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Coordinates: 52°41′25″N 002°38′16″W / 52.69028°N 2.63778°W / 52.69028; -2.63778
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{{Short description|Former Royal Air Force station in Shropshire, England}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}
{{EngvarB|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox military structure
{{Infobox military installation
|name = RAF Atcham<BR>USAAF Station 342
| name = RAF Atcham<br />USAAF Station 342
|native_name = [[Image:Ensign of the Royal Air Force.svg|90px]][[File:Eighth Air Force - Emblem (World War II).png|60px]][[File:Patch9thusaaf.png|60px]]
| ensign = [[File:Ensign of the Royal Air Force.svg|90px]] [[File:Eighth Air Force - Emblem (World War II).png|60px]] [[File:Patch9thusaaf.png|60px]]
|partof =
| partof =
|location = [[Shrewsbury]], Shropshire
| location = [[Shrewsbury]], [[Shropshire]]
| country = England
⚫
|image = [[File:Atchamairfield-9may1946.png|300px]]
| type = [[List of former Royal Air Force stations|Royal Air Force station]]<BR>Group Sector Station
⚫
|caption = Atcham Airfield – 9 May 1946
⚫
| image = Atchamairfield-9may1946.png
⚫
|map_type = Shropshire
| image_size = 275px
|latitude = 52.690
⚫
| caption = Atcham Airfield – 9 May 1946
|longitude = -2.637
⚫
| pushpin_map = Shropshire#UK
|map_size =
| pushpin_label = RAF Atcham
|map_alt =
| pushpin_mapsize = 275
|map_caption = Location in Shropshire
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Shropshire
|type = [[Royal Air Force station]]
| pushpin_label_position = bottom
|coordinates =
| coordinates = {{Coord|52|41|25|N|002|38|16|W|region:GB_type:airport|display=inline,title}}
|coord_region = GB-SHR
| code = AP{{sfn|Falconer|2012|p=37}}
|code =
⚫
| height =
⚫
|built = {{Start date|1941}}
⚫
| ownership = [[Air Ministry]]
|builder =
| operator = [[Royal Air Force]]<ref name="CT">{{cite web|url=http://www.controltowers.co.uk/A/Atcham.htm |title=RAF Atcham |publisher=Control Towers|access-date=26 March 2015}}</ref><BR>[[United States Army Air Forces]] (1942-45)
⚫
|materials =
| controlledby = [[RAF Fighter Command]] (1941–1942)<BR>* [[No. 9 Group RAF]]<br />[[Eighth Air Force]] (1942–1944)<br />[[United States Air Forces Central Command|Ninth Air Force]] (1944–1945)<br />[[RAF Flying Training Command]] (1945–1946)<ref name="CT"/>
⚫
|height =
| condition =
|used = 1941–{{End date|1946}}
⚫
| built = {{Start date|1941}}
⚫
|demolished =
|condition =
| builder =
| used = September 1941 – April 1946
⚫
|ownership = [[Air Ministry]]
⚫
| materials =
|open_to_public =
⚫
| demolished =
|controlledby = [[Royal Air Force]]<BR>[[United States Army Air Forces]]
⚫
| battles = [[European theatre of World War II]]
|garrison =31st Fighter Group<BR>14th Fighter Group<BR>495th Fighter Training Group<BR>RAF Flying Training Command
| elevation = {{Convert|61|m|0}}{{sfn|Falconer|2012|p=37}}
|current_commander =
<!-- Airfield information -->
|commanders =
|occupants =
| IATA =
| ICAO =
⚫
|battles = [[World War II|Second World War]]
|events =
| FAA =
|image2 =
| TC =
|caption2 =
| LID =
| GPS =
| WMO =
| r1-number = 05/23
| r1-length = {{Convert|1825|m|0}}
| r1-surface = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
| r2-number = 18/36
| r2-length = {{Convert|1825|m|0}}
| r2-surface = Asphalt
| r3-number = 10/28
| r3-length = {{Convert|1280|m|0}}
| r3-surface = Asphalt
}}
}}


'''Royal Air Force Atcham''' or more simply '''RAF Atcham''' is a former [[Royal Air Force]] [[Royal Air Force station|station]] located {{Convert|5.0|mi}} east of [[Shrewsbury]], [[Shropshire]], [[England]], on the north eastern boundary of [[Attingham Park]].
'''Royal Air Force Atcham''', or more simply '''RAF Atcham''', is a former [[Royal Air Force]] [[List of former Royal Air Force stations|station]] located {{Convert|5|mi|0}} east of [[Shrewsbury]], [[Shropshire]], [[England]], on the north eastern boundary of [[Attingham Park]].


