| Touring Guide |
| Go to England! Visit some 8th Air Force WWII sites! What could be easier? ... Well ... Finding one's way - literally and figuratively - can be a challenge to anyone. The information offered here is based on my own experience, and is generally valid - at least valid enough to get one started. Of course, your contribution to this page is welcome: just use the email link at the bottom of this (or any) page. |
| Bona Fides - First, you should know that I have spent about sixty days since the Fall of 2000 chasing airfields in East Anglia. This is a perk I manage to squeeze in on business trips from Texas. I have concentrated on visits to the westernmost sites of the 1st Air Division, and have ventured as far east and south as Martlesham Heath and Debden. I generally rent a car and drive myself, and have made friends with some local residents who are also interested in things 8th. I'm just an ordinary guy whose Dad flew from Grafton Underwood during WWII, and who got interested just recently. |
Useful Reference Materials - When planning to visit 8th AF sites, it will help you to have the following resources: - The most useful is the "USAAF Airfields Official Map" offered by the East of England Tourist Board for £4.99 plus £1.55 shipping. It is handy and shows most every site of interest, along with some additional information printed on the back.
- You will need "Airfields of the Eighth - Then and Now" by Roger Freeman. I believe this is only available on the used market, so try your favorite source (I use Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and American Book Exchange). My copy is so marked up from using it to record my visits that it is probably worthless to anyone else.
- Next I recommend that you print out the map pages from this site (what the heck, print all the pages from the site) to help you in that critical last mile. You will thank me when you DO find the memorial at Deopham Green (or wherever)! And since this is the lightest option, be sure to print information from all the sites in the areas you will be travelling in, even if you don't "plan" on visiting them all - it is nice to have alternatives, isn't it?
- When you pick up your rental car, you will usually be offered an AA automobile club map book for purchase - you may find this very helpful, and the price is reasonable. I got one for £6.99 last year. That is cheap insurance...
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| Travelling Around the Country - To visit 8th AF sites, you can take the train or drive a car. Driving is "interesting" especially for Yanks - but entirely possible. In addition, one can go exactly where desired, and when. The rail system is extensive, with frequent service, leaving the "last mile" as a problem to be solved by taxi, friends, or ingenuity. |
| Driving - Rule Number One (for Yanks): Pay attention and don't give your reflexes a chance to get you into an accident. Rule Number Two: Take someone to do the navigating. Rule Number Three: Take very frequent breaks to maintain alertness. |
| Rental Cars - If at all possible, do not (DO NOT!) rent a car in London - pick it up at Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, or Stansted airport. Trust me on this - the airports are close to good highways, and are configured with auto access in mind. London is not, and you could run afoul of the "Congestion" charge instituted in 2003, and expanded in 2007. |
| Meeting People - They are everywhere! You can't avoid them! Be sure to say hello and ask if they know anything about the things you are travelling to see. Be prepared for help, or at least some pleasant conversation. |
| Where to Stay - You might ask at a pub if they have rooms, or if they know of any nearby. Otherwise, just look for the Holiday Inn signs (not a plug). Most places - but not all - include breakfast in the room rate. I usually make reservations online if my itinerary is pretty firm - I have had good luck with Orbitz. I have also recently received a recommendation that "TRAVELODGE is a good motel chain in that part of world. Price moderate, consistent standard." |
| NEW INFO! - Stay at a farm B&B like I did in April 2004. Reasonable price and an interesting experience. Visit FarmStayUK and request their current guide book (click on "guides and maps" under "Publications", then click on the "Farm Stay UK Guide" in the text, then click on the "online order form" link near the end of the page). Hey - it's fun! But here is a really important tip: be sure to clean your shoes before packing for your homeward journey. Make sure all traces of farm dirt - and I am not just talking about soil - are removed. Otherwise, there will be a delay at agricultural inspection while such material is cleaned up. A word to the wise ... and it happened to me. |
| Weather - Your experience will vary ... Except for two memorable days of freezing cold and driving rain, I have found the weather to be pleasant, with partly to mostly sunny days and a temperature to suit the season. Dress with layers of clothing and carry something to keep rain off (I wear a "cowboy" hat) and you will be comfortable. |
| Balance - There is more to see in Jolly Old England than abandoned airfields and military museums. Find out what else is in the area and visit it. I have managed to see the Bedford Butterfly Farm, Sulgrave Manor (ancestral home of George Washington), and of course Central London. |
| Share your experiences, comments, suggestions, and especially corrections with me by email (use the button to the left). I welcome hearing from any and all, and will try to respond promptly. |
| Commercialism? In spite of the blatant plugs - and convenient links above - this remains a non-commercial site. The links are provided for your convenience. They are merchants I have used with satisfaction in the past, and from whom I receive no compensation.
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