[303rd-Talk] Newcomer with questions

[Bob Van Pelt]

Gary Pett:  For some odd reason I did not receive your original posting until today, 22 January.

Definitely go to Molesworth!  Brian McGuire used to be my contact at the JAC, but he moved back to the States a few years ago and unfortunately died.  One of the former Commanders of the JAC is now the Commander at Goodfellow AFB, Col Dick Ayres.  His historian, John Garret, john.garrett at goodfellow.af.mil, has helped a few get in, especially if they had a realtive there from the war.  I'm sure others here can give you better contact info.

I have shown up at the main gate three times wearing a painted replica of an A-2 jacket and was granted permission to enter.  Brian even got us into the JAC which I have heard is rare.  Many, many framed photos line the walls of JAC and they definitely remember and respect what the 303rd did there.

The Fox Pub is just south of the A14 on the road leading to the base.  It was there during the war, but has undergone some rennovations.  Go to the chrch Gary Moncur recommened in a previous post - you won't be sorry.

Most likely you would stay in Cambridge.  I am partial to the Gonville Place Hotel (a Best Western).  It is a mid grade hotel and close to The Eagle Pub.  It is also withing walking distance from the train station and isn't a bad walk even if you are towing baggage.

Definitely go to The Eagle.  Although the ceiling is now a reproduction due to a fire in the 90s, during the war men from all services wrote their names on the ceiling with lighters and candles.  Alot of memorabilia, too.

Duxford is definitely worth one full day and if you go in May, be sure to plan your trip around the Spitfire Airshow.  You have not lived until you have seen 14 Spits and Hurricanes flying over the base just like they did during the Battle of Britain.  

Madingley Cemetery just north and west of Cambridge is a must see.  Words can't exress how moving this cemetery really is.

If you have an interest in visiting other 8th AF heavy bomber of fighter bases, the East Anglian Tourist Board (now called East of England Tourist Board)publishes an outstanding map of the old aerodromes.  Last time I ordered one is was 6 Pounds Sterling and can tell you where the bases are and what is left at each one.

Just a word of caution if you visit other bases.  The English are not keen on people walking around on their patch (land) and most of the old bases are now in private hands.  If you want to visit something, seek permission before you go.  Don't just hop a fence and think it will be OK.  I had a man fire a shotgun blast over my head when I jumped the fence surrounding the tower at Rackheath.  Pays to plan ahead.

If I can help you plan a visit, just let me know.

Bob


--- On Tue, 1/20/09, Gary Pett <pett at sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> From: Gary Pett <pett at sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: [303rd-Talk] Newcomer with questions
> To: 303rd-talk at 303rdBG.com
> Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2009, 10:41 AM
> Please excuse the length of this message but I am a newcomer
> with much to learn.
> 
> My name is Gary Pett, married for 27 years to Martha nee
> Garvey, whose father Richard J. Garvey was a navigator with
> the 303rd BG and the 359th BS ("Harding's
> Crew", mostly flying on 'Daddy's Delight').
> Recently we found a box containing about 84 V-mails and
> other correspondence, as well as official war documents of
> Lt. Garvey.
> 
> The V-mails have been transcribed, his 37 mission reports
> (including two non-credit) read and summarized, the
> photographs placed in a special album and .... our curiosity
> is really piqued!
> 
> Here are my initial questions:
> 
> 1) Do any of the members have first hand recollections of
> or other knowledge of Lt. Garvey's service?
> 
> 2) Where are the best sources to find and scan additional
> photos that would flesh out the visual history of his tour
> for us?
> 
> 3) If we were to organize a family trip, where would the
> "top" places be? Molesworth? Galvaston to see the
> Thunderbird? Any suggestions would be helpful.
> 
> Thank you, Gary Pett
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