Which Aerodrome Mk III

[Asturias56]

1914 - 1918 I presume?

Does the airstrip still exist??

[dook]

It doesn't look temporary but was it ?

Maybe German.

[nvubu]

1914-18 - tick
Still exists - tick
German - cross

https://najg9q.am.files.1drv.com/y4myQQaunDHwrYUm9PH1O3FT29X0HzTa2_qo11trr3b5Dp7RmVTpdg6HM9Rr MtztX_m8C9oeKEmGvQaM9nVi5ReUL7NJyHqTV9P0IaKZV4qzEZruVwZwgEA4 zCgvNuhCu73RebjZVwgs5KD2Q9B896HmymxATXYz8_hm9CjVecj0oXbvVtei AqLxmv-nsdwG4VGE5A63f94fOFa_jPudGduSw?width=1024&height=643&cropmode=none

[dook]

French then ?

edit: they might be Morane-Saulniers or Spads.

[nvubu]

These aircraft aren't French, and I'm fairly sure that they aren't either of these types.

[dook]

Oh dear.

RFC ?

[JENKINS]

In my youth, Pruniers was a fish restaurant in London. 'Twas also WW1 complex.

[nvubu]

Not Pruniera or RFC

https://04uuog.am.files.1drv.com/y4mjaXC0eGvWEC03VwQ1EPKOhga9B1VVCCcf1Ev3f3tG-KQbPgAyxvvywc2gDjwwooc-PkiVSvoKvklPJ8epkTZ3HxA2RPj1RXcEqO6CN12nzAYdMp0AUkWPiBFgHbBE qia3nBLZJjH2ACUpMtiEqmRhavMEooejMeOLZRnVFheHR8TDqPt2-lScLGdf0cdQ1C74VbPjd5X0ZF2eTNhYFBo1w?width=1024&height=479&cropmode=none

[dook]

So not RFC so American Expeditionary Force ?

[nvubu]

Yes - the Americans were here.

[dook]

Is it Tours ?

[nvubu]

No we aren't looking at Tours

https://04u8og.am.files.1drv.com/y4mM5yP4vI9tvYFZyQ66LyK4sBNPbU7_o2OS_0N1XsOdhb2avKGzwsfFE12m Azp3I1rLDR5avzfDRu60tyMNsNuY_VWn6AmH4H5idpfUqyueIJ_RDD6kH_U0 Aj0JmW6XM7OlnhwxyYXQNZ5PxHg4EaCi7c49n-1fSRR16g4BcpuU2VTJe71RXCPLnrLWPINOUX5r8EiHPO8RCtrZhmB-yy1aQ?width=1024&height=408&cropmode=none

[dook]

You said it is still in use.

Military ?

Maybe it was known as an air service park.

[dook]

'snot Toul is it ?

[nvubu]

It isn't Toul - and I don't think it was known as an Air Service Park. Still part military

An overhead (north is up)

https://mddbag.am.files.1drv.com/y4msxPXRDDvnkZuobiVwXRuG103ltTaIiNuX-PmRsHGA34yMuDlJwVXsiKbMWu4RoPl8Xj3RimHfEgi0JVj7F9lxksgbRGnyc gd7TBvzUQNIHHDSzVjiVRe7TS0_c6040scQHvQs51gS2eZDZKf3yW9Yr0MAV CAq7s0as4kCxeSs5gbc5ipnc-xi_uqng6iuEzljBTaG7Vyn3Eqthx8GntaBQ?width=1024&height=635&cropmode=none

[Self loading bear]

Angers??
OH if correct

[dook]

I think it could be Clermont-Ferrand.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/580x582/cf_254b44d3c05a3427148d3f51386ee0272ff03cd3.jpg

[nvubu]

I did think my last image would help with the distinctive runway - the first hard runway ever built. Clermont-Ferrand it is. Over to dook.

Photos from when the 7th Aviation Instruction Center was based there.

Here's another distinctive view - that can still be seen today.
https://ai64ug.am.files.1drv.com/y4m5bgod8MHfMecqi4zwXG0wS1v-HN2j5R-MR87k6rdVLm_2zM6WkVQFroo0wVoZ_l9X8bloNVltJ1lV6v1MBEaIvZsfPdn LPRy3ZeT3picoRDJIfa5bkOQaymuQZdRwHo4d3AQxKkWJiQvSKKJC7wh0PkQ GLbO0pHMe6NkJ0t-bethhLGRmG5o3oNuS42-JCYuv_3uVsGsxq0T278JYlPCLw?width=1024&height=533&cropmode=none

[dook]

A little fun.....

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/650x403/left_right_left__a7d236caffaaaa0111e3c80c52492693500d2ad4.jp g

[ea200]

Guessing Channel Islands. Toss of coin says Jersey.

[dook]

What sort of coin are you using ?

Not an island.

[chevvron]

What sort of coin are you using ?

Not an island.
Gutersloh?

[Self loading bear]

Gutersloh?

Looks like a direct hit to me.
we will know in 9 hours.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/750x1334/ac6aea98_08c5_45e3_ba28_44d9d8edb571_172e6571afacb4c7ae5188f aa69ee8a8b19744ec.png

[chevvron]

To save time, OH if correct.

[dook]

chevvron gets the top banana with Gutersloh, and can obviously shoot in the dark.

He has previously called OH.

