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Thread: RAF Tarrant Rushton

  1. #1

    Default RAF Tarrant Rushton

    As some of you know I moved to Dorset recently - there's a lot of history to take in but today whilst casually navigating my good lady around the countryside visiting garden nurseries we happened upon this little gem:
    RAF Tarrant Rushton


    So what you say, a disused airfield, runways dug up, control tower gone, similar to many scattered across the south of England - I thought that too until I saw the memorial bearing the image of a tug and glider.


    Subsequent digging reveals what I suspected from that moment - a D-Day launching place for glider borne infantry... not just any old glider borne infantry though but the 2nd Battalion, the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, British 6th Airborne Division, commanded by Major John Howard.. or put another way, those that assaulted Pegasus Bridge as it became known..
    Point of interest: Among the Horsa glider pilots was Jim Wallwork, on a Horsa nicknamed Lady Irene. The Tarrant Rushton gliders landed in occupied France shortly after midnight. Wallwork's aircraft was the first to touch down, but it landed heavily: the force of the impact catapulted both Wallwork and his co-pilot John Ainsworth through the front of the cockpit. Although stunned, this made them the first Allied troops to touch French soil on D-Day !

    That's not all though - have a read..
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Tarrant_Rushton




    Hamilcar heavy glider clears the airfield to the north after being towed off Runway 19 at Tarrant Rushton, Dorset, by a Handley Page Halifax target tug of No. 644 Squadron RAF, during an airborne exercise. The photograph was taken from the rear turret of the Halifax. AA position can be seen beneath the glider to the right of the tow rope. Copyright: © IWM.


    Hamilcar gliders from Tarrant Rushton arrive on Drop Zone 'N' carrying Tetrarch tanks, 6 June 1944.

    As it appeared in 2010:

    and pretty much what it looks like today

    Another interesting site with lots of images and maps of the airfield before much of it was cleared
    http://www.atlantikwall.co.uk/atlant..._t_rushton.php

    And another interesting link:
    https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5955713
    Last edited by flash; 03-18-2024 at 09:32. Reason: Repair link

    "He is wise who watches"

  2. #2

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    Nice one Dave. That made for an interesting read. Thanks for sharing

  3. #3

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    Always good to find local history. Thanks for sharing it with us.
    BTW: does it look like the memorial was repaired recently?

    Karl
    It is impossible for a man to begin to learn what he thinks he knows. -- Epictetus

  4. #4

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    Wow.. how cool is that

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  5. #5

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    Very interesting.
    Thanks Dave.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  6. #6

    Thumbs up

    Thanks for that & the links Dave.

    Interesting reading.

  7. #7

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    I've been through and around the Tarrants for a few years in the past, but never knew that drome was there.

    Thanks for posting, Dave!
    I laugh in the face of danger - then I hide until it goes away!

  8. #8

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Helmut View Post
    I've been through and around the Tarrants for a few years in the past, but never knew that drome was there...
    Well, it has been referred to as 'the secret' airfield Tim !
    I found it by chance going from A-B, if I hadn't have stopped to use the post box at the gate I may have missed it altogether !
    DT11 8SB is a nearby post code if you wander that way again.

    "He is wise who watches"

  9. #9

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    Thanks for posting this - great to find those 'hidden' gems with a bit of history. Very interesting stuff.

  10. #10

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    Thank you for that, Dave. It is surprising what can be found sometimes.

  11. #11

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    Here's an excerpt from the Tarrant Rushton Operations Record Book 1944. http://dorset.hampshireairfields.co.uk/tar.html
    Quite surprised to see who their visitor was on the 12th !