Initially built for RAF Fighter Command, during World War II its primary use was by the [[United States Army Air Forces]] (USAAF) [[Eighth Air Force]]. It was mainly the home of the 495th Fighter Training Group, where pilots were trained to fly [[P-47 Thunderbolt]]s although a few also were trained to fly twin-engined [[P-38 Lightning]]s for both Eighth and [[Ninth Air Force]] units.<ref name="Freeman2001p22">{{Harvnb|Freeman|2001|p=22.}}</ref> Atcham continued to see use as a training base until it was returned to the RAF in March 1945.<ref name="IWM"/>
Initially built for RAF Fighter Command, during the [[World War II|Second World War]] its primary use was by the [[United States Army Air Forces]] (USAAF) [[Eighth Air Force]]. It was mainly the home of the [[495th Fighter Training Group]], where pilots were trained to fly [[Republic P-47 Thunderbolt]]s although a few also were trained to fly twin-engined [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning]]s for both Eighth and [[Ninth Air Force]] units.<ref name="Freeman2001p22">{{Harvnb|Freeman|2001|p=22.}}</ref> Atcham continued to see use as a training base until it was returned to the RAF in March 1945.<ref name="IWM"/>


==History==
==History==


===Royal Air Force===
===Royal Air Force===
The airfield was opened in 1941 and was initially used by the [[Royal Air Force]] to house two squadrons of [[RAF Fighter Command]] with the first to arrive being [[No. 131 Squadron RAF|131 Squadron]] on 27 September 1941 with [[Supermarine Spitfires]]<ref name="Jefford2001p59">{{Harvnb|Jefford|2001|p=59.}}</ref>
The airfield was opened in 1941 and was initially used by the [[Royal Air Force]] to house two squadrons of [[RAF Fighter Command]] with the first to arrive being [[No. 131 Squadron RAF|131 Squadron]] on 27 September 1941 with [[Supermarine Spitfire]]s<ref name="Jefford2001p59">{{Harvnb|Jefford|2001|p=59.}}</ref>


It was planned to open [[RAF Condover]] as a satellite station but when it opened in 1942 the RAF had decided to hand over the Atcham for American use.{{Citation needed|date=June 2013}}
It was planned to open [[RAF Condover]] as a satellite station but when it opened in 1942 the RAF had decided to hand over the Atcham site for American use.{{Citation needed|date=June 2013}}


===United States Army Air Forces use===
===United States Army Air Forces use===
To support the USAAF, jurisdiction of Atcham Airfield was transferred from RAF Fighter Command to the USAAF on 15 June 1942 when a number of RAF stations were turned over to the Americans. It was designated as Station 342 (AP).<ref name="CT">{{cite web|url=http://controltowers.co.uk/A/Atcham.htm |title=RAF Atcham airfield |publisher=Control Towers|accessdate=1 June 2013}}</ref>
To support the USAAF, jurisdiction of Atcham Airfield was transferred from RAF Fighter Command to the USAAF on 15 June 1942 when a number of RAF stations were turned over to the Americans. It was designated as Station 342 (AP).<ref name="CT"/>


USAAF Station Units assigned to RAF Atcham were:<ref name="IWM">{{cite web|url=http://www.americanairmuseum.com/place/19 |title=Atcham |publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|accessdate=1 Mar 2015}}</ref>
USAAF Station Units assigned to RAF Atcham were:<ref name="IWM">{{cite web|url=http://www.americanairmuseum.com/place/19 |title=Atcham |publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|access-date=1 March 2015}}</ref>
* 333d Service Group (VIII Air Force Composite Command)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanairmuseum.com/unit/282 |title=333d Service Group |publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|accessdate=2 Mar 2015}}</ref>
* 333d Service Group (VIII Air Force Composite Command)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanairmuseum.com/unit/282 |title=333d Service Group |publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|access-date=2 March 2015}}</ref>
: 332d Service Squadron; HHS, 333d Service Group
: 332d Service Squadron; HHS, 333d Service Group
* 42d Service Group (VIII Air Force Composite Command)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanairmuseum.com/unit/377 |title=42d Service Group |publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|accessdate=2 Mar 2015}}</ref>
* 42d Service Group (VIII Air Force Composite Command)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americanairmuseum.com/unit/377 |title=42d Service Group |publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|access-date=2 March 2015}}</ref>
: 356th, 361st Service Squadrons; HHS 42d Service Group
: 356th, 361st Service Squadrons; HHS 42d Service Group
* 18th Weather Squadron
* 18th Weather Squadron
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* 182nd Medical Dispensary
* 182nd Medical Dispensary


