THE 36th BOMB SQUADRON
RCM
NEWS
April 2020
On April 11, 2020 36th Bomb Squadron
veteran James “JP” Ostler turns 100 years old. Our nation owes him a great
gratitude for his brave and honorable service.
Last Nov. 21, 2019 outside Chicago in Arlington Heights, IL. at 99-years-old
JP received France's highest distinction of induction into The French Legion
of Honor. The Legion of Honor is the highest French order of merit for
military and civil merits, established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte.
JP as an 8th Air Force B17 navigator with the Capt. Richard Obenschain crew
flew the first mission for the 803rd Bomb Squadron (Prov.) alongside RAF 100
Group aircraft flying from Oulton on the morning of D-Day jamming Nazi radar
ahead of the Allied invasion. Once at their assigned position their B17 lost
its #3 engine, but luckily were able to complete their flight on three
engines. By jamming the enemy radar the official squadron history recorded
that this historic D-Day mission contributed materially to the success of
the landings on the beachhead.
JP and airmen of the Capt. Obenschain crew had already completed a hazardous
tour flying 25 missions in the 388th Bomb Group before joining in the radar
counter measures program. What noble and brave men ! Before D-Day his
services in the 388th had already earned him a Distinguished Flying Cross.
Then in August of 1944 with the formation of the new 36th Bomb Squadron
Radar Counter Measure Unit now based at Cheddington, Commanding Officer Lt.
Col. Robert Hambaugh named JP to his staff as squadron navigator. Because of
his great services with the RAF100 Group JP was awarded the British
Distinguished Flying Cross. The award was given by the Air Officer
Commanding RAF100 Group, Air Vice Marshal E.B. Addison.
Now he has been inducted into the French Legion of Honor ! Congratulations
JP !
Happy birthday JP ! We wish him good health, great happiness and all God’s
Blessings !!
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May 2018
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Blicking Hall |
Steve and Pam Hutton |
RAF veterans at Oulton |
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North Creake B&B |
Blicking Video |
Well friends, here's some highlights from our RAF100 Group reunion
events in England. Oh, what a BIG TIME we had !! Fortunately, my wife Pam
was able to make the journey with me this time. To start with, once again we
stopped and visited with my English friend Chas Jellis and his mother Irene
at their farm there in Cheddington. Chas showed me his "newā€¯ old WWII B17
Mobile Training Unit and truck rig. He's certainly landed a one-of-a-kind !
Of course we visited the 36BS memorial there at my father's old airfield and
also the two memorials that Chas worked to create ā€“ one at Ford End Farm,
Ivinghoe and other in Long Marston village. Soon it was off to Foulsham with
Chas and girlfriend Heda. Twas great again seeing Janine and Stuart, plus
Roger and all the RAF association committee members. There we welcomed
friends Stuart and Mike Hillier into the committee - both great guys ! Later
on that day I was most honored when asked by Roger to represent the U.S. and
lay a wreath at the crash site of the British Beaufighter and B17 at a
ceremony in Foulsham. Our friend Richard Ravencroft dedicated the memorial
there last year.
Next, Pam and I along with Chas and Heda trekked on to be thrilled and enjoy
the teas and memorial ceremonies with two beautiful flypasts - one at RAF
Oulton and one at Swannington. Mike organized the Swannington event ! During
this time we were pleased four Gremlin veterans could journey to join us for
the festivities. Times with the veterans are always so precious. On Saturday
evening we enjoyed our dinner and once again fine entertainment by singer
Heather Marie. Those on the dance floor were swinging ! And we found Major
Walker's Cadets Airfield History program quite satisfying learning that
younger generations were being educated on the service and sacrifice of
those in the RAF. Yes, a wonderful gathering and real pleasure being with
the veterans, families and our association friends.
The next day upon visiting Blickling Hall and its RAF museum we were happy
to see our friend Geoff Sykes, the museum curator. There I was astonished to
see a hanging banner showing my father's 803rd Squadron Commanding Officer
Capt. George Paris, plus a D-Day quotation and a photo of my father's crew
with their B24 Liberator ā€“ the JIGS UP ! The banner along with an RAF100Gp
video being shown to the museum visitors featured photos from my book
Squadron of Deception ! Wow, did that make my day !!
To cap off our visit Chas booked for us an evening stay at the North Creake
Tower B&B. How super ! Our hosts Claire and Nigel treated us royally !
Claire served up a tasty breakfast and Nigel gave us the grand tour with
history of the tower and airfield. Being there at the home of RAF100Gp's 171
& 199 squadrons was truly a great experience ! It was with 199 Squadron that
the 803BS flew its first and most historic mission ā€“ flying on the morning
of D-day, putting up the Mandrel screen, jamming Nazi radars and thus
contributing materially to the success of the landings on the beachhead !
The legacy of the Gremlins live on !
Yes sir, we sure had a BIG TIME !!
May 2017
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My 36EWS Gift |
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36EWSers at Blickling |
Gremlins Des & Rafael |
Gremlins at Oulton 2017 |
News celebrating the 20th anniversary of the RAF100 Group Association is truly one of great elation for me. I along with WWII 36th Bomb Squadron veterans Des Howarth (navigator for the Lt. McCarthy crew), Rafael Ramos (tail gunner Lt. Corder crew) and the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Tom "Gosling" Moore and his party from Eglin AFB, FL so wonderfully enjoyed the May RAF annual reunion in England. In a letter to me Gosling reports the whirlwind trip was "amazing experience."
And what a whirlwind journey it was ! To start with on the Thursday before the reunion I met Gosling and his squadron party, Rodney Dutton, Capt. Paul Bennett, Lt. Andrew Henderson, and S/Sgt. Robert Padgett at the farm of my English friends Chas and Irene Jellis in Cheddington. Once there we all gazed upon my Chas's array of WWII vehicles and memorabilia. Next, Irene and Chas's girlfriend Heda guided us on a tour of my father's old airbase at Cheddington and then to see the 36th Bomb Squadron memorials in Long Marston and Ivinghoe. It was obvious that Gosling and his men were moved by seeing the places where their WWII predecessors worked, flew and sometimes sacrificed their lives toward Allied victory in Europe.
On Friday Chas and Heda and I headed northeast toward Norwich, stopping along the way at the American Cemetery in Cambridge to pay our respects. To view the Wall of the Missing and all the crosses is always a somber moment. Later, arriving there at the Holiday Inn Norwich I was thrilled to see 36BS veterans Des Howarth and Rafael Ramos. To accompany Des, he brought along his grandson Ian who is a chaplain in the Idaho Air National Guard, his wife Allyson and their friend David Watson, a Vietnam War pilot. Gremlin Rafael was accompanied by his lovely and cheerful wife Kitty. I was especially very happy to once again see Janine Harrington, the Secretary for the association and my Welsh friends Brendan and Ann Maguire along with their winsome daughter Hayley, their sweet sweet granddaughter Lily May and Hayley's partner Guy Woosnam, who's in the Welsh Guard. What a terrific start to an upcoming fun-filled reunion !
