Wethersfield AFB late 1950s early 1960s

Hello my name is Eddie McDonald. I was in a Dr Barnardo's home at High Garrett, in the late 50s, early 60s and there was a lot of interaction with the local USAF bases in the area and I have fond memories of the American airmen.

Hello Eddie, welcoms to AiX.

A sad start to your life if you were orphaned. I too found that US servicemen went out of their way to be kind to underpriveledged children. At a VE Day street party in London we were served never-before-seen treats by US Army soldiers. my first banana at age five!

PETERTHEEATER;157244 wrote:

Hello Eddie, welcoms to AiX.

A sad start to your life if you were orphaned. I too found that US servicemen went out of their way to be kind to underpriveledged children. At a VE Day street party in London we were served never-before-seen treats by US Army soldiers. my first banana at age five!

Peter,

I wasn't orphaned. My brother and myself went into the home because my parents had split up and my mother couldn't cope. I remember about 1960ish the blue bus from Wethersfield AFB picking us up from the home and taking us to the base for the open day. I got to sit in a nice shiney silver jet and had my first taste of fast food, hot dog n beans and a cold can of Coke I queued up and got a second lot, cos it was all free. Happy days!

Eddie.

Still, a difficult start to life, I hope that you were able to have regular contact with your mother.

Mid '60s I was at Debden and there were regular USAF trainees coming through on the RAF police dog handlers courses. Thsy were TDY supported out of Wethersfield and through them we had convenient access to the PBX for cheap beer. Happily, Amstel was popular so we didn't get fobbed off with 'The beervthat made Milwaukee famous' AKA Budweiser......!

Do you have any airfield images to share?