] (Heavy) of the [[United States Army Air Forces]] [[Eighth Air Force]]. The 445th arrived from [[Sioux City Army Air Base]], [[Iowa]] on 4 November 1943.<ref name="Maurer1980p320">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=320.}}</ref> The 445th was assigned to the 2nd Combat Bombardment Wing, and the group tail code was a "Circle-F".<ref name="M8">{{cite web|title=445th Bombardment Group (Heavy)|url=http://mighty8thaf.preller.us/php/1Unit.php?Unitkey=445|publisher=Mighty 8th Cross-Reference|access-date=17 February 2013}}</ref>


Its operational squadrons were:
Its operational squadrons were:
⚫
* [[700th Bombardment Squadron]]<ref name="Maurer1980p319">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=319.}}</ref> (IS);<ref name="M8"/>

⚫
* [[700th Bombardment Squadron]]<ref name="Maurer1980p319">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=319.}}</ref> (IS); <ref name="M8"/>
* [[701st Bombardment Squadron]]<ref name="Maurer1980p320"/> (MK);<ref name="M8"/>
* [[701st Bombardment Squadron]]<ref name="Maurer1980p320"/> (MK);<ref name="M8"/>
* [[702d Bombardment Squadron]]<ref name="Maurer1980p320"/> (WV);<ref name="M8"/>
* [[702d Bombardment Squadron]]<ref name="Maurer1980p320"/> (WV);<ref name="M8"/>
Line 59: Line 80:
The group flew B-24 Liberators as part of the Eighth Air Force's strategic bombing campaign.<ref name="Maurer1980p319"/>
The group flew B-24 Liberators as part of the Eighth Air Force's strategic bombing campaign.<ref name="Maurer1980p319"/>


The 445th BG entered combat on 13 December 1943 by attacking [[U-boat]] installations at [[Kiel]]; only fifteen crews were considered fit for this mission which was heavily defended area. The unit operated primarily as a strategic bombardment organization until the war ended, striking such targets as industries in [[Osnabrück]], synthetic oil plants in [[Lutzendorf]], chemical works in [[Ludwigshafen]], marshalling yards at [[Hamm]], an airfield at [[Munich]], an ammunition plant at Duneberg, underground oil storage facilities at Ehmen, and factories at [[Münster]].<ref name="Maurer1980p319"/>
The 445th BG entered combat on 13 December 1943 by attacking [[U-boat]] installations at [[Kiel]]; only fifteen crews were considered fit for this mission which was heavily defended area. The unit operated primarily as a strategic bombardment organization until the war ended, striking such targets as industries in [[Osnabrück]], synthetic oil plants in [[Lutzendorf]], chemical works in [[Ludwigshafen]], marshalling yards at [[Hamm, North Rhine-Westphalia|Hamm]], an airfield at [[Munich]], an ammunition plant at Duneberg, underground oil storage facilities at Ehmen, and factories at [[Münster]].<ref name="Maurer1980p319"/>


[[File:445bg-b-24.jpg|thumb|Consolidated B-24 Liberators of the 445th Bomb Group on a mission over enemy-occupied territory.]]
[[File:445bg-b-24.jpg|thumb|Consolidated B-24 Liberators of the 445th Bomb Group on a mission over enemy-occupied territory.]]


The group participated in the Allied campaign against the German aircraft industry during [[Big Week]], 20–25 February 1944, being awarded a [[Distinguished Unit Citation]] for attacking an aircraft assembly plant at [[Gotha (town)|Gotha]] on 24 February. The 389th Group was part of the Gotha mission but after their master bombardier collapsed dropped their bombs before the target and the 445th attacked alone. Thirteen of twenty-five aircraft were lost.<ref name="Maurer1980p319"/>
The group participated in the Allied campaign against the German aircraft industry during [[Big Week]], 20 – 25 February 1944, being awarded a [[Distinguished Unit Citation]] for attacking an aircraft assembly plant at [[Gotha (town)|Gotha]] on 24 February. The 389th Group was part of the Gotha mission but after their master bombardier collapsed dropped their bombs before the target and the 445th attacked alone. Thirteen of twenty-five aircraft were lost.<ref name="Maurer1980p319"/>