The RAF 100 Group and American participation in the memorial events in Foulsham and Oulton were truly a most memorable and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me and all the crowd. Seeing Gremlin Rafael Ramos along with fellow RAF partners Andrew Barron and Phil James presenting memorial wreaths was particularly significant and meaningful. The Oulton AT-6 Harvard flypast we all witnessed was simply spectacular ! Being there with the Gremlins both young and old made for a historic occasion.
And then there was Saturday evening ! Heather Marie's splendid vocals of WWII period hits to entertain us was a grand reunion opening with many on the dance floor. My evening meal proved just delicious and seeing Stuart Borlase's film interviews of RAF100 Group veterans quite interesting. What a show ! Next Lt. Col. Moore spoke about the mission of today's unit and how it so closely compares to the WWII Gremlins of old. He said "We stand on the shoulders of giants." He also acknowledged the efforts of Brendan and Chas in creating 36th Squadron memorials in Great Britain. As a special treat Gosling presented both Janine and me with framed "then and now" 36th Squadron pictures. How that swelled my heart in appreciation. Yes, what a fantastic evening !
Before leaving the Holiday Inn on Sunday to return to the Jellis farm, it was swell seeing Des, Rafael, Janine, Gosling, his party and my friends the Maguires in the breakfast room for some chat before hitting the road. What wonderful memories we had made ! Once heading south Chas and Heda entertained me again by stopping at Duxford for one last tour. There to our surprise we found Des and his traveling party at the American Air Museum. That excellent aviation museum has about every kind of historic aircraft imaginable. As I roamed around the museum I saw that Des connected with a museum tour guide and it wasn"t long before he had a captive audience telling them about his WWII Gremlin days in the 36th ! Yes, the legacy of the Gremlins lives on !
So then my friends, I must say that I, along with Des, Rafael, Lt. Col. Moore and all our party were certainly entertained to the max !
February 2017
Attention !!! New book now published " Another Trip to Flak Alley
" The Story
of B-24 Tail Gunner, S/Sgt. Jack Hope of the 36th Bomb Squadron, 8th Air Force
by Jack Hope with Janine Harrington, Secretary: RAF 100 Group Association. See
the pictures posted in the Books section !
May 2016
On May 6, my wife Pam and I were invited to attend the 36th Electronic Warfare
Squadron (36EWS) change of command ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base in
Florida. The special reason for the trip was that our family had unanimously
decided to loan the Florida squadron our father's WWII 36th Bomb Squadron
Radar Counter Measure Unit (36BS) A2 leather flight jacket " painted The JIGS
UP on the back. Father was a B24 tail gunner with the so called "Gremlins" of
the 36th and flew 55 missions, many them in The JIGS UP before it crashed in
December 1944. All the siblings believed loaning the jacket to the Air Force
would prove to be of inspiration to today's airmen. On our way traveling South
we visited the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum near Savannah, Georgia. That's
always guaranteed to be a fantastic stop ! Having thrown a 36BS reunion there
in 2000 it was once again wonderful to see the many famous aircraft, exhibits,
library, chapel and gardens.
Today's 36th Squadron carries on the electronic warfare mission of father's
World War II unit. The 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron's new commanding
officer is Lt. Col. Thomas R. Moore. Lt. Col. Moore directs a 172 person
squadron that is responsible for the operational electronic warfare capability
of billions of dollars in resources installed on our combat air force
aircraft. Today's 36th leads the development, testing, and fielding of
electronic warfare mission support software, thus impacting the success of
operational combat missions. Lt. Col. Moore leads a wartime mission posture to
rapidly reprogram the combat air force electronic warfare systems for changes
to threat operations. He also manages millions of dollars in electronic
warfare mission equipment.
The Air Force Master of Ceremony plus both the incoming and outgoing
commanding officers made mention of me and my father and my 36BS unit history
book titled Squadron of Deception. The Florida squadron has even engraved the
WWII 36BS Gremlin insignia, and Squadron of Deception on their Challenge
Coins. Neat huh ! Also, I am most honored and pleased that last year my book
Squadron of Deception was used as part of the 36EWS Outstanding Awards
Program. All this sure makes me very proud of my father and those of his
special outfit.
Finally, to go along with The JIGS UP flight jacket I made for today's
squadron an Iredell Hutton notebook that pictured father, 36th Bomb Squadron
crews, crash photos of The JIGS UP, father's mission records, photos with my
mother and family plus news stories of father's lifetime accomplishments
during and after WWII.
So then my friends, know that when you go to bed tonight you can rest
peacefully knowing that those U.S. Air Force Gremlin's of today's 36th
Electronic Warfare Squadron are really great people whose contributions and
service that you can be most proud.
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36th Electronic Warfare Squadron |
WWII 36th Bomb Squadron Radar Counter |
Deny, Deceive, and Defeat
Squadron |
December 2015
From my dear friend in England Janine Harrington we learn that her book
RAF100 Group Kindred Spirits " Voices of RAF & USAAF on Secret Norfolk
Airfields during WWII has now been published and available from Austin
Macauley Publishers Ltd. and on Amazon. Autographed copies can be obtained
directly from Janine by contacting her via email at raf100groupassociation@gmail.com.
It's a great book, over 500 pages and many photographs with heroic stories
from the brave and noble airmen of the Royal Air Force and America's Mighty
8th Air Force. The story I wrote for Kindreds on the 803rd and 36th
Bomb Squadrons is found in Chapter Two. Click on the Book tab at the bottom of
this page to find more details.
May 2015
My wife Pam and I visited England in May and oh what a terrific time we had.
To start with my English friend Chas Jellis arranged for me to get a local
flight around my father's old WWII airbase at Cheddington. Boy, and what a
thrill ! It was a most perfect day and I took lots of pictures. Seeing the
country from above was so very beautiful, but undoubtedly very different from
what my father experienced. The next thrill for us was with Chas's Uncle Terry
and his wife Christine who took Pam and me to see the Rothschild estate at
Waddesdon. The mansion with its wine cellar, aviary and gardens, were simply
the most beautiful and magnificent I have ever seen !
Next we attended the RAF100 Group Association annual reunion near Oulton where
I was asked to be guest speaker. There we met our Welsh friends, the Brendan
Maguire family and along with Chas and his girlfriend Heda visited the
fantastic City of Norwich Aviation Museum where we saw the RAF100 Group and
36th Squadron exhibits plus many static display aircraft such as the British
Vulcan. For another fun time we visited nearby Blickling Hall, the lovely home
of Ann Boleyn.
Once at the RAF100 Group Association reunion yours truly was asked to join the
board. How honored and proud it made me to have been elected to represent the
36th Squadron in such a fine organization.* Later on we all gathered at the
Oulton memorial to acknowledge the contributions of the RAF100 Group in which
my father's squadron served. Poems were read in their memory as a gentle
breeze blew and birds sang nearby. Finally, taps was played after a prayer
then a few moments of silence. Before the crowd dispersed the audience looked
to the sky to witness a flypast by a Navion, an American Air Force WWII era
training aircraft. It certainly put on quite a show for everyone. We really
loved it !
