The 'Introduce yourself' Thread

Welcome Sussex Boy, I know your area quite well, I grew up in and around the Uckfield area and moved up to Suffolk 18months ago. I also visited St Eval recently, what a lovely church it is as well.

My name is Mark Nicholson. My father served with the USAF at numerous installations in the UK (He retired from active duty in 1979 when stationed at RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge and settled in the UK) so I'm a little biased towards former US bases and can remember them as they once were. I currently live in Spilsby, Lincolnshire near the former RAF Stations of East Kirkby and Spilsby both with 'Cold War' connections and whilst I appreciate the historical significance of 'Bomber County', I would be interersted in gaining any information about these two stations in relation to USAF use.
I am amazed and impressed to see so many like minded aviation enthusiasts. Respect to all that moderate and contribute to this site.

Hello!
Welcome to AIX.

Welcome!
I guess if it OK for a Yank to settle in England it is only fair that this Limey should make Illinois his home.
I am thinking that perhaps your dad married an English girl and me being an older guy who was born before WW2 I might tell you we were not too happy that you guys stole all our prettiest girls.

Welcome to AIX !!!

'Cornishpete' does raise some relevant issues about Anglo American relations (over paid, over here etc) and whether they are still applicable today. I know a farmer whose wife 'ran off' with an American serviceman in the mid 50's. His only concern was that they'd want to adopt his prized pig as the pig was worth more and better looking than the wife. My father was actually English who went to the States in search of work in the early 1950's. Long story short, he got caught up in the Korean War and was drafted into the armed forces (USAF). He was convinced that after 'basic training' that he'd be deployed to Korea. As expected he was deployed not to Korea but to RAF Station Chelveston, Huntingdonshire (Northamptonshire today). And the rest of the story is history.

Cornishpete wrote:

Welcome!
I guess if it OK for a Yank to settle in England it is only fair that this Limey should make Illinois his home.
I am thinking that perhaps your dad married an English girl and me being an older guy who was born before WW2 I might tell you we were not too happy that you guys stole all our prettiest girls.

That's interesting Woody. I am guessing he must have taken US citizenship? I came over here at the back end of '92 but chose not to take citizenship and it has been much more fun to be still a Brit as I tease my American friends. They love to tell me how they saved my "sorry butt in WW2" and I respond how we kept the war going for two years to give the greedy buggers time to buy up stock in the aircraft, warship and tank industry and all become millionairs!
I guess that your dad was posted back to Britain so that he could act as interpreter to his unit and explain to them that "the right side of the road is the wrong side, and the left side is the right side!" and that down the pub the GIs should not say out loud "Wow, look at the fanny on that broad!"

'Cornishpete' - Citizenship issues have changed but back then he became a naturalised US citizen. There is some credence in what you suggest about him being posted straight back to the UK to act as interpreter. The build up of US Forces on Brit soil was incredible with relations between East and West getting 'colder'. He was not unique as a Brit in the US Armed Services at that time so quite possibly the suggestion you make would apply. Mistakes were made during WWII reference Anglo American relations resulting in resentment so maybe a few 'local' boys in the US Armed Forces in their country of birth could help. But who are we kidding, there were still issues and resentment about a US presence that still rumbles on to this day. It is interesting to get a different perspective on those issues and that's why this site is unique. There will always be the 'teasing' about who did the most to win the war etc.. but I think we all honour the sacrifice and continued commitment of those who serve in both nations armed forces.

Cornishpete wrote:

That's interesting Woody. I am guessing he must have taken US citizenship? I came over here at the back end of '92 but chose not to take citizenship and it has been much more fun to be still a Brit as I tease my American friends. They love to tell me how they saved my "sorry butt in WW2" and I respond how we kept the war going for two years to give the greedy buggers time to buy up stock in the aircraft, warship and tank industry and all become millionairs!
I guess that your dad was posted back to Britain so that he could act as interpreter to his unit and explain to them that "the right side of the road is the wrong side, and the left side is the right side!" and that down the pub the GIs should not say out loud "Wow, look at the fanny on that broad!"

Hi my names DAve and i live about 1 mile away from the old RAF witchford site nr Ely