Archived Guest Book

Archived Guest Book 2003

Name: Marilyn Walton
Email: marilynwalton@hotmail.com
Date: Mon Jun 02 12:40:30 EDT 2003
This website is long overdue, as is the tribute to the brave men of the 458th. My father, Thomas F. Jeffers, was a proud member and was shot down while flying in Rhapsody in Junk on June 18. Like so many other brave men, he was taken prisoner of war by the Germans and walked the long walk from Sagan to Moosberg. Thank you, Darin, for keeping the memory of all of these men alive.

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Name: Scott Fifer
Email: sfifer@ix.netcom.com
Date: Wed Jun 04 21:17:35 EDT 2003
Great job and a great tribute to the 458th. I agree with Marilyn that this is long overdue and I thank you for taking on this mission. I know the wealth of information you have gathered, so I know this site will grow to be even better and more informative in the future. As the men who fought in WWII now die at a more rapid rate than during the war, it is essential that we honor their sacrifices and keep their stories alive. I thank you on behalf of myself and my father, T/Sgt. Walter C. Fifer, radio operator 458th and 93rd BGs.

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Name: ED SEALY
Email: edsealy@wetv.net
Date: Thu Jun 05 15:49:17 EDT 2003
Darin…..Great job on the website! We’ll try to send more information about our tour soon.
Regards Ed Sealy

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Name: Daniel L. Stockton
Email: dlstockton@msn.com
Date: Tue Jun 10 12:06:15 EDT 2003
Darin- Hell of a 1st effort!!
From one Web Master to another, this is one of the best “Start-Up” sites I’ve ever seen!!
Keep up the good work. Looking forward to continued additions!
Web Master…
B-24 Best Web – WWII Liberator Bomber EXTREME!
http://www.b24bestweb.com

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Name: Allan Blue
Email: alblue@cvn.net
Date: Tue Jun 10 15:43:32 EDT 2003
Good show! And my very best to George Reynolds.

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Name: Alex Smart
Email: alex@smart98.freeserve.co.uk
Date: Tue Jun 10 15:44:11 EDT 2003
First time that i have visited your website and the very first time that I have signed in on a guest book.
Very well done, a great tribute both to yourself for setting up the site and a memorable site for those hero’s of the 458th BG.
Well done and best wishes from –
Alex Smart

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Name: Kim Scorza
Email: kims@eskc.com
Date: Tue Jun 10 16:53:31 EDT 2003
I know your interest in the 458th started with your father but I have seen it grow immensely and in so many directions. I truly admire your dedication and determination to keep this precious history in our hearts and minds. I get tears in my eyes with stories you have shared with me. I’m so proud of you and feel truly blessed to have you as my husband. Good luck!

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Name: Paul R. Martin III
Email: prm3@hotmail.com
Date: Tue Jun 10 18:08:32 EDT 2003
Hello Darin,
Congratulations. Great web site! A fantastic tribute to your father and his bomb group. Good Luck!
Let’s stay in touch.
“Honoring those who served!”
Paul R. Martin III
http://www.paulmartinart.com
http://www.paulmartinart.com/americanbeauty.html
http://www.paulmartinart.com/pocomoco.html

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Name: Brad Kiddle
Email: bkiddle@hotmail.com
Date: Tue Jun 10 19:58:35 EDT 2003
Congratulations on getting this started!
Nephew of 458BG, 752BS Navigator, Crew 17, Verdon (Don) L. Cox

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Name: William Pattillo
Email: wepattillo@alltel.net
Date: Tue Jun 10 19:59:20 EDT 2003
I am the son of a B-24 pilot from the 406th BS (NL) who flew from Harrington March 1945 until the end. Returned to the ZI July 1945.

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Name: Judy Gutierrez
Email: judy@qnet.com
Date: Tue Jun 10 22:57:00 EDT 2003
Wonderful tribute to the men of the 458th. You honor them and their memories. Thank you for all of your hard work on this and I look forward to checking in and seeing how it is coming along. Warmest regards, Judy
1st cousin of 2nd Lt. Willis “Bill” Jones, co-pilot Cornay Crew, 376th H.B. Group, 514th squadron. Killed in landing accident 11/1/44 in San Pancrazio, Italy.