==== 495th Fighter Training Group ====
==== Fighter Training ====
The 495th Fighter Training Group was an Eighth Air Force [[Operational Training Unit]] (OTU) which was formed in England to train newly-formed deployed fighter groups which arrived from the United States.<ref name="OTU">{{cite web|url=http://www.8thafhs.org/training/495t.htm |title=495th Fighter Training Group |publisher=Eighth Air Force Historical Society |accessdate=24 Mar 2015}}</ref>
The [[6th Fighter Wing]] was the original training organisation established on 27 August 1942, under the control of [[VIII Fighter Command]].<ref name="OTU">{{cite web|url=http://www.8thafhs.org/training/495t.htm |title=495th Fighter Training Group |publisher=Eighth Air Force Historical Society |access-date=24 March 2015}}</ref> During 1942 and early 1943, it trained pilots in combat operations as well as air-to-air-gunnery with the attached 1st Gunnery & Tow Target Flight.<ref name="OTU"/> The training was conducted using Supermarine Spitfies and pilots drawn from the [[67th Observation Group]] at [[RAF Membury]] (AAF-466) and [[RAF Middle Wallop]] (AAF-449).<ref name="OTU"/>

The unit was initially organized as the '''6th Fighter Wing''' on 27 August 1942, under the control of [[VIII Fighter Command]].<ref name="OTU"/> During 1942 and early 1943, it trained pilots in combat operations as well as air-to-air-gunnery with the attached 1st Gunnery & Tow Target Flight.<ref name="OTU"/> The training was conducted using Supermarine Spitfies and pilots drawn from the [[67th Observation Group]] at [[RAF Membury]] (AAF-466) and [[RAF Middle Wallop]] (AAF-449).<ref name="OTU"/>


The 6th Fighter Wing provided training to the following groups:
The 6th Fighter Wing provided training to the following groups:
; [[31st Fighter Group]]
; [[31st Fighter Group]]
[[File:31fg-spitfire.jpg|thumb|Spitfire V of the 309th Fighter Squadron]]
[[File:31fg-spitfire.jpg|thumb|left|Spitfire V of the 309th Fighter Squadron]]
: It consisted of the [[307th Fighter Squadron|307th]], [[308th Fighter Squadron|308th]] and [[309th Fighter Squadron]]s.<ref name="Maurer1980p85">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=85.}}</ref>
: It consisted of the [[307th Fighter Squadron|307th]], [[308th Fighter Squadron|308th]] and [[309th Fighter Squadron]]s.<ref name="Maurer1980p85">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=85.}}</ref>


: The group arrived without assigned aircraft as its [[Bell P-39 Airacobra]]s were found unsuitable for long-distance formation ferry flights. Provided with British [[Supermarine Spitfire]]s by the [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF), the 31st FG entered combat in August<ref name="Maurer1980p83">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=83.}}</ref> and supported a [[Dieppe Raid|raid made by Canadian, British, American, and French forces]] at [[Dieppe, Seine-Maritime|Dieppe]] on 19 August. The group also escorted bombers and flew patrol and diversionary missions.<ref name="Maurer1980p84">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=84.}}</ref>
: The group arrived without assigned aircraft as its [[Bell P-39 Airacobra]]s were found unsuitable for long-distance formation ferry flights. Provided with British [[Supermarine Spitfire]]s by the [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF), the 31st FG entered combat in August<ref name="Maurer1980p83">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=83.}}</ref> and supported a [[Dieppe Raid|raid made by Canadian, British, American, and French forces]] at [[Dieppe, Seine-Maritime|Dieppe]] on 19 August. The group also escorted bombers and flew patrol and diversionary missions.<ref name="Maurer1980p84">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=84.}}</ref>


