Burtonwood opened in 1940 as No 37 MU, RAF and provided
Spitfires for the Battle of Britain before being taken over
by the USAAC as its Base Air Depot for the 8th Air Force.
Burtonwood grew constantly throughout WWII becoming the
largest USAAC base in Europe and responsible for providing
over 11,500 aircraft to the US war effort in Europe. This
massive base was home to over 18,000 US airmen and airwomen
in 1945 and produced anything from a valve spring to a full
aircraft.
Post war it reverted back to RAF control but with the start
of the Cold War it passed back into American hands and was
dramatically expanded to be able to accommodate the B-36
bomber and provide support, repair and spares backup for
the USAF throughout Europe.
Burtonwood broke many records during and after WWII with
it being the biggest, best, fastest and most efficient of
all bases. Nicknamed Lancashire's Detroit and visited by
everyone from The Duke of Edinburgh, General Montgomery,
General Eisenhower, General Patton, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby
and James Cagney this base was unique.
Illustrated by almost 300 photographs this book describes
pictorially every activity at Burtonwood.
You can view a selection of the photographs here |