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Name: Tom Brittan
Email: Tombrittan@aol.com
Date: Wed Jun 11 07:35:13 EDT 2003
Darin,
Congratulations on a great Website, long overdue! I shall follow with much interest its development.
Warm regards, which please convey also to George Reynolds.
Tom.

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Name: Daniel Kovaka
Email: dkvaka2@mcn.org
Date: Sun Jun 15 13:20:31 EDT 2003
Very nice website. For anyone interested I can recommend the book, “The Day We Bombed Switzerland” which covers a lot of the 458th history. A very good read with many historical details and anecdotes and of particular interest to anyone interested in the role of the navigator.

Son of 754/755 navigator, 1Lt George A. Kovaka

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Name: Antonette (Bracksieck) Pierce
Email: ant@tvlbargains.webmail.com
Date: Sat Jun 28 15:48:06 EDT 2003
I am the niece of SSGT Alfred Bracksieck, I have just started researching information regarding uncle. My father and both grandparents are now gone. This was a great start on what I am sure to be a long adventure. Thank you for this sight!

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Name: Bill Shinneman
Email: bills10081@aol.com
Date: Mon Jul 07 13:34:57 EDT 2003
A friend, Capt. E. Murray Williams was an a/c in the 458th Bomb Gp.

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Name: John E. Echols
Email: jecholsjr@aol.com
Date: Mon Jul 14 15:45:25 EDT 2003
I received your letter and pictures in the mail today. Thanks very much for everything. I look forward to the book. As far as Don and I can determine there are two others of our crew still living. Ed Silver , Las Vegas, Nv. Bombardier and Ben Drenth, Tampa , Fl our co-pilot. don and I will be 78 next month. We were flying missions at 18 years old.

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Name: Phyllis J. Myers
Email: pmyers@ilstu.edu
Date: Mon Jul 14 17:21:56 EDT 2003
What a wonderful website! My Pop is John Luft of Crew 25. I see the photo of the crew each day, and I am so happy that others will be able to see it now. Good job, Darin.

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Name: Candy and Jim Gemberling
Email: cgmbrlng@webtv.net
Date: Tue Jul 15 23:14:06 EDT 2003
Good job! My father-in-law John Luft was in the Crew 25.

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Name: Curt Hastings
Email: chastings34@hotmail.com
Date: Wed Jul 16 13:48:47 EDT 2003
What a great website!
My grandfather is John Luft of crew 25. I am thrilled he is one of many that is finally being recognized for their heroics.

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Name: Jenny
Email:
Date: Thu Jul 17 16:39:38 EDT 2003
Hi Uncle Darin-Looks great, grandpa would be proud!

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Name: Chris Borden
Email: chris.r.borden@mail.sprint.com
Date: Thu Jul 17 16:49:05 EDT 2003
Nice tribute to all that have bravely served to protect our country. Thanks Darin

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Name: Walter Mangerich
Email: ruter@garlic.com
Date: Sun Jul 20 16:52:53 EDT 2003
Enjoyed your guest book

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Name: Julius Needelman
Email: marionneedelman@aol.com
Date: Sun Jul 20 16:53:46 EDT 2003
Great discovery
Jules N

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Name: Frank J. Perry,Sr.
Email: fjperrysr@yadtel.net
Date: Tue Jul 29 14:56:58 EDT 2003
Just surfing and came across this site…I trained as a ball turret gunner on the B-24 at Tyndall Field, Fl. assigned to a crew and assigned to the 754BS 458 BG 8th AF at Horsham-St Faith at Norwich Eng. Luckily due to my age I did not get over there until Feb. 45 getting in 2 missions as a waist gunner,(ball turrets removed).Flew on the last mission April 24, 1945…We returned a/c to the states in June 45 and scheduled for B29 training when war with Japan ended…Was reassigned other duties in USAAF until discharged in May 46…I now live in a small town of Advance, N. C. a retired Airline Flight Dispatcher…I am 77 yrs old and so far in good health…Thank you for this site…Sincerely. Frank J. Perry, Sr.