: After its training was completed in August 1942, the 31st moved to [[RAF Westhampnett]] in Sussex before moving into Tafaraoui Airfield, Oran, [[Algeria]] on 8 November 1942<ref name="Maurer1980p85"/> as part of [[Twelfth Air Force]].<ref name="Maurer1980p84"/>
: After its training was completed in August 1942, the 31st moved to [[RAF Westhampnett]] in Sussex before moving into Tafaraoui Airfield, Oran, [[Algeria]] on 8 November 1942<ref name="Maurer1980p85"/> as part of [[Twelfth Air Force]].<ref name="Maurer1980p84"/>


; [[14th Fighter Group]]
; [[14th Fighter Group]]
[[File:RAF Atcham - 14th Fighter Group - P-38 Lightning.jpg|thumb| An RAF airman talks to a pilot of the 14th Fighter Group on the wing of his P-38 Lightning at Atcham, England.]]
[[File:RAF Atcham - 14th Fighter Group - P-38 Lightning.jpg|thumb|left|An RAF airman talks to a pilot of the 14th Fighter Group on the wing of his P-38 Lightning at Atcham, England.]]
: The 14th arrived at Atcham on 18 August 1942 from [[Hamilton Air Force Base|Hamilton Field]], California.<ref name="Maurer1980p58">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=58.}}</ref> It consisted of the [[48th Fighter Squadron|48th]] (ES) and [[49th Fighter Squadron]]s (QU).<ref name="Maurer1980p58"/>
: The 14th arrived at Atcham on 18 August 1942 from [[Hamilton Air Force Base|Hamilton Field]], California.<ref name="Maurer1980p58">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=58.}}</ref> It consisted of the [[48th Fighter Squadron|48th]] (ES) and [[49th Fighter Squadron]]s (QU).<ref name="Maurer1980p58"/>


: Equipped with [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning]]s, the 14th escorted [[Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress]] and [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator]] bombers to targets in France.<ref name="Maurer1980p57">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=57.}}</ref> In addition, fourteen P-38s of the 48th Squadron were sent on detached service to [[RAF Westhampnett]] and [[RAF Ford]] in southern England, where in co-ordination with British squadrons, the pilots engaged in a number of practice sweeps across the [[English Channel]].<ref name="IWM"/>
: Equipped with [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning]]s, the 14th escorted [[Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress]] and [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator]] bombers to targets in France.<ref name="Maurer1980p57">{{Harvnb|Maurer|1980|p=57.}}</ref> In addition, fourteen P-38s of the 48th Squadron were sent on detached service to [[RAF Westhampnett]] and [[RAF Ford]] in southern England, where in co-ordination with British squadrons, the pilots engaged in a number of practice sweeps across the [[English Channel]].<ref name="IWM"/>
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: After flying sweep sorties during which there was no contact with the [[Luftwaffe]], in November 1942 the 14th was reassigned to the [[Twelfth Air Force]], and was transferred to [[Tafaraoui Airfield]], Oran, [[Algeria]]<ref name="Maurer1980p58"/> in the [[Mediterranean Theater of Operations]] (MTO) after the [[Operation Torch]] landings in North Africa.<ref name="Maurer1980p57"/>
: After flying sweep sorties during which there was no contact with the [[Luftwaffe]], in November 1942 the 14th was reassigned to the [[Twelfth Air Force]], and was transferred to [[Tafaraoui Airfield]], Oran, [[Algeria]]<ref name="Maurer1980p58"/> in the [[Mediterranean Theater of Operations]] (MTO) after the [[Operation Torch]] landings in North Africa.<ref name="Maurer1980p57"/>