It occasionally flew [[interdiction|interdictory]] and support missions. It helped to prepare for the invasion of Normandy by bombing airfields, V-weapon sites, and other targets. The unit attacked shore installations on [[D-Day]], 6 June 1944 and supported ground forces at [[Saint-Lô]] by striking enemy defenses in July 1944. During the [[Battle of the Bulge]], December 1944-January 1945 it bombed German communications. Early on 24 March 1945 dropped food, medical supplies, and ammunition to troops that landed near [[Wesel]] during the [[Operation Varsity|airborne assault across the Rhine]] and that afternoon flew a bombing mission to the same area, hitting a landing ground at Stormede.<ref name="Maurer1980p319"/>
It occasionally flew [[interdiction|interdictory]] and support missions. It helped to prepare for the invasion of Normandy by bombing airfields, V-weapon sites, and other targets. The unit attacked shore installations on [[D-Day]], 6 June 1944 and supported ground forces at [[Saint-Lô]] by striking enemy defences in July 1944. During the [[Battle of the Bulge]], December 1944 – January 1945 it bombed German communications. Early on 24 March 1945 dropped food, medical supplies, and ammunition to troops that landed near [[Wesel]] during the [[Operation Varsity|airborne assault across the Rhine]] and that afternoon flew a bombing mission to the same area, hitting a landing ground at Stormede.<ref name="Maurer1980p319"/>


On occasion the unit dropped [[propaganda]] leaflets and hauled fuel to France. Awarded the [[Croix de guerre]] with Palm by the French government for operations in the theater from December 1943 to February 1945 supplying the resistance.<ref name="Maurer1980p319"/>
On occasion the unit dropped [[propaganda]] leaflets and hauled fuel to France. Awarded the [[Croix de Guerre]] with Palm by the French government for operations in the theatre from December 1943 to February 1945 supplying the resistance.<ref name="Maurer1980p319"/>


By far, the 445th's most notorious mission is the Kassel Mission of 27 September 1944. In cloud, the navigator of the lead bomber miscalculated and the 35 planes diverted from the rest of the 2nd Air Division and proceeded to [[Göttingen]] some {{convert|35|mi|km}} from the primary. After the bomb run, the group was attacked from the rear by an estimated 150 Luftwaffe planes, resulting in the most concentrated air battle in history. The Luftwaffe unit was a ''Stormgruppen'', a special unit intended to attack bombers by flying in tight formations, up to ten fighters in line abreast. This tactic was intended to break the bomber formation at a single pass. The 361st Fighter Group intervened, preventing a complete destruction of the Group. Twenty-nine German fighters and 26 American planes (25 B-24 bombers and 1 P-51 Mustang) went down in a {{convert|15|mi|km|sing=on}} radius. Only four 445th planes made it back to the base; two made emergency landings at [[RAF Manston]], two crashed in France, one in Belgium, another crashed near [[RAF Old Buckenham]] -- representing a 88.5% total casualty rate.<ref name="MikeSimpson">History of the 445th Bomb Group, Revised Edition, 2010</ref>
By far, the 445th's most notorious mission is the [[Kassel Mission]] of 27 September 1944. In cloud, the navigator of the lead bomber miscalculated and the 35 planes diverted from the rest of the 2nd Air Division and proceeded to [[Göttingen]] some {{convert|35|mi|km}} from the primary. After the bomb run, the group was attacked from the rear by an estimated 150 Luftwaffe planes, resulting in the most concentrated air battle in history. The Luftwaffe unit was a ''Stormgruppen'', a special unit intended to attack bombers by flying in tight formations, up to ten fighters in line abreast. This tactic was intended to break the bomber formation at a single pass. The 361st Fighter Group intervened, preventing a complete destruction of the Group. Twenty-nine German fighters and 26 American planes (25 B-24 bombers and 1 P-51 Mustang) went down in a {{convert|15|mi|km|adj=on}} radius. Only four 445th planes made it back to the base; two made emergency landings at [[RAF Manston]], two crashed in France, one in Belgium, another crashed near [[RAF Old Buckenham]]—representing an 88.5% total casualty rate.<ref name="MikeSimpson">History of the 445th Bomb Group, Revised Edition, 2010</ref>