That evening was the grand event with an excellent dinner followed by my
speech. Of course my speech with slide show centered on the 36th Squadron and
its service in partnership with the RAF. My speech naturally included my
father, his crew and the fate of the Lt. Boehm crew and the B24, The JIGS UP,
the Liberator my father's crew nicknamed. How thrilling it was to meet and
talk to the veterans of the RAF100 Group, some of which aided in the sinking
of the German battleship Tirpitz. From comments by the audience my speech and
slide show on the 36th was well received.
Before returning home Chas's girlfriend Heda took us on a tour of Bletchley
Park where the British codebreakers broke the German Enigma code in WWII. That
place was simply fantastic especially after seeing the movie The Imitation
Game on our flight over. It's a great movie. Check it out. Finally, just
recently I received a copy of a letter from Air Vice Marshal Addison, who led
RAF100 Group to a Mr. J.E.S. Cooper of the Air Ministry at Bletchley Park
indicating the 36th Squadron in flying operations with the RAF had dealings
with the codebreakers and were linked with them in sharing valuable
information. See the letter posted here.
So yes, what fantastic time for us ! We"re sure looking forward to our next
trip over !!
*As a new committee member to the RAF100 Group Association I would welcome and
invite everyone interested in the air operations of the 803rd & 36th Bomb
Squadron Radar Counter Measure units and the RAF100 Group to join the
association and receive its quarterly news magazine Confound and Destroy. Just
email me at smhutton@36rcm.com to receive a membership form and information.
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Pam, me & Navion |
Oulton Memorial |
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Bletchley Park |
Over Cheddington |
Letter to Bletchley Park |
December 2014
Seventy years on, the Welsh people have done it again
" honoring the Gremlins
! Airmen of the Lt. Harold Boehm crew and the 36th Squadron B24 Liberator
nicknamed The JIGS UP have a new memorial in Wales. From all information
received from my Welsh friend Brendan Maguire and Holyhead Town Counselor,
Jeff Evans who rallied their countrymen and women, the entire occasion and
ceremony of Dec. 20th was a terrific success. All this thanks due to a bit of
help and inspiration by Bill Edsel, a fellow North Carolinian !!
Adding a most special touch in remembrance, at 5:30pm on the evening of Dec.
22, 2014, exactly 70 years after the tragedy, Brendan returned to the new
memorial with his violin and played a tribute " the song Danny Boy in tribute
to the service and sacrifice of the American airmen.
How it wonderful it is to see the airmen of the squadron
" Gremlins of the
36th being honored with a new memorial. What a wonderful thing the Welsh have
done again ! My deepest thanks go to them !
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New 36BS Marker |
Brendan Maguire & Col. Travis Willis |
New 36BS Wales Memorial |
May 2014
In May at the invitation of Janine Bradley, the Secretary for the RAF 100
Group Association my wife Pam and I journeyed to England to attend the RAF 100
Group reunion in Norwich. To begin our visit we booked a B&B near Cromer, a
coastal town by the North Sea. My father and I had stayed in Cromer back in
"89 when we were traveling about from town to town with the Syd Lawrence
Orchestra enjoying their big band gigs. You might say we were big band
roadies!
To start off on Friday, May 9 Pam and I drove through the lovely seaside town
past its 14th century parish church. Driving on looking out across the North
Sea I could not help but remember it was there on Feb. 5, 1945 that all of Lt.
John McKibben's crew of ten was lost during a 36th Squadron mission.
Later that day we visited the City of Norwich Aviation Museum and were most
happy to see our Welsh friends Brendan Maguire and his lovely wife Ann plus
English friends Chas Jellis and girlfriend Heda Kootz. It was there for the
first time we met Janine Bradley and her husband Tony. What a grand gathering
of like minded enthusiasts it was! Inside the museum features RAF 100 Group
exhibits that included the 803rd/36th Bomb Squadron display with some items I
contributed some years ago. Outside the museum is a nice collection of
aircraft on static display including a British Vulcan and Nimrod. What a
thrill I had climbing into those cockpits!
Saturday morning I attended the group's annual general meeting, saw the
election of new officers and heard the latest association news and reports. It
was announced during the meeting of an upcoming book entitled: RAF 100 Group - Kindred Spirits, Personal Experiences of RAF & USAAF on Secret Norfolk
Airfields during WWII. The book brings together voices of those who served 100
Group during the war. The publishers are making the first 100 books
"collectables", including signatures of veterans from RAF 100 Group and the
8AF. Janine wrote the main portion concerning the RAF100 Group and I wrote the
chapter on the 36th Gremlins. The book is scheduled for release on Veterans
Day this year.
The main event Saturday afternoon saw our gathering of the group veterans,
association members and friends to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the RAF
100 Group Oulton memorial. Speakers included Phil James, MBE, the new
president of the group association, Roger Dobson, its new group chairman and
223 Squadron spokesman Richard Forder. Lying in front of the memorial stone
were rows of crosses representing the airmen lost during the many RAF 100
Group operations
At that night's dinner guest speaker John Lilley presented a most interesting
story concerning the new construction of an RAF Mosquito fighter bomber while
we enjoyed a delicious meal. What I enjoyed most, however, was meeting and
hearing the stories from the veterans who served with 100 Group. Some of the
stories were of missions supporting the attack on Germany's mighty battleship Tirpitz.
On Sunday afternoon we went to Blickling Hall, a most beautiful English estate
where my father, his brother Marion and Andrew Sturm in my father's crew
visited during the war. There we met Geoff Sykes, the curator for the National
Trust whom I had been corresponding with. Geoff gave us a splendid tour
detailing the history of Blickling Hall and its wartime military quarters. He
showed us the expanded 803rd/36th display and accepted my gift of an 8AF
cigarette case to be exhibited.
On Monday, after the reunion Pam and I traveled south toward my father's old
airbase at Cheddington to visit and stay with Chas and his mother Irene. Irene
was such a fine and generous hostess and cooked us a delicious English
breakfast each morning. Chas and Heda took me to the gunnery range at the old
base where Chas picked up a spent WWII round. Of course I had to stop at the
airfield memorial by main gate for a Kodak moment. Later on we also climbed
the Ivinghoe Beacon for a splendid view of the area, took in the Pitstone
museum where I climbed into a mock cockpit of a British Lancaster, and visited
lovely Ashridge with its most beautiful Bluebell Woods.
How grand it was to spend time with Heda, Chas, his Mum, his uncle Tich and
lovely wife Christine and friend Joe Marling. We all went out and feasted at a
local pub and enjoyed the local brews.
Yes, it sure was great fun for me and Pam being with old friends again and
also making new friends. Finally in the end, in doing and seeing these special
things I think my father and the Gremlins would have been proud.
