40th Combat Reunion UK May 2009

Additional info and pictures for next years reunion tour at:-
 
http://IW.305cando.googlepages.com/40thcombatwingukreuniontour2009
 
Ian W

Thanks for the praise Chris, I am embarressd to receive!! Bill and I do what we do because we just get on and do it!!! Hope you can make next year, it should be a wonderful trip. I intend to add a couple of extra photos to the info webpage, covering the trips to Cambridge Kings College. Plus anything else I feel needs to be added.
 
Ian W

Change of contact address for enquiries and bookings.
 
Hi all. I have amended the point of contact for this tour, to a more secure address in Bedford. Please refer to webpage information as above for full change of address.
Thanks.
 
Ian W

Hi all.

A reminder that as we start September, we are reaching the time for deposits and booking confirmations on next years 40th Combat Wing gathering. Check the webpage link for further updates as they come along.

http://IW.305cando.googlepages.com/40thcombatwingukreuniontour2009

Ian W

Hi all...
Further news on next years tri group '40th Combat Wing UK Reunion' - see above previous posts.
 
CIVIC MAYORAL RECEPTION - BEDFORD TOWN - MAY 29th 2009. As part of the organised reunion trip we expect, subject to planning, to enjoy an evening as guests of his worship the Mayor of Bedford, Frank Branston, at a formal welcome reception at the Mayor's parlour. This will be to welcome back and recognise those of the wing, and the three groups involved in its combat operations; the 92nd, 305th and 306th BG's. It is quite an honour indeed to be welcomed in such a manner, and demonstrates immensely just how much the British people of the local region surrounding the former bases of Thurleigh, Podington and Chelveston, hold those veterans from the USAAF in such high esteem.
 
40TH CW CELEBRATION DAY - THURLEIGH FIELD - MAY 24th 2009. Paper requests have been raised at McGuire AFB, with requests to the CO of the 305th AMW, Colonel. Balan Ayyar, for their attendence at next year's events. We have every expectation that this will result in something rather spectacular.....
 
So, for everyone connected to the 40th CW, 305th BG, the 92nd, 306th or indeed havng a genuine interest in this piece of the 8th AF story, next year's 10 day reunion is something you should be considering. Whilst we are aiming this toward veterans and family of these units, we also welcome all others that may wish to join us.
 
Check past postings on this thread for details, or email me.
 
Ian W

For Tracey Jackson and any others wishing to know about the May reunion.
Ian

All forum...
Final update. Arrangements in place for the fast approaching 11 day 40th Combat Wing Reunion.
 
Main events will be May 24th - Thurleigh Airfield, Thurleigh, Bedfordshire England. Hosts are our friends and brothers, the 306th BG Museum. Museum opens as usual 1030hrs, normal admissions apply. WW2 and civilian vehicles begin to arrive at that time, displayed upon the Monaco Recpetion building parking area. Formal service of remembrance 2pm. Guests and speakers include Lord Lt of Bedfordshire Sam Whitbread, Group Capt Steve Lloyd AHB-RAF Northolt, Colonel Jack Jordan 423rd-501st, Molesworth. Service overseen by Chaplain Capt David Zavala 501st CSW Alconbury. 306th FTG will present an audio visual show at 3pm after the main services. The RAF fly a tribute to the USAAF, their Avro Lancaster will make an appearance (weather and operations permitting) at 145pm.
 
Other event will be later in the week, May 30th Saturday. Yelden Village will remember the William Sellers crew, 422nd Sqn-305th BG and their loss of March 23rd-24th 1944. Service at the church starts 2pm. Colonel Cashdollar 501st CSW Alconbury attending, service jointly conducted between Rev Jan Brookshaw and Chaplain Major Walter Bean USAF 501st CSW.
 
This whole project has been notified through the AAF, many thanks to Scott for allowing us to do this. See further postings on this thread for more information.
 
Any questions can be directed to me - IW.305cando@googlemail.com
 
Regards
Ian W