Six B-29s at RAF Burtonwood November 1946

[Steijger]

Another one on the history of RAF Burtonwoord.

It is widely published that in November 1946, there were six B-29s from the 43rd BG visiting RAF Burtonwood. In some reports, it is suggested that they were deployed there and, from RAF Burtonwood went on to other bases in Europe. In the official SAC documents about this deployment, there is no mention of Burtonwood, since the six B-29s went to Rhein-Main for 'training'. According to newspaper reports of November 1946, these bombers had arrived at the German air base in pairs between November 18 - 20 via Morrison Field in Florida and a stopover at Lajes Air Base, Azores. Where several had to stay over because of bad weather. So, what is the story of the six B-29 at Burtonwood? Did they divert from Lajes and then go on to Rhein-Main? Or did they make a stop-over on the way back in December 1946 - but then via the northern Atlantic route? Is there a reliable source that confirms the visit/deployment?

 

[Sabrejet]

You mention "official SAC documents" - that sounds like a primary source of reliable data; also the 43rd BG records. It sounds like you have the former but have you tried the Group history?

 

[Steijger]

Yes, for instance: SAC Historical Study No. 61 (Declassified IAW HQ SAC 11 Oct 91) and others. I can't find any source for the visit of the 6 B-29 in November 1946 to Burtonwood.

 

[Sabrejet]

Group history then?

 

[buffnut453]

According to Wikipedia "In November, six B-29s bombers from SAC's 43rd Bombardment Group were deployed to Rhein-Main Air Base in Germany, and for nearly two weeks they flew along the borders of Soviet-occupied territories and paid visits to bases of friendly countries, including the UK, thereby evaluating their suitability for future use.[7] None of them were Silverplate bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons; the US had only 17 of these at the time, all of which were assigned to the 509th Bombardment Group at Roswell Army Airfield in New Mexico.[15]"

Seems like any visit to Burtonwood was of very short duration, perhaps just to refuel and prove the B-29 could land and take off from there.

 

[Steijger]

According to Wikipedia "In November, six B-29s bombers from SAC's 43rd Bombardment Group were deployed to Rhein-Main Air Base in Germany, and for nearly two weeks they flew along the borders of Soviet-occupied territories and paid visits to bases of friendly countries, including the UK, thereby evaluating their suitability for future use.[7] None of them were Silverplate bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons; the US had only 17 of these at the time, all of which were assigned to the 509th Bombardment Group at Roswell Army Airfield in New Mexico.[15]"

Seems like any visit to Burtonwood was of very short duration, perhaps just to refuel and prove the B-29 could land and take off from there.

I think so too. What is written about the six B-29s to Burtonwood seems not accurate; sources repeat each other and beef the story up. The B-29 in November were not on deployment, they visited the base, probably just a day or two, likely performing a local mission.

 

[Sabrejet]

Group records?