[[File:Atcham-p47-496ftg.jpg|thumb|Republic P-47C-5-RE Thunderbolt Serial 41-6530 of the 551st Fighter Training Squadron. This aircraft was formerly assigned to the 56th Fighter Group at [[RAF Kings Cliffe]]. This aircraft was condemned due to enemy action 16 April 1946]]
[[File:Atcham-p47-496ftg.jpg|thumb|right|Republic P-47C-5-RE Thunderbolt Serial 41-6530 of the 551st Fighter Training Squadron. This aircraft was formerly assigned to the 56th Fighter Group at [[RAF Kings Cliffe]]. This aircraft was condemned due to enemy action 16 April 1946]]
When the 14th Fighter Group moved out, the wing organization was discontinued and on 16 August the unit was re-designated as the '''2906th Observation Training Group''', and further was re-designated the '''495th Fighter Training Group''' on 26 October 1943.<ref name="OTU"/> The 495th switched its mission to a Replacement Training Group (RTU) and was assigned two RTU squadrons:<ref name="FTG">{{cite web|url=http://www.americanairmuseum.com/unit/480 |title=495th Fighter Training Group |publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|accessdate=24 Mar 2015}}</ref>
The 6th Wing was discontinued on 13 September 1943.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10056 |title=Factsheet 6 Air Division |publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121030120133/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10056 |date=4 October 2007|archive-date=30 October 2012|access-date=5 March 2014}}</ref> Its place was taken by a provisional unit, the 2906th Observation Training Group (Fighter), which had been organized on 16 August.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/095/017.xml |title=Abstract, History 2906 Observation Training Group (Fighter) (Provisional) September 1943|publisher=Air Force History Index|access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref> The 2906th was replaced in turn by a regular unit, the [[495th Fighter Training Group]] on 26 October 1943.<ref name="OTU"/> The 495th switched its mission to a Replacement Training Group (RTU) and was assigned two RTU squadrons:<ref name="FTG">{{cite web|url=http://www.americanairmuseum.com/unit/480 |title=495th Fighter Training Group |publisher=American Air Museum in Britain|access-date=24 March 2015}}</ref>
* 551st Fighter Training Squadron (VM)<ref name="FTG"/>
* 551st Fighter Training Squadron (VM)<ref name="FTG"/>
* 552d Fighter Training Squadron (DQ)<ref name="FTG"/>
* 552d Fighter Training Squadron (DQ)<ref name="FTG"/>


As a Combat Crew Replacement Centre, the squadrons flew a mixture of hand-me-down aircraft, primarily planes which were considered not combat-ready to to high hours and being "war weary". It flew [[P-47 Thunderbolt]]s, some [[P-38H Lightning]]s, and [[A-20 Havoc]]s. Pilots trained were then assigned to both [[VIII Fighter Command]] and [[IX Fighter Command]] after completion of training for subsequent assignment to units as needed.<ref name="FTG"/>
As a Combat Crew Replacement Center, the squadrons flew a mixture of hand-me-down aircraft, primarily planes which were considered not combat-ready to high hours and being "war weary". It flew [[Republic P-47 Thunderbolt|Republic P-47C Thunderbolt]]s, some [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning|Lockheed P-38H Lightning]]s, and [[Douglas A-20 Havoc]]s. Pilots trained were then assigned to both [[VIII Fighter Command]] and [[IX Fighter Command]] after completion of training for subsequent assignment to units as needed.<ref name="FTG"/>


The 495 FTG stayed until February 1945, moving to [[RAF Cheddington]]. From August 1944 the Ninth AF P-38s from the 496 FTG/554 FTS from [[RAF Goxhill]] used Atcham as a training field.<ref name="CT"/><ref name="FTG"/>
The 495 FTG stayed until February 1945, moving to [[RAF Cheddington]]. From August 1944 the Ninth AF P-38s from the 496 FTG/554 FTS from [[RAF Goxhill]] used Atcham as a training field.<ref name="CT"/><ref name="FTG"/>


===Back to Royal Air Force control===
===Back to Royal Air Force control===
Atcham was returned to the [[RAF Flying Training Command]] on 14 March 1945 becoming a satellite of [[RAF Ternhill]]. No. 5 (Pilot) Advanced Flying Unit ((P)AFU) and No. 6 Service Flying Training School (SFTS). [[No. 577 Squadron RAF]] target towing with [[Airspeed Oxford]]s, Spitfires and [[Vultee A-31 Vengeance]]s used the airfield until the end of the war.<ref name="Freeman2001p22"/>
Atcham was returned to the [[RAF Flying Training Command]] on 14 March 1945 becoming a satellite of [[RAF Ternhill]]. [[No. 5 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit RAF]] ((P)AFU) and [[No. 6 Service Flying Training School RAF]] (SFTS). [[No. 577 Squadron RAF]] target towing with [[Airspeed Oxford]]s, Spitfires and [[Vultee A-31 Vengeance|Vultee Vengeance]]s used the airfield until the end of the war.<ref name="Freeman2001p22"/>

