Matching
MATCHING: Military aerodrome (Much later microlight strip)
Note: All four of these pictures were obtained from Google Earth ©
Military users: RAF Bomber Command 3 Group
OTU & ORTU (Handley Page Halifaxs & Short Stirlings)
Care & Maintenance later
USAAF 9th Air Force 391st Bomb Group
572nd, 573rd, 574th & 575th Bomb Sqdns (Martin B-26 Marauders)
Location: S of Manwood Green & NE of Matching Green villages, 4nm ENE of Harlow
Period of operation: 1943 to 1945
Runways: 02/20 1829x46 hard 09/27 1280x46 hard
14/32 1280x46 hard
NOTES: Apparently the 9th USAAF operated Martin Marauders from here, an aircraft type with a very poor reputation according to it’s crews. Indeed it is said most delivery crews refused to fly the type. On the other hand closer examination appears to indicate the Marauder was actually a very good and capable aircraft in the hands of experienced and disciplined crews who achieved a very good combat safety record on the type in the European theatre. One main issue being the very high, (for those days), 130mph approach landing speed, which obviously seems to spell potential problems especially for ‘rookie’ crews fatigued coming back from a combat mission.
INADEQUATE TRAINING?
Once again the familiar spectre of inadequately trained and possibly ill-disciplined crews being sent into combat rears it’s ugly and sorrowful head. However, it is I suppose all too easy these days to fail to appreciate the pressures commanding officers felt to prosecute the war by whatever means they had at their disposal. Even if the bulk of these personnal could so easily today be accused of being both inadequately trained and under resourced?
It appears the 9th USAAF operated here for a period between September 1943 and October 1944 when the RAF assumed command of the airfield. Other reports say the airfield closed on the 1st August 1946. Perhaps military flying ceased in 1945?
THE PICTURES ABOVE
As can be seen, even up to today, the most of the outline of the WW2 airfield is clearly visible. What did seem of note was a short section the western end of runway 09/27 still existing. I wonder why?
THE MICROLIGHT STRIP
I have Mr Trevor Sexton to thank for causing me to take a much closer look. He had visited in the 1990s, noted a couple of microlights operating, and told me exactly where to look. Such a shame Google Earth © images only go back twenty years or so. Nevertheless, I now have these pictures to offer, thanks to Trevor's advice in June 2020.
Runway notes: I might well be mistaken of course, but it appears that in 2000, the runway, orientated 17/35 might well have been 350 metres long? However, as the 2006 picture above shows, it was clearly marked with dotted lines extending to around 90 metres. It that seems very short, which it is in general terms, many microlights can easily take-off in that distance. The published figures for a Rans S.6 for example is 150 feet (46 metres).
No doubt the landing distance could well be shorter. For example I have landed a Cessna 172 in less than 100 metres in nil wind conditions, and less than half that with a very stiff headwind. As ATC at Heraklion airport in Crete, many years ago, could testify to. But, I did encounter some exceptional instructors over the years. Short landings are very much a matter of mastering the technique for the type, and something that many if not most flying schools seem reluctant to teach. I suppose you can see why - it's not suitable for the majority of inexperienced pilots.
One thing is certain, by 2012 the hangars had gone. How long this airstrip was operational for seems unknown? If anybody can kindly offer advice, this will be most welcome.
neil sjoberg
This comment was written on: 2018-04-12 22:04:10I live in Essex and recently discovered Matching Airfield only 10 miles from my home..Also discovered that the "Mighty 8th Air Force" were briefly based here.By chance I have just returned from Georgia USA where I visted the Mighty 8TH airforce avaition museum near Savannah.I didnt realise all the pictures and stories I read there were based at Matching.
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