This US Troop Carrier Command Battlefield Tour explores the history of ‘The Delivery Boys’ as they were affectionatley known who played a pivotal role during the Second World War, operating from various airfields across the East Midlands.
The US tactical air support units in Great Britain were consolidated into the Ninth Air Force on the 16th October 1943 under the Command of Major General Lewis H Brereton. At the same time the IX Troop Carrier Command was activated and set up headquarters at St Vincents in Grantham.
As part of this US Troop Carrier Command Battlefield Tour, we will look at their training and their role during Operation Boston & Operation Freeport, (part of D-Day Operation Overlord) and Operation Market Garden at Arnhem & Nijmegan.
On this tour you will visit memorials commemorating units of the Troop Carrier Command, climb aboard an actual C-47 Skytrain, visit former airfields used by the Troop Carrier Command and finish the day with a drink in the Angel & Royal Hotel, used as an Officers Mess for the men of the Troop Carrier Command HQ.
Suggested places to visit as part of this US Troop Carrier Command Battlefield Tour are:
The former RAF Station of Harlaxton where both Officers and Enlisted Men from the IX TCC were billeted and worked across 4 dispersed sites.
AAF Station 479 – RAF North Witham home to the 1st Tactical Air Depot and the Pathfinder School (incorporating the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Pathfinder Squadrons).
AAF Station 481 – RAF Bottesford home to the 436th Troop Carrier Group and the home to the 440th Troop Carrier Group.
AAF Station 483 – RAF Barkston Heath home to the 61st Troop Carrier Group and the 349th Troop Carrier Group.
AAF Station 484 – RAF Folkingham home to the 313th Troop Carrier Group.
AAF Station 488 – RAF Fulbeck home to the 434th Troop Carrier Group, 438th Troop Carrier Group and the 442nd Troop Carrier Group.
AAF Station 489 – RAF Cottesmore home to the 316th Troop Carrier Group and the Headquarters of the 52nd Troop Carrier Wing.
AAF Station 490 – RAF Langar home to the 435th Troop Carrier Group, 438th Troop Carrier Group and the 441st Troop Carrier Group.
AAF Station 493 – RAF Spanhoe home to the 315th Troop Carrier Group.
AAF Station 538 – RAF Saltby airfield which was home to the 314th Troop Carrier Group and used for both D-Day and Market Garden.
Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre is located on one of the dispersed sites of RAF Metheringham, home of 106 Squadron.
The visitor centre tells their story through displays, information and artefacts that relate to the aircrew and ground staff who flew with and supported 106 Squadron throughout World War 2
Metheringham was also used by aircraft and crews from the 52nd Troop Carrier Wing units in the area. These units transported wounded US soldiers to and from the nearby RAF Nocton Hall hospital.
At the Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre we will discuss the role of the Troop Carrier units in the casualty evacuation role and you will get to climb inside an actual C-47 Skytrain. As well as dropping paratroopers, we will also discuss the C-47’s role as glider tugs for the WACO CG4 glider and the Horsa glider. To give an understanding of this, there is a large scale model of the Horsa and also a life scale image of a WACO glider on the wall behind the aircraft.
Carlton Scroop 61st Troop Carrier Group Memorial to discuss the use of C-109 Tankers, converted Liberator bombers and Major Jerry, the mascot of the 61st TCS.
St Vincents Grantham the former Headquarters of the US IX Troop Carrier Command and its Officer Commanding, Brigadier General Paul L Williams.
Once in town, after parking our vehicle we will walk around town and visit some of the buildings used by the men of the IX Troop Carrier Command including the Officers Clubs and the Red Cross Club.
Following our walk around Grantham, we will end the tour with a drink in the Angel and Royal Hotel which was used as quarters for some of the American officers.
Each tour day begins at 09:00Hrs at your chosen pick-up point and ends around 17:30Hrs when you will be dropped off back at your chosen location.
Itineraries are subject to change due to operational reasons or museum opening times. Any changes will be advised closer to the time of departure.
Pricing:
There is a flat fee price per person (1 to 4 people*) for the US Troop Carrier Command Battlefield Tour:
1 Day US Troop Carrier Command Battlefield Tour: £200
2 Day US Troop Carrier Command Battlefield Tour: £350
* For more than 4 people please get in touch to discuss requirements.
What’s included in this US Troop Carrier Command Battlefield Tour:
Full day private tour including transportation
Museum admissions
Free bottled water
Collection & Drop off at chosen location
Battlefield tour handout
What’s not included:
Lunch is not included
Accommodation
To enquire about the US Troop Carrier Command Battlefield Tour send an email to: meltonhistoryfare@gmail.com or call 07885 938 945.