The site was also used by [[List of RAF Regiment units|No. 2815 Squadron RAF Regiment]] and [[No. 2820 Squadron RAF Regiment]]<ref name="ABCT">{{cite web|url=https://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/airfield-finder/atcham/ |title=Atcham |publisher=[[Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust]]|access-date=8 April 2022}}</ref>


Atcham was abandoned on 22 October 1946 and disposed of on 20 January 1958.<ref name="Freeman2001p22"/>
Atcham was abandoned on 22 October 1946 and disposed of on 20 January 1958.<ref name="Freeman2001p22"/>
Line 104: Line 116:
With the end of military control, Atcham airfield was returned to farmland with the runways being broken up and removed and the control tower demolished.<ref name="Freeman2001p22"/>
With the end of military control, Atcham airfield was returned to farmland with the runways being broken up and removed and the control tower demolished.<ref name="Freeman2001p22"/>


Today there is little evidence of Atcham airfield. Some minor agricultural roads which were part of the perimeter track remain as access to farm fields, and the B4394 uses part of the former South West to North East runway. The three Callendar Hamilton hangars of the former technical site remain together in use with all the administration buildings, the whole complex forming the ''Atcham Industrial Estate'' northwest of the former airfield area.<ref name="Freeman2001p22"/>
Today there is little evidence of Atcham airfield. Some minor agricultural roads which were part of the perimeter track remain as access to farm fields, and the B4394 uses part of the former South West to North East runway. The three Callender Hamilton hangars of the former technical site remain together in use with all the administration buildings, the whole complex forming the ''Atcham Industrial Estate'' northwest of the former airfield area.<ref name="Freeman2001p22"/>

==Major units assigned==
; Royal Air Force<ref name="AofA">{{cite web|url=http://www.rafweb.org/Stations/Stations-A.htm#Atcham|title=RAF Atcham|publisher=Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation|access-date=26 March 2015}}</ref>
* 131 Squadron (27 September 1941 – 8 February 1942)
* [[350th Squadron (Belgium)|350 (Belgian) Squadron]] (19 February – 5 April 1942)
* [[No. 74 Squadron RAF|74 Squadron]] (24 March – 10 April 1942)
* [[No. 232 Squadron RAF|232 Squadron]] (10 April – 15 May 1942)
* [[No. 452 Squadron RAAF|452 Squadron]] (June 1942)

; United States Army Air Forces<ref name="AofA"/>
* 495th Fighter Training Group (27 August 1942 – February 1945)
* 31st Fighter Group (11 June – 1 August 1942)
* 14th Fighter Group (18 August – November 1942)


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


Line 117: Line 142:


===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
*{{cite book |last1=Falconer|first1=J|title=RAF Airfields of World War 2 |year=2012 |publisher= Ian Allan Publishing|location= UK|isbn=978-1-85780-349-5}}
*{{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|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.}}
*{{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|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|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}}.}}


==External links==
==External links==
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{{Royal Air Force}}
{{Royal Air Force}}
{{USAAF 8th Air Force UK}}
{{USAAF 8th Air Force UK}}

{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Atcham}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Atcham}}

Latest revision as of 21:52, 5 November 2024

RAF Atcham
USAAF Station 342
Shrewsbury, Shropshire in England
Atcham Airfield – 9 May 1946
RAF Atcham is located in Shropshire
RAF Atcham
RAF Atcham
Location in Shropshire
RAF Atcham is located in the United Kingdom
RAF Atcham
RAF Atcham
RAF Atcham (the United Kingdom)
Coordinates52°41′25″N 002°38′16″W / 52.69028°N 2.63778°W / 52.69028; -2.63778
TypeRoyal Air Force station
Group Sector Station
CodeAP[1]
Site information
OwnerAir Ministry
OperatorRoyal Air Force[2]
United States Army Air Forces (1942-45)
Controlled byRAF Fighter Command (1941–1942)
* No. 9 Group RAF
Eighth Air Force (1942–1944)
Ninth Air Force (1944–1945)
RAF Flying Training Command (1945–1946)[2]
Site history
Built1941 (1941)
In useSeptember 1941 – April 1946
Battles/warsEuropean theatre of World War II
Airfield information
Elevation61 metres (200 ft)[1] AMSL
Runways
Direction Length and surface
05/23 1,825 metres (5,988 ft) Asphalt
18/36 1,825 metres (5,988 ft) Asphalt
10/28 1,280 metres (4,199 ft) Asphalt

Royal Air Force Atcham, or more simply RAF Atcham, is a former Royal Air Force station located 5 miles (8 km) east of Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, on the north eastern boundary of Attingham Park.

