RAF / USAAF Andrews Field, Great Saling

Image: © Adrian S Pye Taken: 3 Dec 2019

Andrews Field was the first of fourteen "Type A" airfields built by the USAAF in the U.K. during World War II. Originally designated as Great Saling when designed and under construction, the base was renamed "Andrews Field" in honour of USAAF General Frank M. Andrews, who was killed in an airplane crash in Iceland in May 1943. Andrews Field was known as USAAF Station AAF-485 and had the Station Code "GZ" Andrews Field was first occupied in May 1943, by the 4th Bombardment Wing's, 96th Bombardment Group (H), with four Squadrons of Flying Fortress's. The 96th appears to have only carried out one mission while posted to Andrews Field. Replacing them after only a short stay was the 3rd Bombardment Wing's 322nd Bombardment Group (M) which flew the Martin B-26 Marauder medium bomber. The 322nd flew its last mission on 24th April 1945. A B-26, "Flak Bait" survived the war to the end of hostilities with 202 missions to its credit, the only USAAF aircraft to exceed 200. After being transferred back to the Air Ministry in late 1944, it was used briefly by RAF Fighter Command for Gloster Meteor jet fighter testing before being finally closed in late 1945. The plaque https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/577252

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