News & Events
Fred Hitching
We were sad to hear of the passing of Fred Hitching, the co-author of 'The Royal Air Force at Hunsdon 1941-1945', who died on 30th October 2011. Along with his wife Vera, he wrote the highly informative and interesting book of the history of RAF Hunsdon published in 1990.
Fred took part in the Hunsdon memorial dedication in 2005.
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Eric Atkins
Flt Lt Eric Atkins DFC* KW* sadly passed away on 22nd November 2011 at the age of 90. Serving at Hunsdon with 464 (RAAF) Sqn in 1944, Eric was the founder and chairman of the Mosquito Aircrew Association. He led the Act of Remembrance at the unveiling and dedication of the Hunsdon memorial in 2005. To read Eric's obituary click HERE
Bunty Anderson
We are sad to hear that Bunty Anderson passed away on 20th December 2009 at the age of 93.
Bunty drove and worked the YWCA canteen van at RAF Hunsdon throughout the war and took part in the memorial dedication in 2005.
Canadian Film crew at Hunsdon UTB Productions Inc were filming at Hunsdon on Friday the 5th October 2008 for the documentary series Uncovering the Battlefields.
Breakthrough Films & Television sent a crew to shoot scenes for a film about the exploits of 418 Squadron RCAF, who were based at Hunsdon from August to November 1944.
HAMG member Denis Sharp showed historian Norman Christie and the film crew around to explain the airfield layout.The film was shown on Canadian television in 2009.
Amiens Gaol raid anniversary / Remembrance Day
On the 18th of February 1944, 19 de Havilland Mosquitos lifted off from Hunsdon's main runway on a mission that would go down in the annals of RAF history.
In what was later known as (but never officially called) 'Operation Jericho', 21, 464 (RAAF) and 487 (RNZAF) Squadrons raided the prison at Amiens in an operation contrived at short notice to breach the walls of the gaol. The raid was carried out at an extremely low level; the Mosquitoes flying as low as 10 feet. Two of the aircraft failed to return.
Every year a few people gather at Hunsdon airfield to pay their respects to the three airmen lost on the raid. Group Captain Percy 'Pick' Pickard (RAF), Flt Lt Alan Broadley (RAF) and Flt Lt Dick Sampson (RNZAF).
Flt Lt Sampson was navigator to the Australian Squadron Leader Ian McRitchie, McRitchie survived the crash landing with serious injuries.
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Each Remembrance Sunday there is a gathering at the airfield memorial to remember with gratitude those servicemen from ground and air-crews alike, who lost their lives at Hunsdon during 1941-1945.
For several years the RAF has been represented through the Nazeing RAFA association by members Fred Sewell & Roy Howe. Roy served with 38 Group as an airframe fitter working on Short Stirlings and HP Halifax aircraft. He is also the Standard Bearer for the Nazeing branch of the RAFA. Thank you Roy!
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