I was in Norfolk recently and came across the old airfields where the The Mighty
Eighth flew their flying fortresses and liberators from some of the many airfields
during 1942-3. The towers remaining at Seething and Thorpe Abbots have been
well cared for by locals, then, children at that time and very buddy to the many
aircrews, some of which never came back to those golden fields from daylight
bombing raids to Germany. In fact, the large county and neighbouring county was
a flight deck when the skies were never still. There remains parts of the runway
and perimeter track at these airfields now used for gliders. The Towers have so
many memories due to the aircraft parts and equipment left behind. Clothing and
so many donated b&b photographs and of course sensitive and memorable letters
fill the cabinets. In the summer, the yellow rape seed and shifting wheat rise up
like a collar against the head of each tower. In the sunshine, it is a memorable
and relaxing scene that draws many visitors. But in the winter, the scene changes
to a grey cold windy desolate place all looking decidedly forlorn. The locals pass
these relics in the sweeping shadows of the evening and have many tales to tell.
The nissun nuts still remain under the wild bramble bushes and now you can
hardly see their rusty tin roofs. But no-one takes them down and makes use of
the rough, says some women in passing. No-one listens. I guess they think that
the land will eventually claim them like it did most of the deserted airfields.
There are no more veterans visiting, just families of some, having listened to
those stories, they just had to come and see for themselves.
I have made up a website with a few Norfolk pictures and lent my voice to some
videos reading the war poets. I have also put some nice piano music of Ravel &
Satie and a few Norfolk videos. I am still building the site.
www.worldwidetraveltips.co.uk.