Winkton
WINKTON: Military airfield
Note: I do not know the actual position of the WW2 runways. All I have done is to superimpose the runway lengths and, looking at the area, trying to fit the known runway lengths into what seems, to me, the most logical positions?
Military user: RAF Fighter Command 11 Group
ALG (Advanced Landing Ground)
NOTE: It appears that the RAF never used this ALG that was laid out in 1943 in preparation for the D-Day Landings.
The USAAF 9th Air Force used it with the 404th Fighter Group being based here for a short period in 1944.
506, 507 & 508 Squadrons (Republic P-47D Thunderbolts)
Location: E of B3347, NE of Sopley, SSE of Ripley, W of Bransgore, 3nm N of Christchurch
Period of operation:
04.04 until 06.07.1944
Runways: Steel matting - Sommerfeld Track
N/S 1463x45 grass E/W 1372x45 grass
NOTES: It appears that not long after the USAAF departed the Sommerfeld Track was removed and the land reverted to agriculture. The RAF SOPLEY facility had no connection with this airfield.
I wonder if any pictures exist of the USAAF presence here that can be used in this 'Guide'?
See also the listing for SOPLEY FARM airstrip which appears to have been laid out on the southern end of RAF WINKTON.
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