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At Cheddington memorial |
RAF100 GP Vets |
Chas, Me, Janine, Tony & Brendan |
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803BS Blickling Display |
36BS Norwich display |
Blickling RAF100 GP display |
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August 2012
Thanks to the wonderful efforts of British friends Heda Kootz and Chas Jellis we learn that 36th Bomb Squadron memorials there in England honoring the Lt. Landberg crew in Ivinghoe and the Lt. McCarthy crew in Long Marston are now included within the United Kingdom Inventory of War Memorials. These Gremlin memorials were dedicated in 2009 and 2011. Thank you Heda and Chas !
June 2011
News stories concerning the Long Marston, England memorial ceremony and
activities honoring those of Lt. Louis McCarthy's crew and the crash 36th Bomb
Squadron B24 Liberator Beast of Bourbon appear in the 8th Air Force News
Magazine, the Long Marston, England Village News, and the RAF 100 Group
Newsletter.
May 2011
Memorial Activities for the 36th Bomb Squadron Radar
Counter Measure Unit
Honoring the Gremlins and the Lt. Louis McCarthy Crew
" May 2011
My wife Pam and I returned to England in May where we attended the last memorial
ceremony to honor the airmen of the 36th Bomb Squadron Radar Counter Measure
Unit " the "Gremlins" as they were called. In all there were fifteen Americans
that traveled to Long Marston. The purpose of the visit was to remember and pay
homage to ten airmen of the Lt. Louis McCarthy crew involved in the morning
take-off crash of the B24 Liberator, #42-50385, R4-H nicknamed Beast of Bourbon.
The crash occurred in the village of Long Marston on the morning of February 19,
1945. Three airmen of the crew perished. Those killed were ball turret gunner
Pvt. Fred Becker, tail gunner S/Sgt. Carl Lindquist and waist gunner Pvt. Howard
Haley. The cause of the crash was instrument failure and poor weather
conditions.
The guests to the British making the trip included Des Howarth, the navigator on
the B24 when it crashed, squadron pilot Art Brusila and his tail gunner Gordon
Caulkins. Ernie Lamson, an 82nd Airborne paratrooper was there to honor his
brother Walter who had been killed in an earlier squadron crash. Also in
attendance were squadron family members and eight children of the veterans.
Joining the group was Lt. Col. Shannon Driscoll, the commanding officer of the
36th Electronic Warfare Squadron. The 36EWS is the grandchild of World War II's
unit.
As the son of a squadron tail gunner and the 8th Air Force Historical Society
36BS unit contact, I organized and promoted the final reunion from the U.S.
side. My good English friend Chas Jellis who had previously established a 36BS
memorial to the Lt. Landberg crew in November 2009 was again in charge of
efforts on the English side. Chas, along with girlfriend Heda Kootz and their
team created the memorial by promoting it before the village leaders, especially
Mike Tomlinson, the chairman of the Tring Rural Parish Council and then
organized events to support the celebration. And what a splendid job they did !
Saturday May 7th, the day of the memorial ceremony began with low clouds and
showers. Clearing just before the ceremony Des, Art, Gordon, and Ernie arrived
to a crowded memorial site in a beautifully restored 1939 Chrysler staff car. A
wonderful applause from the large audience greeted them. Included in the
ceremony were honor guard riflemen, a USAF color party and WWII re-enactors
dressed in original period uniforms who came from all over Britain to attend.
Chas took the podium welcoming the American guests and greeting everyone then
followed a prayer by Vicar Jane Bannister who blessed the ceremonial gathering.
The navigator during the crash Des Howarth next spoke to the crowd remembering
that day of the fateful B24 crash. Beside the new memorial which rests along
side the existing village World War I and World War II memorial stood
re-enactors " men wearing original flight gear " a B24 "Ghost crew" representing
the entire Lt. McCarthy crew. With the display of "Old Glory", the British
national colors, the 36th Squadron flag and a salute " the unique memorial that
included a boulder from Cheddington, the old airbase as a backdrop was unveiled.
The American flag was folded by two uniformed sentries and then given to the
parade commander who presented the flag to Des Howarth.
Taps was played followed by numerous wreaths laid at the base of the beautiful
memorial. It was so wonderful ! Many tears of remembrance and joy were visible
within the crowd. Soon appearing in the skies overhead could be heard sound of a
roaring reciprocating engine from a British Hawker Hurricane fighter of Battle
of Britain fame. What we all saw next was not just a flypast, but more like an
air show as the aircraft flipped and turned and flew loops, spins and circles
above us.
Next came my speech citing from Squadron of Deception about the crash of the
Beast, but also about the American-British cooperation in the radar
countermeasure program. The 36th had flown half of its missions with the British
Royal Air Force 100 Group. Afterwards Lt. Col. Shannon Driscoll, commanding
officer of the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron based at Eglin AFB, FL. spoke
proudly of the similarities between World War II's squadron and today's unit.
Finally capping off the special event Chas's girlfriend Heda read letters from
representatives of the Queen, Britain's Prime Minister's office and from Prince
Andrew congratulating all for efforts in establishing the memorial and giving
best wishes to the Gremlins and everyone there. It turned out that the media and press coverage Chas
arranged included a BBC TV segment and four local newspaper reports. Wow !!
That evening Chas arranged for all to gather at Long Marston village meeting
hall for a 1940's dance. The place was packed ! We enjoyed seeing many of those
among us smiling, savoring British ales and cutting a rug !
The next day Sunday, Chas and our gang of supporters minus squadron member
Gordon Caulkins who unfortunately had taken ill, visited the American War
Memorial Cemetery at Cambridge to view the graves of 36BS airmen Lt. Walter
Lamson and Pfc. Leonard Smith and pay our respects. These men were killed in the
November 1944 B24 crash. The two are buried along side one another. Ernie Lamson,
Walter's brother paid special tribute to their sacrifice. After Cambridge, it
was then on to Duxford " England's premier RAF museum and the American Air
Museum. There we saw many vintage aircraft and especially a B24 on static
display " a Liberator like that of the 36th Bomb Squadron. There Des and Art
were able to get a close-up view of their old bird.
On Monday May 9th, the last day of events Chas had all of the American guests
and enthusiasts travel by coach to Cheddington airfield - the Gremlins old
airbase. The weather was beautiful most unlike days when the squadron would fly.
At the base we saw many of the wartime buildings still standing although many
now derelict. With South End Hill in the background our group paused for a photo
op. Soon we met Roger Watts of the Cheddington Airfield Aviation Society who
took Des and Art up in his Pulsar airplane to view and buzz their former airbase
for old times sake. All who gathered smiled, many with watery eyes for this was
most likely the last time Gremlins would fly over the old Cheddington airbase.
Later that day Chas, Des, Art, Ernie, Shannon and the rest of us walked the
public path and crash site to see the field where the Beast of Bourbon B24 went
down. How so profoundly moving it was to hear Des tell of the horrible tragedy
and the loss of his crewmembers.