The 445th Bomb Group flew its last combat mission on 25 April 1945. It departed Tibenham and returned to [[McGuire AFB|Fort Dix AAF]] [[New Jersey]] on 28 May 1945.<ref name="Maurer1980p320"/>
The 445th Bomb Group flew its last combat mission on 25 April 1945. It departed Tibenham and returned to [[McGuire AFB|Fort Dix AAF]] [[New Jersey]] on 28 May 1945.<ref name="Maurer1980p320"/>


[[James Stewart]], the film actor, was 703rd Squadron Commander with the 445th when it arrived at Tibenham.<ref name="CT">{{cite web|url=http://www.controltowers.co.uk/T-V/Tibenham.htm |title=Tibenham airfield |publisher=Control Towers|accessdate=16 February 2013}}</ref>
[[James Stewart]], the film actor, was 703rd Squadron Commander with the 445th when it arrived at Tibenham. He flew 10 operational missions with the 445th Bomb Group before being transferred to the 453rd Bomb Group at [[RAF Old Buckenham]] in March, 1944<ref name="CT">{{cite web|url=http://www.controltowers.co.uk/T-V/Tibenham.htm |title=Tibenham airfield |publisher=Control Towers|access-date=16 February 2013}}</ref>


==Postwar use==
==Postwar use==
The Americans left in late May 1945 and on 15 July the airfield reverted to the [[Air Ministry]]<ref name="Bowyer1979p196">{{Harvnb|Bowyer|1979|p=196.}}</ref> becoming a Maintenance Unit satellite.<ref name="Freeman2001p223"/> Although part of the airfield was sold off in 1952, the main runway was lengthened in 1955 for possible use by jet aircraft.<ref name="Freeman2001p223"/> However it was never utilized and Tibenham was closed in 1959<ref name="Bowyer1979p196"/>, being sold during 1964/65.{{Citation needed|date=February 2013}}
The Americans left in late May 1945 and on 15 July the airfield reverted to the [[Air Ministry]]<ref name="Bowyer1979p196">{{Harvnb|Bowyer|1979|p=196.}}</ref> becoming a Maintenance Unit satellite.<ref name="Freeman2001p223"/>
No. 4247 Anti-Aircraft Flight RAF Regiment was posted here at some point.<ref name="ABCT"/>
Although part of the airfield was sold off in 1952, the main runway was lengthened in 1955 for possible use by jet aircraft.<ref name="Freeman2001p223"/> However it was never utilized and Tibenham was closed in 1959,<ref name="Bowyer1979p196"/> being sold during 1964/65.{{Citation needed|date=February 2013}}


==Current use==
==Current use==
Since 1960 the airfield has been used by the sailplanes of the Norfolk Gliding Club for peaceful recreation since 1960.<ref name="Bowyer1979p196"/> In civilian hands most of the wartime airfield buildings were demolished;<ref name="NGC">{{cite web|title=Tibenham's Beginning - Second World War|url=http://www.norfolkglidingclub.com/AirfieldHistory.aspx|publisher=Norfolk Gliding Club|accessdate=17 February 2013}}</ref> however, there are a few derelict huts and other structures on some of the dispersed sites which lay to the east between the airfield and the main London-Norwich railway line. Most of the main runway with its postwar extension still exists, along with both secondary runways.{{Citation needed|date=February 2013}} The perimeter track and various hardstands, however, have been removed for hardcore.<ref name="NGC"/>
Since 1960 the airfield has been used for peaceful recreation by the sailplanes of the Norfolk Gliding Club.<ref name="Bowyer1979p196"/> In civilian hands most of the wartime airfield buildings were demolished;<ref name="NGC">{{cite web|title=Tibenham's Beginning - Second World War|url=http://www.norfolkglidingclub.com/AirfieldHistory.aspx|publisher=Norfolk Gliding Club|access-date=17 February 2013}}</ref> however, there are a few derelict huts and other structures on some of the dispersed sites which lay to the east between the airfield and the main London-Norwich railway line. Most of the main runway with its postwar extension still exists, along with both secondary runways.{{Citation needed|date=February 2013}} The perimeter track and various hardstands, however, have been removed for hardcore.<ref name="NGC"/>