[Self loading bear]

28 hours no other takers,
You can put your teeth into this.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1106x746/32e6b8da_cec0_480c_b1ca_3ca8ad965b3f_9ae78807e67ba92d36448c2 691f4fb64705daa65.jpeg

[nvubu]

Mediterranean?

[Self loading bear]

Right on the spot

[Asturias56]

clever picture - not a single shadow visible so hard to tell if we're facing N orS E or W

It looks like the Adriatic coast of Italy maybe? but 3 spots - somewhere quite big??

[dook]

A heliport I feel.

[Self loading bear]

Not Adriatic
Not so much going on really

[dook]

Out of the box and lateral.

Elisicilia I think.

[Self loading bear]

What do you mean by lateral?

[dook]

As in lateral thinking.

[Self loading bear]

Yes lateral thinking I understand

the solving of problems by an indirect and creative approach, typically through viewing the problem in a new and unusual light.

I am most interested in your creative approach or what unusual light you have applied?

[Self loading bear]

Elisilicia It is
The good weather flight test Centre of Leonardo.
Currently also guest to the flight testing of the Kopter SH09.
There is also 1 offshore platform which is being served from here.

Dook has control

[Asturias56]

I'd suspect it was the number of spots and the general professional look of the place - it certainly struck me that it might be an oil field support facility - and there aren't THAT many offshore fields in the Med ('cept off Egypt)

[dook]

Rather lucky to find it. I stumbled across the hangar after Asturias led me to try Italy.


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/661x438/thurs_fca02cad076f8956635a7bdb9667b66839b13b80.jpg

[Asturias56]

Asia? looks permanent

[dook]

Neither Asturias.

[Dora-9]

Darwin/Civil? Not to be confused with the current Darwin/Winnelie. OH if correct....

[dook]

Dora-9 has it.

Was known as Parap.

OH has been called.

[Dora-9]

In my defence, that photo shows it when it was used by the RAAF (notice all the huts) and I think that they referred to it as Darwin/Civil.

[dook]

Seems to depend on the source - that's why I gave you the win.

No doubt some purist here will say you didn't name the aerodrome but I'm not pedantic.

[Asturias56]

From the past - but still in use I think


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/233x201/2020_01_26_103928_39ca2fd0e4efb31f89028209d7417d4699244eb0.j pg

[dook]

Looks typically RAF - lots of those designs around.

Little Snoring fits.

[dook]

RAF Chalgrove is still used by Martin Baker.

[chevvron]

chevvron gets the top banana with Gutersloh, and can obviously shoot in the dark.

He has previously called OH.
The Germans obviously had a 'standard pattern' for military barrack blocks; the Hotel Kapitan in Sczcecin (which is now in Poland but was in Germany pre WW2) where I once stayed on my first visit visit to Poland is identical in design and it used to be a German Army Barracks.

[Asturias56]

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/337x272/2020_02_08_140036_8b0452c16a4a727a489e9bed3fdef8e51ee8421c.j pg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/341x210/2020_02_08_140126_d688f2377013d4f0a771c040e523a272e52d5f3d.j pg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/340x283/2020_01_26_103912_cba8ce2a353a233777e4d437ba848f042efea132.j pg

[chevvron]

Yatesbury??

[Asturias56]

24 hours now up - Dook has it at Chalgrove - also the site of a famous Civil War battle of course.......................

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/377x203/2020_02_08_135035_5b73b0ea1cd86910ebd748d87d5022230fa9a8ce.j pg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/197x269/2020_02_08_135130_ca4abd11bbb7c25a8ae84956bdf8abb0b6c78c0e.j pg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/178x293/2020_02_08_135056_b47c0ac54f6df3d21e01a7ee38b22ba88d1e8b36.j pg

[dook]

New balls....

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/550x371/sun_cd7cda5b864cb93389a7b6a057e4862dbcac1862.jpg

[chevvron]

Er Bedford International; better known as Cardington?
Looks like the second shed has just been moved from Howden.

[dook]

It isn't Cardington.

[JENKINS]

Kingsnorth-ish?

[dook]

Not there either.

[ea200]

Pretty sure it's RNAS Mullion.

[Asturias56]

think you are correct................ wait till 18:04..............

[Archer4]

Is this Friedrichshafen?

[dook]

Not Friedrichshafen.

[dook]

24 hours has passed.

ea200 has it with RNAS Mullion. All Yours.

[ea200]

Thanks Dook. When I first saw it I thought Cardington, but rapidly changed my mind as it seemed too simple for one of your challenges. Little bit of research found it quickly.
Here's a seasonal one:


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/259x194/airport2_copy_1ebf68fa5c65b66f89f5501fccbfd7d9c7c02488.jpg

[chevvron]

Never heard of RNAS Mullion but when I search on ZoomEarth it comes up just north of Preddanack; is that correct?

[dook]

Yes. The Lizard peninsula on the Goonhilly Downs.

ea200,

"…….it seemed too simple for one of your challenges"

So just how do you describe yours ?

[ea200]

It's just West of Goonhilly. The hangar bases are still there and there is a windfarm and solar farm nearby.

[ea200]

Challenging I hope, but this one shouldn't be too hard if you spot the clues.

[dook]

I'm looking at the building on the right.

Austria or Switzerland possibly.

[ea200]

Neither of those.

[Harry Wayfarers]

The forestry in the background appears to be going downhill and so does the gradient of the runway

[ea200]

Well spotted Harry.

[chevvron]

Challenging I hope, but this one shouldn't be too hard if you spot the clues.

No picture attached.

[ea200]

Chevvron, picture is at post 18313.