So, in the end it was mission accomplished ! Maximum effort once again was given
to having a beautiful memorial in England established to honor the Gremlins of
the 36th Bomb Squadron. My special thanks go to Chas and Heda, their work
associates and to the people in the village of Long Marston for making this
memorial possible. The experience we shared with the veterans, their families,
the American military, and our British friends shall hold a lasting special
place in our hearts. (See media coverage in Links.)
(Click for larger image)
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My English friend Chas Jellis by our memorial |
We salute the Gremlins |
Lt. Louis McCarthy crew |
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Our group at Cheddington |
Iredell Hutton's original photo of Beast of Bourbon |
Me, Lt. Col. Driscoll & Wg Cdr Stubbington |
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Des buckles in
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Des over Cheddington |
Art Brusila, 36BS pilot goes up |
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Des ponders crash site
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March 2011
Posted to the HOME Page Gremlin pilot Royce Kittle's original 36th Bomb Squadron
movie clips showing the Kittle crew along with pilot Roy Rayner and his co-pilot
Art Colwell plus squadron B24 Liberators. Enjoy this exciting new feature
illustrating 36th Squadron during its glory days !
October 2010
To All Gremlins, Veterans, and their Families:
There will be a final memorial ceremony and celebration honoring the Mighty
Eighth Air Force's 36th Bomb Squadron Radar Counter Measure Unit in England on
May 7, 2011. At that time a memorial shall be dedicated in the village of Long
Marston remembering the service and sacrifice of airmen Fred Becker, Howard
Haley, and Carl Lindquist of the Lt. Louis McCarthy crew that perished in the
take-off crash of the B24 Liberator nicknamed Beast of Bourbon. To give tribute
for this fitting occasion John "Des" Howarth, the crew navigator will be in
attendance along with his son Brian plus other British and American military
representatives and veterans. Of course, my wife Pam and I will be there.
Our good English friend Chas Jellis, who established a memorial there in England
last November honoring the Gremlins - those of the 36th Squadron is again my
point man and organizer for this final squadron event. Along with the ceremony
tentative plans for the three day event also include a visit to Station 113
Cheddington, the old airbase of the squadron along with a trip to Duxford to
tour the American Air Museum. A flypast shall be requested by the air force for
the big day.
Although in the past we have made memorials honoring the airmen of the squadron
at the U.S. Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, at Ford End Farm in Ivinghoe,
England, at Breakwater Park in Holyhead Wales, and at the North Carolina
Military History Museum at Fort Fisher, NC, this shall be the last official
squadron gathering.
Anyone interested in attending or wishing to contribute to this final memorial
event honoring the 36th Bomb Squadron Gremlins, please contact me at
919-772-8413 or email smhutton@36rcm.com so I can provide further details.
March 2010
The 8th Air Force News Magazine and the RAF 100 Group Newsletter give news
stories reporting the Ivinghoe, England memorial ceremony and activities
honoring those of Lt. Norman Landberg's crew and the crash of the 36th Bomb
Squadron B24 Liberator # 42-51219.
November 2009
Memorial Activities for the 36th Bomb Squadron Radar Counter Measure Unit
and the Lt. Norman Landberg Crew November 2009
My wife Pam and I returned from Ivinghoe, England last November where I was invited by my English friend Chas Jellis to speak at a memorial ceremony to honor the Gremlins as they were called airmen of the 36th Bomb Squadron Radar Counter Measure (RCM) Unit and airmen of the Lt. Norman Landberg crew in particular. Pilot Norman Landberg and his tailgunner George Eberwine were there to meet again and to dedicate a memorial at the place where their B24 Liberator, #42-51219, R4-I had crashed at Ford End Farm 65 years ago. It was there in a field on the night of November 15, 1944 that squadron navigator Lt. Walter Lamson and aerial gunner Pfc. Leonard Smith of the Landberg crew perished.
Chas and his girlfriend Heda Kootz produced a magnificent experience for Norman, George and all those in attendance. During this time Norman had his grandson Chris traveling with him and George had his daughter Rosemary. Chas and Heda had spent a year organizing the events that included much activity.
On Saturday, November 14th, the first day Chas, Heda, Norman, George, and a large group of we enthusiasts traveled by coach to Cheddington airfield - the Gremlins old airbase. The weather was cold with rain and drizzle a day not unlike when the squadron would fly. There we saw remaining taxiways and many of the wartime buildings still standing the guard house, the parachute packing building, the canteen, administration buildings, the Nissen huts, and others. With South End Hill in the background our group paused for a Kodak moment. The hill served as a prominent WWII guide for the B17's and B24's to land at the airfield. Then the rain came a pouring so it was back to our coach.
That evening Chas arranged for all to gather at Ivinghoe Meeting Hall for a 1940's dance and a traditional fish and chips dinner. We enjoyed seeing pretty girls in WAAF uniforms and guys in Army GI outfits all dancing, cutting a rug ! The packed hall also included displays of bits and pieces of 36th Bomb Squadron B24 aircraft and other British and American wartime artifacts for all to peruse. Following the meal were speeches by Chas, George, and myself and we all socialized in great fun and harmony.
Sunday, the day of the memorial ceremony turned breezy, sunny and bright. Before the ceremony started Norman and George arrived to a crowded memorial site in a beautifully restored 1939 Chrysler staff car. A wonderful applause from the large audience greeted them. It appeared that hundreds were there. The ceremony itself included honor guard riflemen, an active duty USAF color party, the Royal British Legion, WWII re-enactors dressed in original period uniforms who came from all over Britain to attend, along with a large assembly of military vehicles. With American Air Force commanders from Alconbury and Waddington and a RAF commander from RAF Halton among the crowd a USAF Chaplain from Molesworth and a local Vicar, Tracy Doyle blessed the memorial. Chas took the podium greeting everyone and then spoke the details of the nighttime B24 crash. Next came my speech concerning the 36th - the Squadron of Deception, the American-British cooperation in the countermeasure campaign, and the contributions of the squadron to the war effort. The 36th had flown half of its missions in night operations with the Royal Air Force. Finally time came for unveiling the memorial. Old Glory, the red, white, and blue 48 star American flag was removed to reveal the beautiful black stone and brick memorial. In the background, just behind the new memorial stood nine men wearing original flight gear - a B24 Ghost crew representing the entire Lt. Landberg crew. The flag was folded by two uniformed sentries, then given to the Parade Commander who then presented the flag to Norman. Taps was played followed by numerous wreaths laid at the base of the memorial. It was so wonderful ! Capping off the special event Chas read a letter from Britain's Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales who congratulated Chas for organizing the memorial ceremony and gave his best wishes to Chas, Norman and George, and everyone there. Wow !!