The control tower was used until 1975 as a club house by the Gliding Club. Later that year the club moved into a new home which was constructed close by. It was said that the old control tower was haunted, and at least four members of the Gliding Club were afraid to enter the building, even in daytime. It was reported that a person in flying clothes, similar to those worn by the USAAF combat crews, had been seen on several occasions wandering through the darkened rooms. The old control tower was demolished in 1978 after the new clubhouse came into use. Current projects include plans for a Heritage Centre to preserve the history of the airfield and the connection with the 445th Bomb Group.{{Citation needed|date=February 2013}}
The control tower was used until 1975 as a club house by the Gliding Club. Later that year the club moved into a new home which was constructed nearby. {{citation needed span|date=January 2024|It was said that the old control tower was haunted; and at least four members of the Gliding Club were afraid to enter the building, even in daytime. It was reported that a person in flying clothes, similar to those worn by the USAAF combat crews, had been seen on several occasions wandering through the darkened rooms.}} The old control tower was demolished in 1978 after the new clubhouse came into use. Current projects include plans for a Heritage Centre to preserve the history of the airfield and the connection with the 445th Bomb Group.{{Citation needed|date=February 2013}}


A memorial to the Liberator crews stands on the airfield.{{Citation needed|date=February 2013}}
A memorial to the Liberator crews stands on the airfield.{{Citation needed|date=February 2013}}

==Trivia==

Tibenham Airfield was used as a location for the [[Dad's Army]] episode; Round and Round went the Great Big Wheel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://findthatlocation.com/television-show/dads-army/episode/s5e12/round-and-round-went-the-great-big-wheel|website=Find That Location|title=Dad's Army Filming Locations|accessdate=5 July 2021}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|United Kingdom|Aviation}}
{{Portal box|United States Air Force|Military of the United States|Royal Air Force|World War II}}
*[[List of former Royal Air Force stations]]
*[[List of former Royal Air Force stations]]


==References==
==References==
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
{{AFHRA}}