[Max Tow]

Chevvron, picture is at post 18313.
Meribel? OH if correct, but I think Harry W deserves the credit!

[Harry Wayfarers]

Meribel? OH if correct, but I think Harry W deserves the credit!

Don't worry about me, I'm in a hotel getting p1ssed at the moment, carry on without me!

[ea200]

Time expired. I can confirm that Max Tow has it with Meribel Altiport and has declared open house. Take it steady Harry!

Meribel today.


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x600/meribel_altiport_n80155_24624_0_l_f668fcbf89924438dc5881e60c 1471c59d4e37e1.jpg

[dook]

I think he's going to need standard spin recovery....

full opposite bedpost and sheets going forward until rotation stops with, if necessary, a touch of inspin beside light

[ea200]

Good advice. Not forgetting of course to close the bottle first. ;)

[Asturias56]

An early coloured picture


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/291x365/2020_02_09_140747_ef06e66bbb4dd9b99bbf172d0e4d3f140d627603.j pg

[dook]

Judging by the uniforms and the blue sky it looks WW2 and somewhere warm.

[Asturias56]

Not sure about the exact date but definitely not the arctic regions......................

[dook]

I think it's a DC3.

[Self loading bear]

Why did you crop the Brit out of the picture?

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/245x715/4019a7bf_a123_4b68_aff5_9e6a85c1bf1e_5679fd513bcbaf3f2add55e dc79dc849414b7037.jpeg

[Asturias56]

To irritate Quem and to make it a little bit harder................ :E if he IS a brit of course

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/351x340/2020_02_09_140727_29b1121c864dd107ea937bd1e098a09f79a8c319.j pg

[Asturias56]

Still in use!!!

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/171x175/2020_02_09_140401_d52cde96c08f2fb37c97e0e3eef8764345969a41.j pg

[dook]

Anything to do with "over the hump" ?

[Asturias56]

I don't think so but its been a major field for some time......
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/326x186/2020_02_09_140553_5775e355083faafe8480f60eb3f90f807c86bd99.j pg

[dook]

Do I see a Wapiti ?

[dook]

This is your Wapiti. It's an Indian one so I think the challenge is in India.

Now have to find out where it was.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/650x380/k1292_a058daca6ecca694a4dc2208649b995fe7907c8f.jpg

[dook]

It was one of the Coastal Defence Flights.

[Self loading bear]

It was one of the Coastal Defence Flights.

I hope this is not blamed on the pilot/navigator?

[dook]

Might it be Risalpur ?

[dook]

Possibly Nowshera or Jodhpur.

[JENKINS]

The permanence of the WW2 buildings leads me to consider Drigh Road.

[Asturias56]

Neither of the above - we are in the Sub-continent tho'

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/305x137/2020_02_09_140227_3b12faa9f84ed3b1da1f5131456885a18152211a.j pg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/390x201/2020_02_09_140612_dfd964e38767a34966fd0fa4988c86bdfd524357.j pg

[Shackman]

A little diversion........

Whe I first saw the picture I thought it might be RAF Kallang, Singapore, but then realised the 'tower' was too high but was sure it was Far East post-war. Whilst looking at some of the Indian airfields around Calcutta I found this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=709ds8KHRZg
I commend it, despite the length, for the historical info and the story of the death of the only Fighter Command pilot to be awarded the VC in the BoB

[Asturias56]

Still very much operational.. also one of those Indian loan words that entered the English language is associated with this spot


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/263x281/2020_02_09_140148_9a36fa51eba5143c3dc4733dd9f2ff7410c572cc.j pg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/367x334/2020_02_09_140249_123587785ad7a0b74778652a3929195c75103e9f.j pg

[Asturias56]

24 hours up - dook got it with Jodhpur - the local Maharaja was a big force in developing flying in India both pre & post war...


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/184x275/jodphurs_750a5f04e5c577c25c73147e8dffb2c128d01430.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/403x192/2020_02_09_140520_46f922c574435bf13fb423dacb881b12d518bdd6.j pg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/738x923/2020_02_09_135803_26cc566bc685edd6fd70f4043edfbae6aba828e2.j pg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/396x282/2020_02_09_140322_084f9a47dddd764b1e8f86858b3136dbe3ba1373.j pg

[dook]

Nice bum !

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/650x353/thursday_e54067760d33a9e1553276830378427450165115.jpg

[jensdad]

Hi dook, I think that could be Weston (Republic of Ireland, not super-Mare).

[Duchess_Driver]

I can see where you’re coming from, but that’s not Weston...

[dook]

Not Oirland to be sure.

[evansb]

The aircraft in the middle is an SIAI-Marchetti 205 20/R. I am of no help at all. The South of Spain?

[dook]

Yes evansb.

[Asturias56]

Is the tower still there or has it been replaced? - a lot of Spanish airports have had substantial upgrades

[dook]

The tower still exists.

[Asturias56]

are we near the sea?? - say within 20 kms?

[dook]

Yes - 5 kms.

[dook]

Not Valencia I'm afraid.

The challenge no longer exists.

[dook]

This is the surviving tower.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/375x283/2_copy_538aea75cfa58255ded418f0eac58b1e05fb89d4.jpg

[Cubs2jets]

Nelson Field (Manila International Air Terminal), Makati Philippines. Photo taken from the Peninsula Hotel.

C2j

[Asturias56]

Dook said it was in S Spain........................


Much of it has been developed and trying to google "old Spanish airports" is a losing battle................

