Knettishall Airfield Memorial
Dedication
July 14th
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The convoy began at 08:45, on a concrete hardstand on the edge of Eye
airfield. Around 15 vehicles gathered for the start, although others joined
later in the day. It then began the 15 mile journey through country lanes to
Knettishall Airfield.
The convoy stopped for a short break on one of the old runways until
closer to the time of the dedication. It then set off once again to the
memorial near by. The memorial has recently been extended with the names of
those lost flying from Knettishall. After the ceremony, it returned to the
airfield to wait for the flying display by B-17 'Sally B'.
Clive Stevens, the event organiser, had arranged
for four enlisted men from RAF Lakenheath to dress in period WW2 flying
clothing. Not only did they look the part, but they also sounded the part
too.
After the flying, the convoy set off once again,
heading for the 388th Bomb Group Musuem.
Mid afternoon, the convoy set off once again for
the site of the Redgrave Hospital. During WW2, Redgrave was a pioneering
hospital with a 99.6% survival rate. On the other side of the lake was a
POW camp. After leaving this location, the convoy headed back to Eye
where several participants were staying. We left the convoy as it neared
its destination to return to our holiday cottage.