After the ceremony it was my pleasure to see my Welsh friends Brendan and Ann Maguire along with their daughter Hayley and her new husband Jason. Some years ago Brendan retrieved a piece of the propeller blade from the 36th Bomb Squadron B24, The JIGS UP that crashed on the edge of Holyhead Mountain and the Irish Sea in December 1944 with the loss of eight men from Lt. Boehm's crew. Brendan was instrumental in establishing a memorial there at Breakwater Park to honor that crew. Another treat was meeting Eric Dickens, whose father T.C. Dickens was the Station Commander of RAF Oulton when the 803rd Bomb Squadron (Provisional) formed in March 1944. The 803rd was soon to evolve into the 36th Bomb Squadron Radar Counter Measure Unit. I had corresponded with Eric, a wonderful fellow via email. We both are members of the RAF 100 Group Association.
On Monday Chas, Norman, George, and our gang of supporters visited the American War Memorial at Madingley to view the graves of Lt. Lamson and Pfc. Smith to pay our respects. The two are buried along side one another. Norman and George placed flowers in honor and remembrance of their crewmates. After Madingley, it was then on to Duxford England's premier RAF museum and the American Air Museum. There we saw a B24 on static display a Liberator like that of the 36th Bomb Squadron.
Lastly, the day before we returned home Chas and his father Reg took Norman, his grandson Chris, along with Pam and I to see the crash site where Norman's Liberator went down. How so profoundly moving ! We found it most amazing that we were still able to pick up wreckage bits and pieces from that crash of so very long ago. I believe the camaraderie we shared during this time with our veterans, their family, and our British friends shall forever remain in our hearts. (See media coverage in Links.)
(See Pictures Below)
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George Eberwine, tail gunner and Norman Landberg his pilot at memorial
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Our group at the old Cheddington
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(L-R) Chas, Norman, George, and me at Ivinghoe Meeting Hall party
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George and Norman leave flowers on buddies graves at Madingley |
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Ghost Crew
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Official Crew Photo of Lt. Landberg Crew - Walter Lamson is standing second from right and Leonard Smith is kneeling at right end |
April 2009
I have recently heard from my good English friend Chas Jellis about an upcoming special ceremony there in Great Britain to honor airmen of the 36th Bomb Squadron. The event is scheduled for noon on Sunday, November 15th, 2009 near Station 113 Cheddington the Gremlins old World War II airbase. The ceremony is to dedicate a memorial to honor and remember the 36th Bomb Squadron and pilot Lt. Norman Landberg's two crewmen, navigator Lt. Walter Lamson and gunner, Pfc. Leonard Smith who perished in a take-off crash 65 years ago. Program arrangements are now in the process of being made. If anyone reading this would enjoy traveling to Great Britain during this time to attend, please let me know so I can send program details as they develop. Contact me via my email address seen at the bottom of this page.
May 2008
I visited the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida to attend the change-of-command ceremony for the new commanding officer. There I was given a tour of the facility with its new Heritage and Grotto Room. To honor the World Was II veterans the squadron hallways were adorned with enlarged framed photographs of the Gremlins with their B24 Liberators. As a gift for my visit the outgoing squadron commander presented me with their challenge coin, #219 which just happens to be the side number of the 36BS B24, R4-I that crashed at Cheddington on 11/15/44. It's an impressive coin that features the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron insignia on one side and the Air Force eagle on the other with the words "You'll Never See Us Coming" and "We Strengthen the Shield."
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36EWS Major Andy Proud by WWII Gremlin hall photograph |
Framed photo of 36BS B24 Liberator nicknamed
Strictly
Victory adorns 36EWS wall |
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36th Electronic Warfare Squadron Challenge Coin |
Reverse - 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron Challenge Coin |
March 2007
S/Sgt. Stanley Walsh - The Man Who Made the Gremlin display was created and presented to the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida.
Stanley Walsh - The Man Who Made the Gremlin
July 2005
36th Bomb Squadron RCM Bits and Pieces display formerly on display at the 8th Air Force Heritage Museum, Savannah, Georgia was relocated to the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida at the request of the commanding officer, Lt. Col. John T. Hap Arnold.
36EWS Major Andy Proud and myself with display at Eglin AFB
September 2003
Verification was received from the U.S. Air Force Historical Research Agency that 36th Bomb Squadron Radar Countermeasure Unit veterans are entitled to wear the blue and gold Distinguished Unit Citation ribbon.
June 2002
36th Bomb Squadron Reunion - Dayton, Ohio - June 6-8
Our 36th Bomb Squadron reunion began at 2:00pm on Thursday June the 6th when everyone met at the Hope Hotel and Conference Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. I introduced our special guests, Arbutus Topliff, Virginia Chatfield, and Alberta Tagtmeyer, who are the sisters of Charles Dautel of Lt. Boehm's crew, William M. Dub Vandegriff of the 95th Bomb Group Association, and Deacon Joseph Melita, the radio operator from Lt. Sandberg's crew. Deacon Melita officiated and led us in all our blessings and prayers of Thanksgiving during our celebration. From overseas our friends Chas and Debbie Jellis from England joined us again for another reunion. They traveled to Dayton with friends Norman Landberg, a 36th Bomb Squadron pilot and his wife Elizabeth. Those who attended the 2000 Savannah reunion remember the connection between Norman and Chas. Chas again brought some mementos from England, bits and pieces of 36th Bomb Squadron aircraft that had crashed in his neighborhood.
On the display tables were 36th Bomb Squadron Radar Countermeasure (RCM) unit memorabilia and albums showing photographs that I collected during my research, plus items brought by the veterans who are known as the Gremlins.
To start off I briefed everyone on the schedule of upcoming reunion events. Following my brief we viewed a 10 minute video titled The Mighty 8th Air Force Story, provided by the Commanding Officer 8th Air Force at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. That seemed to stir the gray matter for the vets and offered all of us a good glimpse of what the 8th Air Force was all about.
After the video it was Hanger Flying time, allowing our veterans the opportunity to take the podium to speak about their days in the Gremlin radar countermeasure squadron. This was an informal thing and the audience enjoyed some personal stories offered by 36BS pilots Art Brusila, Paul Pond, and navigator Des Howarth.
At 6:00pm we ate and then following our
dinner I spoke about the 803rd Bomb Squadron, the fledgling electronic
warfare unit that was to become the 36th, and their first mission on the
morning before D-Day. Our featured guest speaker that evening was William
M. Dub Vandegriff, President of the 95th Bomb Group Association
who spoke on the role of his outfit during WWII and their association
with the 803rd. We heard that not only is the 95th known for sending men
to start the 803rd, but it was the 95th that put the 8th Air Force's
first B17's over Berlin in March of 1944. Joining Dub from the 95th
was Col. Bill Owen who was the pilot of the first B17 to bomb Berlin.
On Friday, June 7 at 8am, before the U.S. Air Force
Museum officially opened to the general public, our group gathered at
the museum. There the veteran Gremlins were able to get inside to view
and enjoy an up close and personal long look at a B24 Liberator
and B17 Flying Fortress similar to what the 36th Bomb Squadron flew during
World War II. WKEF-TV, NBC-22 was there to cover this event and interviewed
some of the men. After viewing these aircraft everyone was free to conduct
their own self-guided tour and visit other hangers and exhibits. Pam and
I, along with my Mom and Dad, and brother
Henry took in the IMAX and saw a fascinating movie about the International
Space Station.