[dook]

It is indeed in S Spain.

The photo above is of a university campus.

[Auxtank]

Alicante University Campus.
"At first glance many of the buildings at UA look a bit strange, but that is because the campus used to be a military airport during the Spanish Civil War and the era of World War II. The main administrative building is the former air traffic control tower."
http://myadventuresinspainalicantestyle.********.com/2012/09/my-daily-routine.html

Thanks dook - an interesting tour of S Spain Uni's.


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/617x404/alicante42_cd19511572dd2f8926b6fb25e3a5418d5717b6c8.jpg

[dook]

It is in Alicante but can you tell us the name of the airfield ?

[nvubu]

Rabassa...

Hadn't seen Auxtank's post (honest) - found on the forgotten airfields

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/800x486/730322_zona_expansions_443032a0509a038a3bc30ff6db2cd4139d5ba 8b7.jpg

[Auxtank]

La Rabassa airfield was located on these lands until the opening of El Altet Airport (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Altet_Airport) in 1967.

nvubu beat me to it.

I am preparing a challenge.

[dook]

Rabassa it is (was).

nvubu is awarded the beer but if he can't take it may I suggest it is donated to Auxtank.

[nvubu]

Auxtank got the actual location first just not the name - so post your challenge when prepared.

[Auxtank]

No, no nvubu - dook insisted on the name - and you were there first.

Or OH

[nvubu]

I have nothing ready right now, am just settling in for updating the airfields spreadsheet. so go ahead with an open house.

[nvubu]

Ok, got one ready now. Bit blurry, as I've zoomed in. :ok:

https://bqbb3q.am.files.1drv.com/y4mUA9My9svABrgquIxqPBhHYrNN7pMqPvvpzORKy-w1HC1X5KIFffuSQx2tDMc2UttE7dD8t_TbgsFcXkXOhdung3oKn7XmHFtLrh EyxthMF84ei5lf0OFb_jvnwuwofhBMhm2UttCQVSCpK8yb3w37DAHLo7bVC3 hNs-8QRYyK9FJsa-zyBs2boVwFfXklyw0EC8-owB3Snu0BlddNZuRvw?width=632&height=992&cropmode=none

[dook]

Don't tell me we're back in France.

[nvubu]

We are not back in France

[chevvron]

More like USA (typical SAC layout) but possibly not mainland.

[sycamore]

OR,possibly Vietnam....?

[dook]

Maybe Russian or Luftwaffe.

[nvubu]

Not USA or Vietnam. nor Russian or Luftwaffe

Zoomed out a bit here.
https://pl5rxq.am.files.1drv.com/y4m9Zlexb1EdRkzCi3Mu0SCBjzcrCPEHgyFQVGTft-rgZaQb2GKzgbo3u0q061ZbihYeZL0gWVTLnzv9Hyy7Y_gGN9VhXZ7EsVc9qu 9Y1xUvcCsYbrWpcnrDMNVhhqnu7h8vLPv1Es-RdSmQO3u4r9J-A8fcLS9BkkrzB2_7vvouseH5Ce-G2B3uzMCdnfv5pLns7neVGbYzwhio1YRJfaC3w?width=1024&height=770&cropmode=none

[dook]

Maybe Russian or Luftwaffe.

May I assume the orientation is north up ?

[nvubu]

North is up - neither Russian or Luftwaffe.

[Auxtank]

Well, that's a goodun' nvubu - so far I've been lost in the Andes, done a whistle stop tour of Spain and checked out the Alps - all to nothing.
It's those geometrical structures/ earthworks/ ladder type objects that have me in a flap.

[nvubu]

You have been looking in the wrong locations.

Geometrical structures are agricultural - mostly still present today.

[oldpax]

Korea....the ladder things may be fish farms?

[sycamore]

China ,or India.....?

[nvubu]

Not in Korea, China or India.
I don;t think they are fish farms (at least not all of them). Looking at them today on street view/Google Maps - I see some green houses, fields with/without crops, and the fields are still quite small.

[dook]

If it's on street view are we in the USA ?

[India Four Two]

How about Japan?

[Asturias56]

I thought Thailand maybe.............

[Auxtank]

I think a sherry before lunch. . . . . .

[nvubu]

India 42 has narrowed down the target country correctly, and Auxtank's suggestion has much merit.

The fields look like they are for rice - didn't want to say that in my previous though :)

This image is from WW2, and the US was based here after the conflict..

[dook]

Is it Kanoya ?

[nvubu]

Not Kanoya

This airfield no longer exists.

[dook]

Mainland Japan ?

edit: Fushimi area ?

[Auxtank]

Possibly Chimu?

[nvubu]

If I take the definition according to Wikipedia - yes it is on Mainland Japan,

ETA - Auxtank, so that would be a no :)

[dook]

If it's not the Fushimi area then a little north around Kyoto ?

[Auxtank]

nvubu - is there still anything to see on the ground in GE? - or has it become the inevitable golf course.

[nvubu]

Neither of those two areas dook.

Auxtank - It's done the reverse as it was built as a golf course, and then became an airfield.