===Citations===
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
*{{cite book |last1=Bowyer|first1=M J.F. |title= Action Stations: Vol 1. Wartime military airfields of East Anglia 1939-1945 |year=1979 |publisher= Patrick Stephens Limited |location= [[Cambridge]] |isbn= 0-85059-335-2 }}
*{{wikicite|ref={{harvid|Freeman|2001}}|reference=Freeman, R. ''Airfields of the Eighth - Then and Now. After the Battle''. London, UK: Battle of Britain International Ltd., 2001. ISBN 0-9009-13-09-6.}}
*{{wikicite|ref={{harvid|Freeman|2001}}|reference=Freeman, R. ''Airfields of the Eighth - Then and Now. After the Battle''. London, UK: Battle of Britain International Ltd., 2001. {{ISBN|0-9009-13-09-6}}.}}
* Freeman, Roger A. (1991) ''The Mighty Eighth: The Colour Record''. Cassell & Co. ISBN 0-304-35708-1
*{{wikicite|ref={{harvid|Jefford|2001}}|reference=Jefford, C.G, [[Order of the British Empire|MBE]], BA, RAF (Retd). ''RAF Squadrons, a Comprehensive Record of the Movement and Equipment of all RAF Squadrons and their Antecedents since 1912''. Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK: Airlife Publishing, 2001. ISBN 1-84037-141-2.}}
* Freeman, Roger A. (1991) ''The Mighty Eighth: The Colour Record''. Cassell & Co. {{ISBN|0-304-35708-1}}
*{{wikicite|ref={{harvid|Jefford|2001}}|reference=Jefford, C.G. ''RAF Squadrons, a Comprehensive Record of the Movement and Equipment of all RAF Squadrons and their Antecedents since 1912''. Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK: Airlife Publishing, 2001. {{ISBN|1-84037-141-2}}.}}
*{{wikicite|ref={{harvid|Maurer|1980}}|reference=Maurer, M. ''Air Force Combat Units Of World War II''. USAF Historical Division. Washington D.C., USA: Zenger Publishing Co., Inc, 1980. ISBN 0-89201-092-4.}}
*{{wikicite|ref={{harvid|Maurer|1980}}|reference=Maurer, M. ''Air Force Combat Units of World War II''. USAF Historical Division. Washington D.C., USA: Zenger Publishing Co., Inc, 1980. {{ISBN|0-89201-092-4}}.}}
*{{wikicite|ref={{harvid|Simpson|2010}}|reference=Simpson, M, ''History of the 445th Bomb Group, Revised Edition''. Arizona, USA: CafePress, Inc., 2010. {{ISBN|978-0-9845301-0-6}}.}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|RAF Tibenham}}
{{Commons category|RAF Tibenham}}
* [http://mighty8thaf.preller.us/gallery/Tibenham Photos of Tibenham Airfield]{{dead|date=February 2013}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060215010452/http://mighty8thaf.preller.us/gallery/Tibenham Photos of Tibenham Airfield]
* [http://www.445BG.org 445th Bomb Group website]
* [http://www.445BG.org 445th Bomb Group website]
* [http://www.tibenham.fsnet.co.uk/tib_at_war.htm Tibenham At War]
* [http://www.tibenham.fsnet.co.uk/tib_at_war.htm Tibenham At War]
* [http://www.norfolkglidingclub.com/ Norfolk Gliding Club ]
* [http://www.norfolkglidingclub.com/ Norfolk Gliding Club ]
* [http://www.nclowes.freeserve.co.uk/vintage/tibbenham_airfield.htm Tibenham Airfield Website]{{dead|date=February 2013}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20051215123602/http://www.nclowes.freeserve.co.uk/vintage/tibbenham_airfield.htm Tibenham Airfield Website]
* [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher/usafserials.html USAAS-USAAC-USAAF-USAF Aircraft Serial Numbers—1908 to present]{{dead|date=February 2013}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100122091735/http://home.att.net/~jbaugher/usafserials.html USAAS-USAAC-USAAF-USAF Aircraft Serial Numbers—1908 to present]
* [http://mighty8thaf.preller.us/php/1Loc.php?Base=Tibenham mighty8thaf.preller.us Hethel]
* [http://mighty8thaf.preller.us/php/1Loc.php?Base=Tibenham mighty8thaf.preller.us Hethel]


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{{DEFAULTSORT:Tibenham}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tibenham}}
[[Category:Airfields of the VIII Bomber Command in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Airfields of the VIII Bomber Command in Norfolk]]
[[Category:Military history of Norfolk]]
[[Category:Gliderports in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force stations in Norfolk]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force stations in Norfolk]]

Latest revision as of 12:05, 12 March 2024

RAF Tibenham
RAF Tivetshall
RFC Tibenham
USAAF Station 124
Located Near Diss, Norfolk, in England
Postwar photo of Tibenham Airfield, England
RAF Tibenham is located in Norfolk
RAF Tibenham
RAF Tibenham
Coordinates52°28′N 1°10′E / 52.46°N 1.16°E / 52.46; 1.16
TypeRoyal Air Force station
Site information
OwnerAir Ministry
OperatorRoyal Flying Corps
Royal Air Force
United States Army Air Forces
Controlled byEighth Air Force
RAF Maintenance Command
Site history
Built1916 (1916) and 1941
Built byW. & C. French Ltd.
In use1916-1920
1942-1959
Battles/warsEuropean Theatre of World War II
Air Offensive, Europe July 1942 - May 1945
Garrison information
Garrison445th Bombardment Group
Airfield information
Runways
Direction Length and surface
00/00  Concrete
00/00  Concrete
00/00  Concrete

Royal Air Force Tibenham or more simply RAF Tibenham is a former Royal Air Force station located 13.5 miles (21.7 km) southwest of Norwich and 5.8 miles (9.3 km) north of Diss, Norfolk, England.