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Name: Jim Hartswick
Email: jhartswick@hotmail.com
Date: Fri Aug 01 14:03:24 EDT 2003
This is great. I am glad to see all this information on the 458th finally becoming available on the internet so people can see what “The Greatest Generation” went through for us. My Dad was a B24 pilot who flew 22 missions from Jan, 1945 – April 1945. If anyone out there was a crew member of his I would be glad to hear from you. Many Thanks, Jim

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Name: Dan Hacku
Email: dhacku@snet.net
Date: Fri Aug 01 20:22:29 EDT 2003
I was a radio operator on the crew of Lt. John Duriavich with the 753rd.

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Name: Rich Veleta
Email: richvel@compuserve.com
Date: Sun Aug 10 09:40:37 EDT 2003
Darin, Great job. My dad was in the 458th 753s. His missions started on March 3, 1944 so many of them were the same as your father’s. One of my Dad’s planes was Princess Pat. He kept some notes of each mission but nothing like the great diary of your father. Thank You for sharing it. I have a few crew pictures, lists and other pictures that were his. I will try to get some to you that may be of interest to you and others.

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Name: Bob Veleta
Email: Bobv@schulermfg.com
Date: Mon Aug 11 16:47:03 EDT 2003
Great site My dad was in the 458th 753 squadron Thank for keeping the memory alive

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Name: robert rizzolo
Email: riz250@aol.com
Date: Tue Aug 19 19:51:21 EDT 2003

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Name: JOHN CHAMBERS
Email: JOHNCHAMBERS717@CS.COM
Date: Fri Aug 29 14:05:51 EDT 2003
What a great surprise. I found a picture of my dad, and a brief story of his plane. He never wanted to talk about it much.
Thanks,
John Chambers

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Name: Fred Preller
Email: Historian@Mighty8thAF.Preller.US
Date: Sun Sep 07 21:00:07 EDT 2003
What a lot of good work you have done to preserve the record of the 458th. I am proud to add a link to this site from mine.

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Name: Alan S. Sheren
Email: judge.sheren@adelphia.net
Date: Mon Sep 08 22:02:58 EDT 2003
Dear Darin,
As long as we remember – they live.
We appreciate your efforts.

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Name: Molly Sheren
Email: sheren.molly@adelphia.net
Date: Mon Sep 08 22:13:11 EDT 2003
Sidney (Timmy) Sheren was a brother-in-law that I never met.
If you have pictures to add to this web site, you can mail the picture to me, I’ll scan it, send it to Darin, and mail it back to you.

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Name: MAL LEBOWITZ
Email: MALYET@AOL.COM
Date: Tue Sep 09 12:55:45 EDT 2003
I HAD THE GREAT PLEASURE OF GROWING UP WITH TIMMY SHEREN AND HIS WONDERFUL FAMILY. WE LIVED ACROSS THE STREET FROM EACH OTHER, ON JEROME STREET, IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK. TIMMY WAS AN ATHLETE. HE WAS THE FASTEST RUNNER IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. HE WAS A COUPLE OF YEARS OLDER THAN HIS BROTHERS, ALAN AND EDWIN. THEY WERE VERY CLOSE. I REMEMBER WHEN THE NEWS OF TIMMY’S DEATH, THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY WAS IN SHOCK. HE WAS QUITE A GUY.

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Name: Rita Helwig
Email: rhelwig@apl.com
Date: Tue Sep 09 21:01:04 EDT 2003
Great Web Site. It took a lot of work and research to get what you have. I should know!!
Keep up the good work.

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Name: Jackson Granholm
Email: jackdad@computerconnect.net
Date: Thu Oct 09 15:48:15 EDT 2003
Thank you for your devoted work. J. Granholm, Group Navigator

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Name: Charles Brixius
Email: charlesbrixius@hotmail.com
Date: Sat Oct 18 12:26:54 EDT 2003
Beautiful pictures, I hope that veterans would send a lot of pictures and personal stories.
Special greetings from Belgium we don’t forget the sound of the bombers!!