    June 4th, 1944: 20.00 hours and 21.00 hours.
    Film of the area of forthcoming operations was shown to all aircrew and glider pilots in the briefing room and again an hour later.
    Weather fair to cloudy with rain in the evening.
    June 5th, 1944.
    Operation ‘COUP DE MAIN’ - intention to land 171 troops capture intact bridges across the Caen Canal and River Orne north of Caen. 6 Halifax-Horsa combinations were used and to disguise their intention were to drop 12 500 M.G. instantaneous bombs on a powder factory situated south-east of Caen after releasing gliders. All aircraft returned to base. 5 aircraft bombed the target but one failed to locate it.
    June 6th, 1944.
    Operation ‘TONGA’ - 30 Halifax V aircraft detailed to release Horsa gliders alongside LZ ‘N’ east of Caen Canal and drop 9 containers per aircraft on the DZ to the south of the LZ. 4 Halifax V aircraft detailed to release Hamilcar gliders loaded with 17 lbs guns over LZ ‘N’. One aircraft ‘K’ 288 piloted by Flying Officer ANDERSON failed to return from this operation while 5 aircraft failed to release gliders over the LZ. Weather cloudy with slight showers in the evening.
    June 6th, 1944.
    Operation ‘MALLARD’ - 30 Halifax V aircraft detailed to release Hamilcar gliders over the LZ ‘N’. 2 Halifax Vs detailed to release Horsa gliders over LZ ‘N’ and drop 18 containers on DZ reference 683766 Sheet 7 F.2. Scale 1: 50,000. One aircraft piloted by Flying Officer CARPENTER failed to return from this operation. Weather fair to cloudy.
    June 7th, 1944.
    Dakota 326 V of No. 62 Troop Carrier Squadron stationed at SALTLEY, landed on the return from supply-dropping mission over the Cherbourg Peninsula. Starboard engine oil tank shot up. Weather cloudy with slight rain about dawn.
    June 8th, 1944.
    Two Liberators of No. 787 Bomber Group stationed at NORTH PECKENHAM and 11 Liberators of No. 389 Bomber Group stationed at HETHEL near Norwich landed owing to shortage of fuel after engaged in operations over France. Flying Officer ANDERSON pilot of K 288 on ‘Operation Tonga’ returned to base and reported that his glider released and containers successfully dropped on the DZ but aircraft shot up by heavy flak from Caen. Port wing tank caught fire and the crew bailed out. Weather fair becoming cloudy with slight rain for noon and more continuous rain in the evening.
    June 9th, 1944.
    Flying Officer CARPENTER from ‘Operation Mallard’ with crew returned to base and reported glider successfully released and aircraft hit by flak while crossing the French coast. Fire broke out and the aircraft ditched at 21.29 hours. Crew rescued by minesweeper. Rear gunner sustained bad injuries on ditching. Captain received minor injuries but rest of crew free from harm. Weather rain throughout the night.
    June 10th, 1944.
    Operation ‘ROB ROY IV’ - 3 Halifax aircraft combinations from each of No. 298 Squadron and No. 644 Squadron released six jeeps, six 6 pounder guns and 36 containers on DZ ‘W’. Fortress crash-landed but crew escaped injury. Lieutenant NICHOLAS flying Thunderbolt P47, 2nd Fighter Bomber Group stationed at KING’S NORTH landed to refuel on return from operations over France. Halifax aircraft ‘O’ of No. 644 Squadron (pilot Flying Officer BRETHERTON) detailed to drop 4 troops, 1 jeep and 6 containers on target ‘Sunflower’. Owing to 10/10ths low cloud, the DZ not located and the aircraft returned to base without completing the mission. Weather cloudy.
    June 11th, 1944.
    Liberator flown by captain Lieutenant MILLER of No. 701 Squadron from No. 45 Group Station SIBENHAM landed from operation over France owing to shortage of fuel. Bombs not unloaded on account of bad visibility and cloud over beach-head area. Weather fair to cloudy.
    June 12th, 1944: 11.50 hours.
    A Liberator RE R.E. 2729 flown by captain WYLIE of No. 329 Squadron, No. 93 Group, stationed at HARDWICK, landed.
    June 12th, 1944: 11.59 hours.
    Liberator J.U. 210043 captained by Lieutenant NICHOLSON of No. 707 Squadron,
    No. 446 Group, stationed at BENEGAY landed.
    Both aircraft attacked target at GUERS. Bombs dropped. On their run-into target, Captain WYLIE’S aircraft was hit by heavy anti-aircraft fire and rear gunner wounded. Gunner taken to local hospital. Pilot Officer READER, rear gunner of Flying Officer ANDERSON’S crew on ‘Operation Tonga’, returned to base.
    Lord TRENCHARD paid an informal visit and addressed the crews of No. 298 Squadron and No. 644 Squadron in their respective crew rooms, and the glider pilots in the briefing room.
    Weather fair to dawn, then becoming cloudy during the day.

    Raise a glass to their memory
    Last edited by flash; 12-21-2020 at 01:46.

    "He is wise who watches"

  12. #12

    Thumbs up

    Some more great & interesting info there Dave.
    Many Thanks.

  13. #13

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    NIce one Dave


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  14. #14

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    Whilst at the Great Dorset Steam Fair last week, came across this, thought it might be of some interest.





    - Neil.

  15. #15

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    Amazing! Still thoroughly recognizable!
    I laugh in the face of danger - then I hide until it goes away!

  16. #16

    matt56's Avatar May you forever fly in blue skies.
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    What a great find, Dave! Based on the memorial plaque, it looks like the 101st must have used the facility at least once, too. I shall have to take time to look through the link you provided...

