Hi all, I am currently carrying out a research project on RAF Rivenhall in Essex. Built by local contractors to the US airfield layout requirements in 1943/44 it was used by the USAF (Mustangs and Marauders), the RAF (295 and 570 Sqns - Mk4 Stirling) and the Glider Pilot Regiment (A Squadron). With the USAF aircraft carrying out bomber escort duties and then low level bombing raids, the RAF Squadrons dropping supplies to SOE and other Special Operations across Occupied Europe and Scandinavia as well as towing the GPR gliders into Germany on Operation Varsity, the base has an extremely rich history. Many that flew from there never returned, including members of the 6th Airborne Division that flew in gliders from there (1 RUR, 12 DEVONS, 6 AB Div HQ). I would welcome anybody into this thread who is able to add detail to my research project. So far I have found the 12 DEVONS thread extremely helpful in adding context to the history of that time. My project is hopefully going to lead to a museum covering the history of the base actually at the site. Looking forward to hearing from you.
a couple threads here might be of interest Operation Varsity Places nowadays Stirling Photo - Any thoughts?
To help shape thoughts on the subject and hopefully cut down on some initial questions, research material used so far includes the following books: Rivenhall - the History of an Essex Airfield (Bruce Stait) Operation Varsity (Tim Saunders) Heaven and Hell (Martin Poppel) The Last Drop (Stephen Wright) Wot! No Engines? (Alan Cooper) History of the Glider Pilot Regiment (Caude Smith) SOE in the Low Countries M R D Foot Short Stirling (Pino Lombardi) Stirling Wings (Jonathan Falconer) Numerous sites have been found online, especially at Paradata and Pegasus Archive, (with excellent links to some of the 6th Airborne archive documents, War Diaries, Operational Orders etc), Operations Record Books for both RAF Squadrons from the National Archives. I'm also waiting for research to come back to me from the Army Flying Museum. A real goldmine of footage of Operation Varsity, including Stirling's and Gliders being loaded and then taking off from Rivenhall has been sourced from the IWM and Pathe News. Other clips appear on Youtube (some blended from these sources). My current gaps are mainly on individual stories from the 6 AB Division and RAF Units that flew from Rivenhall (1 RUR, 12 DEVONS, 6 AB Div HQ, GPR) although I have managed to draw some good stories from all of the above sources. As you'll see the biggest area I'm keen to hear more on is the USAF element. I've been recommended another book by a colleague, 'Wings of Courage' (Jack Stovall) which I now need to source. Any help, or even just to open up the conversation on this would be great
Hi FH, Notice you don't have the book "The Rifles Are There" by David Orr in your list above. It does cover the 1st RUR on Operation Varsity and claims the HQ Support Coy and 18 Platoon gliders left from RAF Rivenhall. Several names are given, however, not much on the Rivenhall Airfield other than to claim they flew from there. Let me know if useful and I'll forward relevant passages. Regards ...
Hi Cee, No I haven’t got that book yet, or the history of the Devonshire Regiment which are both on my shopping wish when wifey isn’t looking. If you could share the relevant parts that would be a great help in the shorter term. Much appreciated as always
While looking at the IWM/Pathe News footage of the Stirlings and Gliders preparing and taking off fir Operation VARSITY I have been able to confirm where each clip is being filmed at. I’d be happy to take through anyone interested or is looking at the airfield used on that day.