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Name: Robert Souza
Email: robert.souza@CAMOFF.ANG.AF.MIL
Date: Thu Oct 30 13:18:53 EST 2003
Hello
I am curious if anybody remembers my Father, Raymond Souza, who flew as a T/O on many of the aircraft in the 752nd. He has passed, but I would really enjoy hearing from you. Thanks,
Robert Souza

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Name: kirk
Email: popsex@stormloader.com
Date: Mon Nov 03 22:34:07 EST 2003
hi,
I acquired leather A-2 flight jackets for research, preserved, collection and display. Currently also planning a archive…If any of the veterans are still in possession of your jacket, I would be interested in hearing from you.

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Name: Raymond P. Gallagher
Email: RPGallagherCPA@att.net
Date: Sun Nov 09 11:19:25 EST 2003
My Dad died 7/13/03
Navigator 458th “Times a Waistin” and another crew.
John E. Gallagher, Jr. Lead Navigator
Trying to research his crew and unit history.
Please contact me I would like to contribute info as I find it
I am also a living historian and member of the 533 BS. We are volunteers at the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport on Long Island New York. We have a number of WWII planes that still fly. A B-24 and that other smaller bomber the B-17 visit us on major holidays throughout the year.

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Name: George Reynolds
Email:
Date: Sun Nov 09 22:30:16 EST 2003
Hi Darin, I’ll be in touch later.
Best Wishes!

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Name: Leo Green
Email: luckydog123@egl.net
Date: Mon Nov 10 17:33:41 EST 2003
Proud to have been a member of the 458th.though not with it very long.
Shot down on September 11th. 1944 on Mission # 9

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Name: Duane Fair
Email: jamboree95@aol.com
Date: Wed Nov 12 13:19:36 EST 2003
I was a radio operator on Joe Hood’s crew from July, 1944 thru march 25, 1945. We completed our missions flying most of them in a ship called “Baby Shoes” in the 753rd SQ. We were also assigned to the 755th SQ for a short time. I have been trying to find out if there were two “Baby Shoes” as the 2ADA Journal had a story about a crew that crashed and were killed but in another BG.

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Name: Matt McNeely
Email: matthew_mcneely@hotmail.com
Date: Thu Nov 13 12:47:00 EST 2003
My great uncle did not fly, but rather was a B-24 mechanic. His plane was the “Princess Pat”. Until now, the only picture I had seen of her was the one he had. It was taken before the armor plate was placed over “Pat’s” head. He told me that he paid an artist to re-paint the head, and I can see from the photo on your web page that is true. His name was Harold McNeely. I would be interested in hearing from anyone that knew him.
Thanks for such a great web page!
matt

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Name: George A. Ferrell
Email: archferrell@netzero.net
Date: Wed Nov 19 11:18:11 EST 2003
Flt. Eng., Crew 8, 752sqdn. Born 4/6/22 Eufaula, AL 30 Missions 3/8/44-6/6/44 Wolves Lair

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Name: Cliff Harlow
Email: harlow31@swbell.net
Date: Fri Nov 28 20:19:55 EST 2003
I am researching the father of my two half brothers. I sent away for his records but they were apparently burned in the fire at the records center. His tombstone reads ‘Everett E. Russell Staff Sgt 753 AAF Bomb Sq. World War II March 21, 1921 to Feb 23, 1945’ Any information would be appreciated. I have been interested in this aspect of the war for sometime but just recently became aware of the tremendous sacrifice that these crews went through. I cannot imagine the terror that most of you faced in the performance of your duties. You all have my heartfelt gratitude for your service to this great country.

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Name: Pete Poulos
Email: plpoulos@aol.com
Date: Sat Dec 06 17:16:28 EST 2003
I was a Bombardier in the 754th. Memories of my time in Norwich and Horsham St. Faith will always be with me.

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Name: Paul Pouwels
Email: pouw.els@home.nl
Date: Mon Dec 08 09:42:05 EST 2003
Very nice site. Hope more ex-458 members and others who are interested may contribute.
Paul

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Name: Paula Cagle
Email: caglecool@aol.com
Date: Fri Dec 12 18:47:09 EST 2003
My dad was a navigator in the 91st BG. His name was Watson Lum Grant.
Your site is an honor to your father. I hope to revisit it. Thank you and God bless you.