Here is the zoomed out version of the first image I posted:
https://nkjk9q.am.files.1drv.com/y4m9EQ0XnZUKAH9-iooXRnir8iZELIVsDSSu0Z-bL_Eoj8btPzDDDy1gTG5T7dC_e8NXkqrV-k7dvWQAoxMg_0sYl3qf61oyE2OJGJ9L94OG2J54rpSd9KsAhEPXxYykd_nkh 6usupKOI7CDc2lJSo4UiCtAAWCKdV2iHIzk0JiIJBSKMBmTkOC2B0mndTdDy zCoixl96rEpT45lmr6p_K56g?width=933&height=1024&cropmode=none

You can sort of see a golf course If you look at the airfield knowing that is what it was. The original club house is still around, and is in the middle of the marked region, which is thought to be an aircraft manufacturing facility.

The airfield itself is an industrial estate and the only remaining structure might be a couple of car parks at either end of the runway - or maybe the ramp..

One more clue to come and one more picture - the picture is a give away.

[dook]

Fujisawa ?

[Auxtank]

One more clue to come and one more picture - the picture is a give away.


In the words of Gladiator Maximus; Not yet nvubu. . . not yet!

I think we are somewhere near where it it got very, very hot for a few hours in '45 ...

[nvubu]

Auxtank - too much information given already as dook has pounced with Fujisawa Airfield it is. dook now has control.

My last clue of "There is a link to Gary Powers" nor was the image, which shows the coastline.
https://lvseya.am.files.1drv.com/y4mDEQ3z6A5ULN2gOBqkw8GbA6UHohEzjLsOgXCoWja_R1jaykYQnFeJ02-SBxh-7wW_QUDY4THYzq8HcovtmcL2kJFFYWCf9fVzA_GugSgh_esQnDuufpTw8UPQ FrpX1J59eS6oaHFMDr06bhHNvtqXoqv9pVa9ow4o8CJ0ghwQ7rWnq8FCuFOX FDcLDIhj12KXxPW_lStPhTl3nTFOzD0hQ?width=660&height=515&cropmode=none

Here's a link that details some of the history of Fujisawa Airfield (https://www.wayfarerdaves.com/?p=2455).

[Auxtank]

Damn that dook!

(Well played Lightning Boy)

[dook]

"History & Nostalgia"...

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/699x500/sunday_4b85e3b670029f3fa7af8a9cf56bff80c0314d85.jpg

[JENKINS]

Little spot called Chippily, east of Amiens?

[Auxtank]

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/300x220/r_103962_lhzum_4bb19933cc9c96c4067372f2ba36944e8623b780.jpg

[Asturias56]

he was probably the Base Commander........ but no confirmation until 21:48.......................

[JENKINS]

In reality I was checking to eliminate the almost obvious Netheravon when this popped up.

[dook]

Chipilly it is.

Brakes off JENKINS.

[JENKINS]

Thanks, just luck as explained above. Now this: I fear that my input is restricted to GE by lack of copyright, state of machine, and so on. A spot much modified from the original field, and named when new, as
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1440x1080/earth_postcard_1581963541_6721792801549834d9786eb90eab30a4b7 d4a8fc.jpg
will be the next London Airport, after an Etonian.

[JENKINS]

Bedtime. I believe the field is now helis only. There is one very obscure clue in the text, even by my standards. No, not Eton.

[Asturias56]

Are we in the UK? My initial thought was Brooklands but that doesn't look right

[JENKINS]

Good morning, not UK.

[Asturias56]

Oval - ish - so N America???

[JENKINS]

Not North America.

[dook]

I'll shoot for Europe.

[JENKINS]

You wouldn't have done very well at Bisley, Dook. Many miles out I fear. I have operated from the main field in this city, this field long past as a military and international venue. Was once a good spot to 'drop in.'

[dook]

Ah, but I did do well at Bisley in 1965. Remember the Lee Enfield .303 ?

[JENKINS]

Indeed I do, but I was a hopeless shot. Congrats to you for 1965, and apologies for my unkind dig! When armed, I would hide my gun and wave a sturdy stick.

[minuteman]

Future London....Singapore direction...?

[dook]

I don't know what the oval track is but I'm sure I see a golf course.

[JENKINS]

Orientation, yes, albeit not on one of my epics which went that way and beyond.

Golf, yes, a middle-class pastime in any society. Lacking another sport, in which the original pupils often far outplay the masters.

[Asturias56]

Creeket? or darts??

[JENKINS]

What is this darts? Is it the same as 'arrers.' The other is, of course, the answer. Royalty once provided a star of the MCC.

[dook]

Might that be the Duke of Edinburgh ?

[JENKINS]

No, much better player than HRH. Sussex, Cambridge, and England..

[dook]

Is/was this player of foreign royalty, perhaps Indian ?

[JENKINS]

Yes, award yourself a Gold Star.

[dook]

That will go nicely with my oak leaf.

So is the challenge in India, maybe Punjab ?

[JENKINS]

Wrong State.

[dook]

I thought it might be Patiala. :uhoh:

[JENKINS]

5 hour journey, some roadworks.

[sycamore]

Ranjitsinghji ,the cricketer, from Gujurat...dunno the airfield>..?

[dook]

That's not who I am working on.

Five hour journey and some roadworks so based on an average of 20mph we may be towards the New Delhi area.

[JENKINS]

Ranji, Sycamore, just gave India.

[dook]

I have been working on Bhupinder Singh, hence my first answer.

[kcockayne]

The Nawab of Pataudi, perhaps ?

[Self loading bear]

Easier to search for horse race tracks in India/New Delhi
Safdarjung airport

[JENKINS]

A good cricketer, Singh, but never played against England with Ranji in the English team. Pataudi, 'Tiger,' was a fine cricketer at Oxford in the 1960's, but did not play for England, and neither did his father.