Seeing the USAF Museum is such a wonderful thrill. It is the largest aviation museum in the world with 10 acres of exhibits featuring over 300 aircraft and missiles, and includes thousands of personal artifacts, documents, photos, and mementos.
Now the highlight of our reunion celebration was to unveil a memorial plaque to honor the men of the 36th Bomb Squadron. This took place at the U.S. Air Force Memorial Park. Everyone arrived at 11:30am to commence the ceremony. Again, WKEF-TV was there to capture the story. Diane Zukoski, the Special Events Coordinator for the USAF Museum opened the ceremony by welcoming everyone and introducing me as the MC. I first introduced our special guests and then our Air Force honor guard was posted. Next Deacon Joe Melita came forward and offered a prayer remembering the men the squadron had lost during World War II. After that I asked 803BS aerial gunner Jack Kings and 36BS navigator Chris Chrisner to come forward to unveil the 36th Bomb Squadron memorial plaque. They lowered the drape and it revealed a beautiful bronze and gold plaque. After the unveiling taps was played by Keith Brown. Next pilot Art Brusila representing the 36th Bomb Squadron gave a Certificate of Presentation to Maj. Gen. Ray Moorman who represented the USAF Museum. Following the presentation I told the audience to expect an Air Force B52 Stratofortress flyover to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the Gremlins. Initially my plans had called for a B52 Stratofortress and a B1 Lancer to fly over at high noon, however, I was notified just before the ceremony that the Pentagon was canceling the B1's participation. This I told to our gathering.
The weather that morning had started out
clear, but by the time our service started an overcast to broken ceiling
of clouds had formed. Right on time and just as scheduled at twelve o'clock,
upon hearing a tremendous noise from above the clouds, the audience looked
up and saw a big black B52 punch a hole through the ceiling and come roaring
over. Everyone stared in awe. Then after only a dozen seconds or so we
saw the Stratofortress drop its tail, begin climbing and finally disappear
into the clouds. Wow! What a thrill! Some sixty seconds later another
roar was heard. I figured it must be the B52 coming back around for another
pass, like what we had seen in Savannah at our 2000 reunion. However,
to our shock and amazement a black B1 Lancer with its sleek and elegant
profile came streaking past. Everyone was so astounded, especially me.
This was not supposed to happen because as far as I knew the Pentagon
had restricted our ceremony to only one aircraft. I later learned that
the B1 Lancer squadron had still scheduled their aircraft to operate in
the traffic pattern at Wright-Patterson AFB and that air traffic control
conveniently put the aircraft over Memorial Park at 12:01pm in order to
accommodate us. It was so stunning! I believe that we all felt tremendous
pleasure and satisfaction in knowing that today's Air Force was
paying special recognition to the Gremlins in such a grand way
by providing a double flyover.
After the ceremony we all broke for lunch. Then some our group continued
to tour the aviation museum and some of us, including myself returned
to Hope Hotel to continue our camaraderie and fellowship.
That evening at 6:00pm we again gathered for our dinner and festivities. The folks at Hope Hotel placed a wide screen TV in our banquet room where we all were thrilled to witness WKEF's coverage of our reunion. It was fantastic. Deacon Melita then offered our blessing to the Almighty and we ate. Following the meal I gave my speech on the history and the accomplishments of the 36th. Capping off the evening Lt. Col. Luke Shingledecker, the new incoming Commanding Officer of the present day 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron spoke to the audience about the mission of the squadron today. How satisfying it was for us to hear that the lifesaving efforts of the 36th continues into the 21st century in hi-tech fashion.
On Saturday, June 8th the last day of our celebration we gathered at 10:00am at Memorial Park, the site of the newly dedicated 36th Bomb Squadron memorial for a final prayer and farewell. I addressed the audience and thanked everyone for coming. Deacon Melita then came forward and offered a prayer of Thanksgiving and remembrance. Next for the audience I read from Squadron of Deception, S/Sgt. Arthur Clemens favorite poem titled Be Strong. The poem is just as powerful and fitting today as it was back then.
Ending our service Deacon Melita came forward again and read the 23rd Psalms. He then asked the Almighty to give us safe journey as we parted ways. But as we were beginning to leave squadron mechanic Kent MacGillivray stepped up and showed me something that he had had during the war. It was a poem titled The Mechanics 23rd Psalm. I immediately spoke up and stopped everyone from leaving and read the poem. It was just great!
So, in summary I think I can safely say that we all truly had a wonderful experience in Dayton, enjoying the tremendous museum, our memorial ceremony, good fellowship, delicious food, fun, and remembrance.
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A U.S. Air Force B52 bomber honors Gremlins of the 36th Bomb Squadron RCM with a flyover at their 2002 reunion in Dayton, Ohio |
Veterans of the 36th Bomb Squadron in Dayton, Ohio |
A U.S. Air Force B1 bomber surprises the Gremlins of the 36th Bomb Squadron RCM with a second aircraft flyover |
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36th Bomb Squadron RCM Memorial Plaque |
June 2001
The Air Classics magazine (Volume 37, No.7) issue features part one of an article about World War II's Squadron of Deception. Part two coming in July.
October 2000
36th Bomb Squadron airmen and their families gathered in Savannah, Georgia at the Mighty 8th Air Force Heritage Museum for their 2000 reunion. This wonderful gathering was a resounding success. The entire experience exceeded my wildest expectations and dreams. Here is a rundown on what happened.
First, on Wednesday afternoon, October 11th seventy-some attendees flowed into the High Wycombe Room of the Mighty 8th Air Force Heritage Museum to register for the event and to join in fellowship and remembrance. On display for guests to see were many squadron photographs, research material, and memorabilia. I had my book Squadron of Deception on hand for sale (at a discount) plus I signed many others the folks brought from home. Before our evening dinner I spoke to everyone telling them of the next day's events and ceremonies. We then enjoyed our meal with delightful conversation and fellowship.
Thursday morning there was an unveiling of a display I created featuring bits and pieces from five of the six B24 Liberators that the 36th Squadron lost. The unveiling of this beautiful mahogany framed, double matted display was performed by Arbutus Topliff and Louis McCarthy. Arbutus's brother was Charles Dautel who was with Lt. Boehm's crew which was lost to the Irish Sea in December 1944. Louis was a pilot who lost three men of his crew in a take-off crash in February 1945. For me, the ceremony was very moving. Wade Scrogham, Director of Collections and Exhibits accepted this display on behalf of the museum. On hand were two Savannah TV stations cover this event and interview squadron members and guests.