History

[edit]

Tibenham was used as a Royal Flying Corps landing ground during the First World War and was known as RFC Tibenham.[1]

No. 51 Squadron RFC and 75 Sqn RFC allegedly used the landing ground.[1]

USAAF use

[edit]

The airfield was built up during 1941/42 as a standard heavy bomber airfield with a main runway 6,000 ft long (1,800 m) (03-21) and two secondary runways 4,200 feet (1,300 m) in length (08-26, 15–33). It had an enclosed perimeter track containing 36 frying-pan type hardstands and fourteen loops. Two T-2 hangars were constructed on the eastern side of the airfield and adjacent to the technical site. Accommodations were constructed for about 2,900 personnel.[2] Tibenham was assigned USAAF designation Station 124.[1]

320th Bombardment Group (Medium)

[edit]

The first American units at Tibenham were the personnel of two Martin B-26 Marauder squadrons of the Twelfth Air Force 320th Bombardment Group (Medium)[3] which were en route to La Senia Airfield, Algeria in November 1942. They had no aircraft and their stay was a matter of only a few days. During the summer of 1943, Tibenham was assigned to the 2d Bombardment Wing (later the 2d Air Division) and was used by a few Consolidated B-24 Liberator training aircraft, but it was not until November that the first combat units and their aircraft arrived.[2]

445th Bombardment Group (Heavy)

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Tibenham became home to the 445th Bombardment Group (Heavy) of the United States Army Air Forces Eighth Air Force. The 445th arrived from Sioux City Army Air Base, Iowa on 4 November 1943.[4] The 445th was assigned to the 2nd Combat Bombardment Wing, and the group tail code was a "Circle-F".[5]

Its operational squadrons were:

The group flew B-24 Liberators as part of the Eighth Air Force's strategic bombing campaign.[6]

The 445th BG entered combat on 13 December 1943 by attacking U-boat installations at Kiel; only fifteen crews were considered fit for this mission which was heavily defended area. The unit operated primarily as a strategic bombardment organization until the war ended, striking such targets as industries in Osnabrück, synthetic oil plants in Lutzendorf, chemical works in Ludwigshafen, marshalling yards at Hamm, an airfield at Munich, an ammunition plant at Duneberg, underground oil storage facilities at Ehmen, and factories at Münster.[6]

Consolidated B-24 Liberators of the 445th Bomb Group on a mission over enemy-occupied territory.

The group participated in the Allied campaign against the German aircraft industry during Big Week, 20 – 25 February 1944, being awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for attacking an aircraft assembly plant at Gotha on 24 February. The 389th Group was part of the Gotha mission but after their master bombardier collapsed dropped their bombs before the target and the 445th attacked alone. Thirteen of twenty-five aircraft were lost.[6]

It occasionally flew interdictory and support missions. It helped to prepare for the invasion of Normandy by bombing airfields, V-weapon sites, and other targets. The unit attacked shore installations on D-Day, 6 June 1944 and supported ground forces at Saint-Lô by striking enemy defences in July 1944. During the Battle of the Bulge, December 1944 – January 1945 it bombed German communications. Early on 24 March 1945 dropped food, medical supplies, and ammunition to troops that landed near Wesel during the airborne assault across the Rhine and that afternoon flew a bombing mission to the same area, hitting a landing ground at Stormede.[6]

On occasion the unit dropped propaganda leaflets and hauled fuel to France. Awarded the Croix de Guerre with Palm by the French government for operations in the theatre from December 1943 to February 1945 supplying the resistance.[6]

By far, the 445th's most notorious mission is the Kassel Mission of 27 September 1944. In cloud, the navigator of the lead bomber miscalculated and the 35 planes diverted from the rest of the 2nd Air Division and proceeded to Göttingen some 35 miles (56 km) from the primary. After the bomb run, the group was attacked from the rear by an estimated 150 Luftwaffe planes, resulting in the most concentrated air battle in history. The Luftwaffe unit was a Stormgruppen, a special unit intended to attack bombers by flying in tight formations, up to ten fighters in line abreast. This tactic was intended to break the bomber formation at a single pass. The 361st Fighter Group intervened, preventing a complete destruction of the Group. Twenty-nine German fighters and 26 American planes (25 B-24 bombers and 1 P-51 Mustang) went down in a 15-mile (24 km) radius. Only four 445th planes made it back to the base; two made emergency landings at RAF Manston, two crashed in France, one in Belgium, another crashed near RAF Old Buckenham—representing an 88.5% total casualty rate.[7]

