The 'Introduce yourself' Thread

Son of wartime RDF Mechanic base, amongst other places, RAF Tilly Whim (9K Oboe station). Last night he asked how the name Tilly Whim came about, commenting that T.W. was involved in the RAF taking out Normandy batteries, hours before H-Hour on D-Day. This morning, i found out the derivation - Tilly thought to be a quarryman & whim is a winch, also found this site - so thought I'd join!

Interested in airfield architecture & layouts, but also non-flying sites, particularly RDF. However, my area of expertise lies in a very different area (see www.karkeeweb.com ), so I'll vicariously enjoy absorbing information from this site instead.

Welcome to AiX - I am sure you will find something of interest on RDF. I have had a little peek at your own website - how fascinating. Will need to have more of a look around when I have a bit more time. Meanwhile, enjoy AiX.

No. It would really need some contemporary photos to go with it. I have just one or two 35mm transparencies in my collection (in the UK!) which didn't go to the bottom of the English Channel. Next trip to UK I need to bring them back with me and digitise them.
I also did jobs at Nuthampstead, Dunkeswell, St Eval, Bicester, Blakehill Farm, Ot Moor and a few other non-airfield sites including Orford Ness.

Welcome along to AiX - there is loads here that I'm sure you'll find interesting. Look forward to seeing some of your posts too.

Cheers

Another method of finding the batteries.
I used to employ a lovely older man from Southampton, he would only recount a few thinks about his wartime service as a 17 year old seaman and one was serving with Peter Scott the naturalist. They would set out for the French coast on a steam gun boat (small destroyer -large gun boat) and run along parallel to the shore, then Scott would order 'Make Sparks' to the engine room. The Germans would then see these sparks rising into the night sky and open up with every gun in the area. At the same time a Wellington bomber would fly above them monitoring the gun flashes. By D-day they knew where nearly every site was. By the way he hated this type of action, as they got all the German hate and could give none back.
HMS Grey Goose probably the one.

Hi, I've just joined as I only recently found out about this site. My name is Dan Hardy, and I live in Cheshire (Nantwich), but have a big interest in the Eighth Air Force. Used to go on holiday with my parents to Suffolk every year, and cycled round the old bases. I'm trying to visit them all! Just come back from a short break in Suffolk (first visit since 2001!) during which I managed to fit in a successful day at Lavenham, one more off the list! Up to 33 Eighth Air Force airfields now!