Following the presentation everyone viewed a World War II home movie made at Alconbury, England airfield in 1945 by 36BS pilot Lt. Royce Kittle. The film was just beautiful. I know it brought laughs and tears to the eyes of many. After the movie we all moved outside under beautiful crystal clear blue skies to witness a U.S. Air Force B1 bomber in a flyover to honor the Gremlins - the men of the 36th Squadron. The B1 bomber flyover passed first from South to North and then from East to West. This sight gave us all a great rush and thrill. At that moment I believe we all knew and realized that the work of the this secret WWII outfit was appreciated and recognized by our present day Air Force. After the flyover all the Gremlins gathered in front of the museum flagpole for a group photograph.
On Thursday evening we all gathered in the museum's art gallery for dinner and to listen to our speakers. I began with my speech on the life of the 36th and detailed some of its missions and accomplishments. I was followed by Chas Jellis, a British crash researcher who spoke of his finding bits and pieces of two squadron aircraft in his backyard near Cheddington, England. Because of this research, Chas and Norman Landberg, a pilot of one of these aircraft and also in attendance, have become friends. Chas presented Norman with a special gift in friendship. He then offered 36BS B24 bits and pieces mementos to anyone wanting them.
Topping off the night's festivities was a speech by Major Wayne Canipe, the Assistant Operations Officer of today's 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron. Major Canipe spoke on the current activities of the squadron which involves operational testing and reprogramming of all electronic warfare systems in America's combat Air Forces. His speech was very interesting. Major Canipe then gave both Dad and I a beautiful oak framed display featuring the insignias of the 36th Bomb Squadron of 1945 and the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron of today. This priceless gift shall always hold a special place in our hearts. He also gave out 36EWS patches to all wanting one.
Time seemed to pass too soon and our festivities
came to a close. Long good-bye hugs, handshakes, and goodwill filled the
room from end to end. I believe I can say we all experienced a most memorable
and wonderful time.
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Gremlins of the 36th Bomb Squadron rally around the flagpole in front of the Mighty 8th Air Force Heritage Museum during their reunion on October 12, 2000 |
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Display honoring the Gremlins presented to the Mighty 8th Air Force Heritage Museum featuring "Bits & Pieces" of 36th Bomb Squadron B24 Liberators |
A U.S. Air Force B1 bomber honors Gremlins of the 36th Bomb Squadron RCM with a flyover at their 2000 reunion in Savannah |
May 2000
My wife Pam and I traveled to France and Great Britain. There I found bits and pieces from crash sites of 36th Bomb Squadron B24 Liberators to be displayed in an exhibit to honor airmen of the secret squadron.
February 2000
The 36th Bomb Squadron RCM Internet web site at http://www.36rcm.com goes
on line for the whole world to see and enjoy.
August 23, 1999
Schiffer Publishing Ltd. announces release of 803rd & 36th Bomb Squadron
RCM unit history book titled
Squadron of
Deception by Stephen Hutton. This book is now on sale through the publisher, at
most Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores and also at Amazon.com
on the Internet.
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Father and son with
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August 19, 1999
In order to compliment a Royal Air Force 100 Group memorabilia display
at the City of Norwich, England Aviation Museum, I, Stephen Hutton contributed
thirty-six items to represent the 8th Air Force's 803rd & 36th
Bomb Squadrons RCM. These items included an 8th Air Force officer's
dress jacket, an A2 leather flight jacket, an Eisenhower jacket, a B24
Liberator training manual, a New York Post June 6, 1944 D-Day newspaper,
an American identification recognition pass or blood chit, an airman's
Individual Flight Record or Form 5, plus 28 squadron photographs. These
items can now be seen by former airmen and their families when traveling
that part of Great Britain.
June, 1995
The first 803rd and 36th Bomb Squadron reunion celebration was held in North Carolina in June of 1995. Special guest speakers included Deacon Joseph Melita offering an opening prayer followed by George Hood, President of the Eastern Wing of the North Carolina 8th Air Force Historical Society extending a welcome to the guests. As host, I delivered a speech on 803rd and 36th squadron missions and accomplishments. More guest speakers included, Dr. Daniel Kuehl who spoke on the employment of electronic warfare in the decade after WWII. Next, Col. Damaso Garcia, the past commanding officer of the 36th Engineering and Test Squadron at Eglin AFB, FL. spoke on his Persian Gulf War experiences in electronic counter measures and finally Lt. Col. Grant Herring, the new commanding officer of the 36th Engineering and Test Squadron spoke on today's electronic warfare program and its outlook for the future. A barbeque dinner delighted the crowd with live big band music adding to the joyous mood and group fellowship. Some thirty veterans joined in the festivities along with many family members and friends. A most grand and memorable time was enjoyed by all !
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Gremlins at North Carolina reunion |
March 1994
On Saturday, March 12, 1994 a memorial ceremony was held at the North Carolina
Military History Museum at Ft. Fisher, NC. The occasion was to remember airmen
of the 36th Bomb Squadron. Specifically, the ceremony honored eight airmen of
Lt. Harold Boehm's crew who perished in the Irish Sea after parachuting from the
B24 bomber nicknamed The JIGS UP. Only the pilot and co-pilot survived. The B24
had lost two engines and ran out of gas while attempting to land at Valley,
Wales in foul weather on a cold and dreary night during December 1944. The B24
went on to crash and explode on the edge of Mt. Holyhead where it meets the
Irish Sea. In 1992 Welsh diver Brendan Maguire along with two other divers
retrieved two of the bomber's broken propeller blades from the sea. One blade
forms a memorial in Wales and the other is now displayed at the Ft. Fisher
museum. Iredell Hutton and buddy John Shamp flew many missions as gunners on The
JIGS UP were on another B24 the night of the fateful crash attended the
ceremony. Others joining in the ceremony and celebration were four sisters of
the lost airmen, diver Brendan Maguire and his family and the new commanding
officer of the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron, Lt. Col. Damaso Garcia.
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The JIGS Up display |
Hutton, Lt.Col. Garcia & Shamp |
Sisters of the lost. |
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Gunners Hutton and Shamp |
Brendan & Ann Maguire and Shamp |
Ft. Fisher display |
April 1993
I attended a wonderful memorial ceremony at North Stack, Wales with my father, Iredell Hutton, mother Caroline, and my wife Pam. My father unveiled a fitting memorial to honor airmen of Lt. Harold Boehm's crew lost in Dec. 1944 during the crash of the 36th Bomb Squadron B24 Liberator nicknamed The JIGS UP. Diver Brendan Maguire along with John McGuigan and Graham Wright retrieved a propeller blade from the aircraft from 40 feet below the Irish Sea to be used on the memorial. Brendan rallied the Welsh people to create the memorial near the crash site.
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Iredell Hutton unveils
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Iredell Hutton and
memorial honors |
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Divers McGuigan, Wright & Maguire |
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May 1992
Pam and I visited North Wales to find crash site of my father's B24 Liberator nicknamed The JIGS UP. My father flew many of his 54 missions in The JIGS UP as the tail gunner in the Lt. Mac McCrory crew.
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Iredell Hutton standing
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Stephen and Pam Hutton |
The JIGS UP
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For more information,
questions, or to send photos email Stephen M. Hutton at
ww2ewlib@gmail.com