Bungalow Land is the destination, as you have surmised Dook, so a touch of refinement while I sit quietly on the veranda.

[Auxtank]

Imran Khan - didn't go to Slough Grammar but did go to Aitchison College in Lahore - Indian equivalent.

[dook]

I now look forward to after 2117 Z for the next challenge.

[kcockayne]

Bhopal, then.

[JENKINS]

No waiting, I am away for the rest of the evening. Nice to see mention of Imran Khan, a terrific player. At school in Worcester for a while before Keble, and thus accustomed to wet English pitches.

No, The Netherlands has it. The former Willingdon, after an Etonian Viceroy,; RAF Safdarjung, where one could drop in with the original Indian Air Force Parachute School, and now 'modi'fied to allow secure access for the Prime Minister where there may, or may not, be a light sircraft or helicopter should one be required. I imagine the large grass area within the racecourse to be a polo ground. Bungalow Land, Lutyens of course, but not those close to the airfield I believe.

As for the Dutch racecourse idea, I have seen more cricket grounds and rugby pitches in my flying across The Netherlands than racecourses. Perhaps the Dutch, in their short time in India, took on board some of the finer points.

All yours Bear, as I leave these portals for the rest of the evening.

[Auxtank]

Jenks - you are proper posh - as I thought myself once - we all withdraw, backwards...slowly, tugging mightily on our forelocks as we go...

Now, if I've got this right - (been away from What This/ What that - for a while) - we should get our confirmation of correct Aerodrome ID'd and then we can have a pop at the next one.

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Auxtank (Sir, Knight, frankly One forgets, etc)

[Self loading bear]

Thank you Jenkins,
Rugby fields we have many.
Cricket fields are more refined but there are some along the holding patterns of our airfields.
Horse race courses are indeed difficult found.
I wil see if I turn out a challenge on that someday.

Now my too late Birthday present.
Sycamore and I share the same day.
Now who can call this challenge his own, the fastest?

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/395x701/d55dd820_3b69_4b21_a57b_f1f82ba99216_20006cc08e96437d7f86f1e c2f4b80f8dff5eecd.jpeg

[dook]

A late happy birthday Bear.

Bearing (sic) in mind nostalgia, how old is this pic ?

[Auxtank]

Happy Birthday SLB,

We're in Europe.

Far East.

[Self loading bear]

The photo is GE
The website of the field is at least 15 years active.
The field itself probably longer.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1323x588/500ceed8_bc8f_4650_920d_25dd48da34b9_7808f03fe6552de84c964e9 cf61d4fcad761e612.jpeg

[dook]

PM reply Auxtank.

[Cubs2jets]

For sure we're in the USA.

C2j

[sycamore]

I`m sure the neighbours don`t mind aircraft in their backyards,but that`s the USA...
Sycamore Strip ,FT Worth Tx,,9F9 id,,,

[Self loading bear]

A late happy birthday to you Sycamore!
I will reveal the winner later today. So be prepared!

[chevvron]

Ah, but I did do well at Bisley in 1965. Remember the Lee Enfield .303 ?
Didn't normally shoot full bore but scored 35/50 at 600yds once on Century having been a last minute 'sub' in a team competition (7.62 cal); my normal discipline was 10m freestanding air rifle!

[Self loading bear]

sycamore,
you probably have searched for your own airfield in the past. (Like Jenkins)
About noise to neighbors look at this Touch and go

[sycamore]

SLB,HAPPY BIRTHDAY,belated,on reaching the top of the hill...!!.I`m sure it was/is fun getting the Dak in/out of there....Had a few places named after me,not airfields,just places we ended up in....
Anyway,JENKINS has a field somewhere in N Yorkshire,but he`ll maybe tell about it...
Nothing from me ,so OH.......

[mgahan]

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/960x960/terminal_f8a475db2445f1303eb6b38ce27f15f999352869.jpg

Some "join the dots " clues: Brazil ATC, 16ALA and USMC.

[dook]

Good clues.

Hawkins Field ?

[Asturias56]

Tarawa was like that at one time IIRC

[dook]

Is that not the same place ?

[Auxtank]

That looks like Heaven - climb tree, collect coconut, do walk around on aircraft just out of picture, fly aircraft for a few hours whilst eating coconut, land, sleep, rinse and repeat forever.
Not sure about the Uniform Tropical White - no man looks good in that - especially in those knee-high socks.

Trinidad.

[mgahan]

It was and still is delightful, although the building has been relocated and replaced a couple of times.

Not Hawkins field.

Another clue (or assist, if you will): I am often accused of being a pedant.
MJG

.

[dook]

Maybe Bairiki/Kiribati then.

[mgahan]

Not Bairiki which is the main commercial centre of South Tarawa in the Republic of Kiribati.

[Asturias56]

Is it in Kiribati or Tuvalu? IIRC Tuvalu Funafuti FUN is in the middle of the island 0- well a a bit further from the sea than the challenge...............

[mgahan]

Not Funafuti..

I'll construct another clue when I get to the office.
MJG

[mgahan]

Photographs from last century show two runways; however, more recent scenes in Google Earth show a single runway and no sign of the structure in the original post..

MJG

[Asturias56]

"I'll construct another clue when I get to the office"


FALSE NEWS! FALSE NEWS!!!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

"Photographs from last century show two runways;" - I'm getting old - I was trying to think which airstrip had been built with runways before 1900...................

[Asturias56]

Is or was it part of the British Empire/Commonwealth?