    All the best,
    Matt

  17. #17

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    Interesting story.
    Voilŕ le soleil d'Austerlitz!

  18. #18

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    Fantastic pictures and interesting excerpts from operations book. All great stuff.


    Here's to them what are like us. Damn few and they're all dead.

  19. #19

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    Quote Originally Posted by NeilCFord View Post
    Whilst at the Great Dorset Steam Fair last week, came across this, thought it might be of some interest - Neil.
    Saw that but didn't see you ! What a find that was.

    "He is wise who watches"

  20. #20

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    What a superb find, and indeed well spotted by you Neil.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  21. #21

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    That's really interesting thanks for sharing will have to check it out

  22. #22

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    Finally had the opportunity and the weather to visit the remains of RAF Tarrant Rushton - seems to be a popular place for a Sunday afternoon stroll as there was almost nowhere to park by the time we got there but only saw a handful of family groups as we walked round and most of the cars were still there when we left so I have no idea where they all got to !
    Not much left to see bar a couple of the original hangars used by locals for storage but a very nice 4 mile hike around the perimeter track. Only a fraction of one of the runways remains... Next stop Normandy..
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    To save you scrolling back to the top - I'm standing at the junction of the perimeter track with the runway at the top of this picture. The width is much reduced as you can see and the others no longer exist.


    Here's what the entrance used to look like...
    Last edited by flash; 06-07-2022 at 03:18.

    "He is wise who watches"

  23. #23

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    All this glider stuff facinates me!...especially as I look to getting my glider pilot's license soon in the future

  24. #24

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    Still, a nice bit of history, Flash.

  25. #25

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    Well if you like history Sam ... Here's another excerpt from the Tarrant Rushton Operations Record Book 1944. http://dorset.hampshireairfields.co.uk/tar.html

    September 17th, 1944: 10.20 hours.
    ‘OPERATION MARKET’ - first lift. Seven Halifax-Hamilcar combinations of No. 298 Squadron and six of No. 644 Squadron took off for LZ ‘Z’ south-west of Arnhem, Holland. All Hamilcars were successfully released except two, the tug of one developing port-inner engine failure returned to base but two crash-landed.
    Thirteen Halifax-Horsa combinations of No. 298 Squadron and fourteen from No. 644 Squadron were also detailed to release their gliders over LZ ‘Z’. All gliders were successfully released except two, the tug of one developing port-inner engine failure and returned to base. The other tug returned after the tow-rope had broken and the glider landed in a field north-east of ANDOVER.
    Weather conditions over the LZ were good with visibility at six miles. No enemy aircraft were seen or encountered and opposition from ground troops was negligible.
    One aircraft from No. 644 Squadron operated over France on an SAS mission but was not successful owing to unfavourable weather conditions.
    Weather fair, visibility good.

    September 18th, 1944: 11.21 hours.
    ‘OPERATION MARKET’ - second lift. Eight Halifax-Hamilcar combinations of No. 298 Squadron and seven from No. 644 Squadron were detailed to release gliders over LZ ‘X’. All were successfully released except two from No. 644 Squadron, one tug U-’F’ piloted by Warrant Officer SHAPLEY developed port-outer engine failure and cast off its glider one mile east of CHILBOLTON airfield at 11.59 hours. The other tug, U-’O’ piloted by Wing Commander POPE owing to port-inner engine failure cast off its glider over the sea at 52 degrees and five minutes North and one degree 53 minutes East. The glider pilot Captain McNEIL and second pilot returned to base the following day and reported that the gun crew were safe but that Lieutenant McLAREN and Sergeant CRAWFORD were drowned.
    Eight Halifax-Horsa combinations from each of No. 298 Squadron and No. 644 Squadron were also detailed to proceed to the same LZ. All gliders were successfully released, except that attached to aircraft P-’C’ of No. 644 Squadron whose tow rope was severed by flak five miles south-west of the LZ. Increased enemy opposition was mainly encountered in the target RV area. Aircraft A-’J’ of No. 298 Squadron and aircraft P-’F’ of No. 644 Squadron sustained damage from light flak which generally was inaccurate. Weather fair, hazy. Visibility moderate.