The 445th Bomb Group flew its last combat mission on 25 April 1945. It departed Tibenham and returned to Fort Dix AAF New Jersey on 28 May 1945.[4]

James Stewart, the film actor, was 703rd Squadron Commander with the 445th when it arrived at Tibenham. He flew 10 operational missions with the 445th Bomb Group before being transferred to the 453rd Bomb Group at RAF Old Buckenham in March, 1944[8]

Postwar use

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The Americans left in late May 1945 and on 15 July the airfield reverted to the Air Ministry[9] becoming a Maintenance Unit satellite.[2]

No. 4247 Anti-Aircraft Flight RAF Regiment was posted here at some point.[1]

Although part of the airfield was sold off in 1952, the main runway was lengthened in 1955 for possible use by jet aircraft.[2] However it was never utilized and Tibenham was closed in 1959,[9] being sold during 1964/65.[citation needed]

Current use

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Since 1960 the airfield has been used for peaceful recreation by the sailplanes of the Norfolk Gliding Club.[9] In civilian hands most of the wartime airfield buildings were demolished;[10] however, there are a few derelict huts and other structures on some of the dispersed sites which lay to the east between the airfield and the main London-Norwich railway line. Most of the main runway with its postwar extension still exists, along with both secondary runways.[citation needed] The perimeter track and various hardstands, however, have been removed for hardcore.[10]

The control tower was used until 1975 as a club house by the Gliding Club. Later that year the club moved into a new home which was constructed nearby. It was said that the old control tower was haunted; and at least four members of the Gliding Club were afraid to enter the building, even in daytime. It was reported that a person in flying clothes, similar to those worn by the USAAF combat crews, had been seen on several occasions wandering through the darkened rooms.[citation needed] The old control tower was demolished in 1978 after the new clubhouse came into use. Current projects include plans for a Heritage Centre to preserve the history of the airfield and the connection with the 445th Bomb Group.[citation needed]

A memorial to the Liberator crews stands on the airfield.[citation needed]

Trivia

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Tibenham Airfield was used as a location for the Dad's Army episode; Round and Round went the Great Big Wheel.[11]

See also

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References

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Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

Citations

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  1. ^ a b c d "Tibenham". Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d Freeman 2001, p. 223.
  3. ^ Maurer 1980, p. 199.
  4. ^ a b c d e Maurer 1980, p. 320.
  5. ^ a b c d e "445th Bombardment Group (Heavy)". Mighty 8th Cross-Reference. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Maurer 1980, p. 319.
  7. ^ History of the 445th Bomb Group, Revised Edition, 2010
  8. ^ "Tibenham airfield". Control Towers. Retrieved 16 February 2013.
  9. ^ a b c Bowyer 1979, p. 196.
  10. ^ a b "Tibenham's Beginning - Second World War". Norfolk Gliding Club. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  11. ^ "Dad's Army Filming Locations". Find That Location. Retrieved 5 July 2021.

Bibliography

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  • Bowyer, M J.F. (1979). Action Stations: Vol 1. Wartime military airfields of East Anglia 1939-1945. Cambridge: Patrick Stephens Limited. ISBN 0-85059-335-2.
  • Freeman, R. Airfields of the Eighth - Then and Now. After the Battle. London, UK: Battle of Britain International Ltd., 2001. ISBN 0-9009-13-09-6.
  • Freeman, Roger A. (1991) The Mighty Eighth: The Colour Record. Cassell & Co. ISBN 0-304-35708-1
  • Jefford, C.G. RAF Squadrons, a Comprehensive Record of the Movement and Equipment of all RAF Squadrons and their Antecedents since 1912. Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK: Airlife Publishing, 2001. ISBN 1-84037-141-2.
  • Maurer, M. Air Force Combat Units of World War II. USAF Historical Division. Washington D.C., USA: Zenger Publishing Co., Inc, 1980. ISBN 0-89201-092-4.
  • Simpson, M, History of the 445th Bomb Group, Revised Edition. Arizona, USA: CafePress, Inc., 2010. ISBN 978-0-9845301-0-6.
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