[sycamore]

Are we in the Indian or Pacific ocean....?

[Self loading bear]

Did anyone recognize the clue
Brazil ATC?
which is
CINDACTA
I could not place it.

[Asturias56]

Thanks Bear - I think it's Islas Fernando de Noronha Airport

Gov. Carlos Wilson Airport (IATA (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IATA_airport_code): FEN, ICAO (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICAO_airport_code): SBFN) is the airport serving the island of Fernando de Noronha (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernando_de_Noronha), Brazil (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil). It is the easternmost airport of Brazil (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil) and the only one that is located in the Brazilian (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil) oceanic islands (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Island#Oceanic_islands). The first runway was built in 1934. In 1942, during World War II (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II), the runway was extended and a passenger terminal was built by the United States Army Air Forces (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Air_Forces) Air Transport Command (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Transport_Command_(United_States_Air_Force)) under the Airport Development Program. It provided technical support for the Natal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natal,_Rio_Grande_do_Norte)-Dakar (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakar) air route, which provided a transoceanic link between Brazil (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil) and French West Africa (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_West_Africa) for cargo, transiting aircraft and personnel.

The airport was transferred to the jurisdiction of the United States Navy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Navy) on 5 September 1944.[3] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernando_de_Noronha_Airport#cite_note-3) After the end of the war, the administration of the airport was transferred back to the Brazilian Government.

[mgahan]

None of the above.

Pacific Ocean and there is a Commonwealth connection.

[JENKINS]

Whitegrass Airport? Perhaps Tanna, same place, would fill the obscured title more appropriately.

[mgahan]

Not Whitegrass/Tanna.
Still used as an international airport. Although there are no international fights today. there was one yesterday and one is scheduled for tomorrow.

MJG

[descol]

TABITEUEA KIRIBATI

[mgahan]

Not Tabitauea (North or South) . Neither is or has been, to my knowledge, an international airport.

I'm off to bed and will be back on line in 9 hours.

[Asturias56]

Surely not that hell-hole Nauru. Yaren??? :uhoh:

[mgahan]

Not Nauru.

Here's one of the earlier pictures..


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1428x915/54255104_2316468621932454_2331577680157212672_o_44bce1784630 83f34fe96609e44b507a142f986d.jpg

[Harry Wayfarers]

Aitutaki Airport?

[Max Tow]

Bonriki? OH if by any chance correct...

[listria]

Kiritimati?

[dook]

"Still used as an international airport. Although there are no international fights today. there was one yesterday and one is scheduled for tomorrow."

"Neither is or has been, to my knowledge, an international airport."

This doesn't make any sense.

[Asturias56]

They look like P-61's along the side of the strip. A Commonwealth connection could take us to New Guinea

[dook]

Did you read my post above ?

[Asturias56]

Are you talking about your post ~18482?

If so I think you've got the wrong end of the stick - he/she said" Not Tabitauea (North or South) . Neither is or has been, to my knowledge, an international airport." - he was referring to the guess by DESCOL # 18475 I take it it IS an international l airport but not v big.....................

[Max Tow]

I'm assuming the"on line" clue added in 18476 refers to Line Islands or the international date line....

[nvubu]

I think the "I am often accused of being a pedant" is a big clue and leads to Mullinix Field at the other end of the island to Hawkins Field - same location as Max Tow suggested with Bonriki.

[listria]

Hmm. Betio (Hawkins)had two intersecting runways but is now covered in houses.
So did Cassidy, and one of the runways is still in use..so my guess is Kiritimati Cassidy

[descol]

Hmm. Betio (Hawkins)had two intersecting runways but is now covered in houses.
So did Cassidy, and one of the runways is still in use..so my guess is Kiritimati Cassidy
Listria - I also thought BETIO - but discounted it as I am not aware it was an international airport !

[nvubu]

I discounted Lisrtria has it looks like it had three runways.

Mullinix (Bonriki) had two runways and has a few international flights.

Interesting video of Mullinix
https://youtu.be/u-pc0z48tkA

[mgahan]

Mullinix in the war times but now Bonriki on South Tarawa, Soon to be home to a couple of aircraft built by a company started by an ex Brazilian military ATC. The first aircraft is currently at an airfield very close to another old wartme strip to which 16ALA moved in 1973,

Max has declared OH.

Dook chased around the atoll with Hawkins (now Betio, but no more an airport) and then Bairiki where there has never been a runway - I carefully considered if he'd made a typo but decided not - pity he did not continue 22kn further north in his ramble. . Bonriki Airfield (Mullinix Field, Bonriki Airport)

Tarawa Atoll (https://www.pacificwrecks.com/provinces/kiribati_tarawa_atoll.html) Republic of Kiribati (https://www.pacificwrecks.com/provinces/kiribati.html)



Location

Lat 1° 22' 54N Long 173° 8' 49E Bonriki Airfield is located on Bonriki Island (https://www.pacificwrecks.com/provinces/kiribati_bonriki.html) at the eastern edge of Tarawa Atoll (Betio) (https://www.pacificwrecks.com/provinces/kiribati_tarawa_atoll.html) in the Republic of Kiribati (Gilbert Islands) (https://www.pacificwrecks.com/provinces/kiribati.html). Also known as Mullinnix Field. Today, known as Bonriki International Airport or Bonriki Airport.