Initially built for RAF Fighter Command, during the Second World War its primary use was by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Eighth Air Force. It was mainly the home of the 495th Fighter Training Group, where pilots were trained to fly Republic P-47 Thunderbolts although a few also were trained to fly twin-engined Lockheed P-38 Lightnings for both Eighth and Ninth Air Force units.[3] Atcham continued to see use as a training base until it was returned to the RAF in March 1945.[4]

History

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Royal Air Force

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The airfield was opened in 1941 and was initially used by the Royal Air Force to house two squadrons of RAF Fighter Command with the first to arrive being 131 Squadron on 27 September 1941 with Supermarine Spitfires[5]

It was planned to open RAF Condover as a satellite station but when it opened in 1942 the RAF had decided to hand over the Atcham site for American use.[citation needed]

United States Army Air Forces use

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To support the USAAF, jurisdiction of Atcham Airfield was transferred from RAF Fighter Command to the USAAF on 15 June 1942 when a number of RAF stations were turned over to the Americans. It was designated as Station 342 (AP).[2]

USAAF Station Units assigned to RAF Atcham were:[4]

  • 333d Service Group (VIII Air Force Composite Command)[6]
332d Service Squadron; HHS, 333d Service Group
  • 42d Service Group (VIII Air Force Composite Command)[7]
356th, 361st Service Squadrons; HHS 42d Service Group
  • 18th Weather Squadron

Regular Army Station Units included:

  • 1004th Signal Company
  • 1148th Quartermaster Company
  • 1761st Ordnance Supply & Maintenance Company
  • 2020th Engineer Fire Fighting Platoon
  • 182nd Medical Dispensary

Fighter Training

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The 6th Fighter Wing was the original training organisation established on 27 August 1942, under the control of VIII Fighter Command.[8] During 1942 and early 1943, it trained pilots in combat operations as well as air-to-air-gunnery with the attached 1st Gunnery & Tow Target Flight.[8] The training was conducted using Supermarine Spitfies and pilots drawn from the 67th Observation Group at RAF Membury (AAF-466) and RAF Middle Wallop (AAF-449).[8]

The 6th Fighter Wing provided training to the following groups:

31st Fighter Group
Spitfire V of the 309th Fighter Squadron
It consisted of the 307th, 308th and 309th Fighter Squadrons.[9]
The group arrived without assigned aircraft as its Bell P-39 Airacobras were found unsuitable for long-distance formation ferry flights. Provided with British Supermarine Spitfires by the Royal Air Force (RAF), the 31st FG entered combat in August[10] and supported a raid made by Canadian, British, American, and French forces at Dieppe on 19 August. The group also escorted bombers and flew patrol and diversionary missions.[11]
After its training was completed in August 1942, the 31st moved to RAF Westhampnett in Sussex before moving into Tafaraoui Airfield, Oran, Algeria on 8 November 1942[9] as part of Twelfth Air Force.[11]
14th Fighter Group
An RAF airman talks to a pilot of the 14th Fighter Group on the wing of his P-38 Lightning at Atcham, England.
The 14th arrived at Atcham on 18 August 1942 from Hamilton Field, California.[12] It consisted of the 48th (ES) and 49th Fighter Squadrons (QU).[12]
Equipped with Lockheed P-38 Lightnings, the 14th escorted Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and Consolidated B-24 Liberator bombers to targets in France.[13] In addition, fourteen P-38s of the 48th Squadron were sent on detached service to RAF Westhampnett and RAF Ford in southern England, where in co-ordination with British squadrons, the pilots engaged in a number of practice sweeps across the English Channel.[4]
After flying sweep sorties during which there was no contact with the Luftwaffe, in November 1942 the 14th was reassigned to the Twelfth Air Force, and was transferred to Tafaraoui Airfield, Oran, Algeria[12] in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO) after the Operation Torch landings in North Africa.[13]
Republic P-47C-5-RE Thunderbolt Serial 41-6530 of the 551st Fighter Training Squadron. This aircraft was formerly assigned to the 56th Fighter Group at RAF Kings Cliffe. This aircraft was condemned due to enemy action 16 April 1946