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Name: Roger W. Hansen
Email: hansen@fbg.net
Date: Sat Dec 13 12:12:50 EST 2003
Many thanks for a wonderful site. My father Robert W. Hansen, was part of the 458th, 754th Bombardment Squadron. His aircraft was the “Sky Room” and he arrived at Horsham-St Faith on 1 May 44 and flew his first mission on May 19, 1944 as copilot. He then took his own crew on mission #2 on May 20, 1944. I am in the process of writing about his WWII missions as a gift for him and his grandchildren. If anyone has anything about his crew please contact me.

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Name: Maurice Lee Watson
Email: lwatsonhag@aol.com
Date: Wed Dec 17 20:12:05 EST 2003
Is there anything I can do for you?

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Name: Harold & Anna Mae Hutchins
Email: hutchins@bevcomm.net
Date: Sat Dec 20 18:50:43 EST 2003
We think this is great Darin, that you are doing this. We will bookmark it and look at it from time to time.

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Name: Larry Fuson
Email: larrylfuson@yahoo.com
Date: Sun Dec 21 12:53:13 EST 2003
My father, Frank C Fuson, Jr. was a pilot with the 753rd. His plane was “Bad Girl” though he doesn’t recognize any of the crew shown in your photo of the Bad Girl. He thinks, at 83, he’s beginning to doubt his memory, that the plane was transferred to a guy name Akins. It was crashed into a church steeple in poor visibility shortly afterwards. He also mentioned that the Pilot of Lassie Come Home was John Tracy. Dad’s not sure if that’s him in the picture but he’s sure he was the pilot. He said that he called John when he returned to stateside and found out that he had been killed in a electrical accident while playing baseball, on R and R in Montana.
Larry

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Name: Kathie Kaump
Email: RNKathie@wideopenwest.com
Date: Mon Dec 22 03:03:36 EST 2003
Congratulations on doing such an outstanding job paying tribute to all the brave men of the 458th. My father, Richard T. Hoey, was a 1st Lt. and the pilot of “The Travelin’ Bag” in the 458th. I have a list of his crew but have yet to locate any of them in these early days of my search. My father passed 4 years ago, and like many others, spoke rarely of his days serving this country. Thank you again for sharing such personal memories of your fathers to those of us that have so few to cling to. kathie kaump

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Name: len wainick
Email: bocalenny@aoil.com
Date: Mon Dec 22 20:33:41 EST 2003
looking for crew members. found tail gunner and navigator. Pilot was Charles Hauser, Engineer was Jack Harris. 755th squadron. Anyone know where they are?

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Name: “GI” Blumenthal
Email: w8twj@earthlink.net
Date: Thu Dec 25 14:09:35 EST 2003
My good friend Charles Healy served as a pilot in your group. I served with the 401st Bomb Group.
“GI”

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Name: Joe Pokorny
Email: jngpokster@aol.com
Date: Fri Dec 26 21:15:04 EST 2003
Great website. A nice tribute to the 458th. My dad was a navigator on the Horgan crew and I was heartened to see all of the work that you have put into this. Thanks.

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Name: Charles H Booth Jr.
Email: CHB@microconnect.net
Date: Mon Dec 29 13:29:01 EST 2003
Command Pilot and Assistant Group Operations Officer 458th BG
You are doing a fantastic job!
Keep up the good work.

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Name: Barry Cooper
Email: barry@barrydavidcooper.free-online.co.uk
Date: Mon Dec 29 14:55:53 EST 2003
Good site. My interest is that I used to live very near RAF Horsham St Faith (I was born in nearby Norwich in July 1941). My aunt used to own and run the Spixworth village store – about a mile from the station. She and her husband became friendly with several of the crews. One of the crew-members arranged a visit for my aunt and her husband to New York well after the war – about 1956 I’d guess. I still have a small knife they brought back from that trip – it’s inscribed “GROUP INSURANCE ADMINISTRATORS FOR THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS”. Unfortunately Rosa and her husband died many years ago, and I’m not sure I ever knew the name of the crew-member – Ralph perhaps? The village shop (and house) were right next door to the village hall.