    September 19th, 1944: 12.06 hours.
    ‘OPERATION MARKET’ - third lift. Ten aircraft from No. 298 Squadron and eleven from No. 644 Squadron were detailed to release 20 Horsa and 1 Hamilcar gliders on LZ ‘L’. The tow rope of aircraft T-’N’ of No. 298 Squadron broke and glider landed approximately three miles south-east of OSTEND. The tail of the glider towed by Halifax P-’A’ of No. 644 Squadron piloted by Pilot Officer McCONVILLE was shot away by flak at the target RV and went out of control. Aircraft P-’P’ of No. 644 Squadron piloted by Flight Lieutenant TOMKINS lost its glider at position 51 degrees and 17 minutes North and five degrees and three minutes East when a tow rope was severed by flak. Considerably more enemy opposition was met on this lift than on the two previous ones. Three aircraft were damaged by flak. Moderate to accurate light flak was mainly encountered in the REUSEL target RV area and from woods to the north and east of the LZ.
    Three aircraft of No. 298 Squadron and four of No. 644 Squadron operated over France on supply dropping missions to SAS troops. Aircraft T-’S’ of No. 298 Squadron piloted by Pilot Officer BERRY crashed in a wood beside MIDDLE WALLOP airfield at 02.50 hours on return owing to shortage of fuel. Sergeant O’KEEFE (u/t wireless operator) was killed and Pilot Officer AUSTIN (flight engineer) slightly injured and three second SAS troops injured. Aircraft was completely written off.
    Weather slight drizzle, visibility moderate becoming poor.

    September 21st, 1944: 14.06 hours.
    Two aircraft of No. 298 Squadron and three from No. 644 Squadron operated over France on SAS supply dropping missions. Four aircraft from each of No. 298 Squadron and No. 644 Squadron carried out supply-dropping missions to SAS troops in France. Eleven aircraft from each of No. 298 Squadron and No. 644 Squadron took part in SOE missions over France and Holland. Aircraft A-’M’ of No. 298 Squadron piloted by Flight Sergeant GOLDSMITH reported missing from this operation. Weather fog 02.30 hours to 06.30 hours, otherwise visibility moderate to good.


    Raise a glass to their memory

    "He is wise who watches"

  26. #26

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    I do indeed, an the excerpts a rep-worthy!

  27. #27

    Thumbs up

    Thanks Dave for the update & additional info!

  28. #28

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    One bit for you Baz ... An excerpt from the Tarrant Rushton Operations Record Book 1945. http://dorset.hampshireairfields.co.uk/tar.html

    March 21st - 25th, 1945. Intelligence Report for March, 1945: Compiled by Pilot Officer RIDGEWELL.
    During the period of ‘OPERATION VARSITY’, RAF Tarrant Rushton virtually moved to WOODBRIDGE, the forward base chosen for the launch of this enterprise. In addition to the movement of No. 298 and No. 644 Squadrons with the necessary ground personnel to WOODBRIDGE, administrative, operations and intelligence staff sections were established at that station. Flying Control, engineering and technical staff also accompanied the temporary move.
    The Air Officer Commanding No. 38 Group, Air Vice Marshal SCARLETT-STREATFIELD, visited WOODBRIDGE on two occasions during our attachment there and was present at the end of the final briefing for the operation. He wished success and God speed to all those taking part.
    Colonel CHATTERTON, Officer Commanding the Glider Pilots, was present at the final briefing for the operation.

    March 20th, 1945.
    Fifty-three Halifax-Hamilcar combinations and 15 Halifax-Horsa combinations took off from Tarrant Rushton and landed at WOODBRIDGE in preparation for ‘OPERATION VARSITY’.

    March 24th, 1945.
    ‘OPERATION VARSITY’ - 24 Halifax-Hamilcar combinations from No. 644 Squadron and 24 Halifax-Hamilcar combinations from No. 298 Squadron, six Halifax-Horsa combinations from No. 644 Squadron and six Halifax-Horsa combinations from No. 298 Squadron, making a total of 60 combinations in all, took off from WOODBRIDGE on ‘OPERATION VARSITY’, the intention being to convey the 6th Airborne Division across the Rhine. 52 of these combinations were successful in their mission, seven were unsuccessful due to their gliders casting off and the remaining aircraft was unsuccessful owing to its glider disintegrating in the air prior to reaching the DZ.

    That's the larger well known operations covered - when not doing that they were training, exercising, dropping supplies to support the SOE, the SAS & fighters across continental Europe, joined air-sea rescue searches and even did some bombing. A busy little place !

    Raise a glass to their memory

    "He is wise who watches"

  29. #29

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    Had occasion to revisit this thread after my walk at the airfield this morning and was checking the images & maps for position of where the tower once stood. Found out that the field may also have had a cold war history, appears it was a potential launch field for our V-bombers, (Vickers Valiant) with an added turn around loop, dispersal & contact lighting for the V bombers to follow.

    http://www.atlantikwall.co.uk/atlant..._t_rushton.php (added above also)
    Last edited by flash; 06-06-2022 at 09:20.

    "He is wise who watches"



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