The 6th Wing was discontinued on 13 September 1943.[14] Its place was taken by a provisional unit, the 2906th Observation Training Group (Fighter), which had been organized on 16 August.[15] The 2906th was replaced in turn by a regular unit, the 495th Fighter Training Group on 26 October 1943.[8] The 495th switched its mission to a Replacement Training Group (RTU) and was assigned two RTU squadrons:[16]

  • 551st Fighter Training Squadron (VM)[16]
  • 552d Fighter Training Squadron (DQ)[16]

As a Combat Crew Replacement Center, the squadrons flew a mixture of hand-me-down aircraft, primarily planes which were considered not combat-ready to high hours and being "war weary". It flew Republic P-47C Thunderbolts, some Lockheed P-38H Lightnings, and Douglas A-20 Havocs. Pilots trained were then assigned to both VIII Fighter Command and IX Fighter Command after completion of training for subsequent assignment to units as needed.[16]

The 495 FTG stayed until February 1945, moving to RAF Cheddington. From August 1944 the Ninth AF P-38s from the 496 FTG/554 FTS from RAF Goxhill used Atcham as a training field.[2][16]

Back to Royal Air Force control

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Atcham was returned to the RAF Flying Training Command on 14 March 1945 becoming a satellite of RAF Ternhill. No. 5 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit RAF ((P)AFU) and No. 6 Service Flying Training School RAF (SFTS). No. 577 Squadron RAF target towing with Airspeed Oxfords, Spitfires and Vultee Vengeances used the airfield until the end of the war.[3]

The site was also used by No. 2815 Squadron RAF Regiment and No. 2820 Squadron RAF Regiment[17]

Atcham was abandoned on 22 October 1946 and disposed of on 20 January 1958.[3]

Current use

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With the end of military control, Atcham airfield was returned to farmland with the runways being broken up and removed and the control tower demolished.[3]

Today there is little evidence of Atcham airfield. Some minor agricultural roads which were part of the perimeter track remain as access to farm fields, and the B4394 uses part of the former South West to North East runway. The three Callender Hamilton hangars of the former technical site remain together in use with all the administration buildings, the whole complex forming the Atcham Industrial Estate northwest of the former airfield area.[3]

Major units assigned

[edit]
Royal Air Force[18]
United States Army Air Forces[18]
  • 495th Fighter Training Group (27 August 1942 – February 1945)
  • 31st Fighter Group (11 June – 1 August 1942)
  • 14th Fighter Group (18 August – November 1942)

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 Falconer 2012, p. 37.
  2. ^ a b c d "RAF Atcham". Control Towers. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d e Freeman 2001, p. 22.
  4. ^ a b c "Atcham". American Air Museum in Britain. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  5. ^ Jefford 2001, p. 59.
  6. ^ "333d Service Group". American Air Museum in Britain. Retrieved 2 March 2015.
  7. ^ "42d Service Group". American Air Museum in Britain. Retrieved 2 March 2015.
  8. ^ a b c d "495th Fighter Training Group". Eighth Air Force Historical Society. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  9. ^ a b Maurer 1980, p. 85.
  10. ^ Maurer 1980, p. 83.
  11. ^ a b Maurer 1980, p. 84.
  12. ^ a b c Maurer 1980, p. 58.
  13. ^ a b Maurer 1980, p. 57.
  14. ^ "Factsheet 6 Air Division". Air Force Historical Research Agency. 4 October 2007. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  15. ^ "Abstract, History 2906 Observation Training Group (Fighter) (Provisional) September 1943". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 24 February 2018.
  16. ^ a b c d e "495th Fighter Training Group". American Air Museum in Britain. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  17. ^ "Atcham". Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
  18. ^ a b "RAF Atcham". Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation. Retrieved 26 March 2015.

Bibliography

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  • Falconer, J (2012). RAF Airfields of World War 2. UK: Ian Allan Publishing. ISBN 978-1-85780-349-5.
  • 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.
  • 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.
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