Construction

After Betio (Tarawa) (https://www.pacificwrecks.com/provinces/kiribati_betio.html) was occupied by American forces Tarawa Airfield (Hawkins) (https://www.pacificwrecks.com/airfields/kiribati/tarawa/index.html) repaired and expanded, Americans began construction of Bonriki Airfield with a single runway oriented east to west. A second runway was oriented northeast to southwest. This airfield was longer than Tarawa Airfield (Hawkins) (https://www.pacificwrecks.com/airfields/kiribati/tarawa/index.html) it was better suited for bomber operations.

Wartime History

Bonriki Airfield was used by 7th Air Force B-25 Mitchells and B-24 Liberators before moving to Makin Airfield (Butaritari) (https://www.pacificwrecks.com/airfields/kiribati/makin/index.html).

Naming Honors

Bonriki Airfield was renamed "Mullinnix Field" after Rear Admiral Henry M. Mullinnix KIA November 24, 1943 on the escort carrier CVE-56 USS Liscome Bay (https://www.pacificwrecks.com/ships/usn/CVE-56.html) sunk off (Makin) Butaritari (https://www.pacificwrecks.com/provinces/kiribati_makin.html) during the US Army invasion taking place at the same time as the Tarawa battle.

Today

Still in use today as Bonriki International Airport or Bonriki Airport. This airport is a port of entry and is classified as a small airport as one of the two international airports in the Republic of Kiribati (https://www.pacificwrecks.com/provinces/kiribati.html). The single runway oriented 27/09 measures 6,598' x 135' surfaced with asphalt. Airport codes: ICAO: NGTA / IATA: TRW. There are two terminals, one for passengers and one for cargo. Serviced by Air Kiribati, Air Nauru, Solomon airlines and Fiji Airways.

Stan Gajda (https://www.pacificwrecks.com/people/visitors/gajda/index.html) reports:
"At Bonriki, many large revetments for B-24's were built. Even to this day there is still a lot of debris of operations there, like bomb transport rings, bomb tail fin cases etc. In the revetments it is easy to find fired .50 and .30 cal mg cases thrown out of planes when they were cleaned during operations."

[listria]

Great discussion, cheers! Bonriki was huge during the war...was the second runway on the temaiku fish ponds side?
....shame it's shrunk, would have been useful to accommodate a hanger and parking space for the 2 (plus 2) Embraers

[mgahan]

The second runway used to run from near the current tower, across the current apron and on towards the now disused Bonriki wharf past the police station. Its northern extremity is now part of the water lens which will make placing an apron there problematical.

Great video, which I will try to add to a history wall in the new terminal. For those with a desire to look at more wartime pics from Tarawa -the Radio.WW2 photo site has more than a hundred.

Any information on the site of any of the pictures would be appreciated by the folks here. In fact any information on the wartime strips in the Gilberts, line and Phoenix would be appreciated - PM me or email [email protected]. Aslo information on Ops Grapple or subsequent use of Malden runway. would be useful.

MJG

[nvubu]

MJG
Here are two images that my sources definitely identify as Mullinix Field

https://mnddag.am.files.1drv.com/y4mlfLskEQGdzfwhCJJ1Zlom3XrZaWZthzxd5hDsw81t7ffVsfRk8YWcSTCE Tz9NkE1l8GE7j64Ctg5QP_OwFR0h6Em_HVos-1sBWMYzwK934oOKhNSbWQaeYAXCuAVHkeUce03FaB97YkUAPfgicamBiXraX _ckgvQTo3_OZnmBf2AlipVJlj8CxqqMYTKWHu8Ww9Am1thVQtWD61dKfNv6w ?width=660&height=497&cropmode=none

https://chuaga.am.files.1drv.com/y4m8S55zOwlzu816kf_dQGwPSdrkkrLZgMcl-sKQHdNYy0J8hWvWvJDGe3l_Y6ithquhiiBxaYgwAqDQeUrXvJgEJ9XkE3Cig A_YHw6tbe9Y0-RunOaJv9-MPpWM7O3OrxQ6F4V1h9eCt0BDwOoJ2Y4TZ7TYwjXYFbZdgvXmB1P-2aapyFCeeeiaGPsHananaCMn974gdEH_8Hi39dVzVyRRA?width=660&height=366&cropmode=none

I have a fair few more that are labelled Tarawa, (construction and use), and may well be Mullinix, but can't be 100% sure.

Also have photos of Line & Phoenix islands :ok: PM sent

[Asturias56]

Jeez -that was the best challenge in a year I think - whats worse is I've been to Bonriki :*

OH so let's try this one (not in the Pacific)

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/315x163/2020_02_21_121435_295be5803e83ff4cca5f680d4827ea49b22a5332.j pg

[nvubu]

Europe ? ..

[Jn14:6]

Possibly Stauning?

[Asturias56]

Not Europe...


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/289x265/2020_02_21_121323_80fc20e6efbe1e1b3f63d1112db8dcf7c441853a.j pg

[dook]

USA mid-west ?

[Asturias56]

USA - correct

Mid-West.... now that is an area even Americans can't agree on - at least on the boundaries.... let's say east of the Rocky Mt front and west of the Appalachians?

This airfield was the second in the area and was itself later closed.... today it looks like this (yellow line from Street view I'm afraid)

PS Note SOCCA pitches -how things have changed in the USA..........


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/660x637/2020_02_21_121911_45e44a078c259e0c4e23a4ac855db610dd1ca041.j pg

[sycamore]

OKie or Kansas...?

[Asturias56]

no sir, neither of those fair states..... nor are we in the Confederacy...............