Remembrance Sunday rideout.

[Noddy]

Thanks to all who turned out, final count was 16. Impressive given that most set of in the pouring rain and strong winds. Nice of Mike, Boxertools, to ride down and meet up. He lives next our third stop off and had to be on duty later. First stop was the Desert Rats Memorial sited on their pre Normandy mission training ground. Second was the airfield at North Pickenham. The original runways preserved under chicken breeding sheds. Bit sad, but thats what has saved them from being broken up and used as hardcore. Windfarm is a bit impressive as well. Any photos ? Third stop was the Memorial at Wendling airfield. Photo shamelessly stolen from Spok. And one of our backmarker for the day Ray. Somebody discovered here that their flask had emptied its contents into their top box. Shame

 

[Noddy]

We had planned on holding the two minutes silence at Wendling but realised that with a bit of a progressive ride we could make Shipdham airfield in time. Just had time to park up and have a read of the memorial plaque on the side of the old control tower, climb the stairs and stand on the open top before the 11th hour. Another shamlessly stolen photo here.

 

[Noddy]

We continued down to Watton, photos needed, anybody ? then around to Deopham Green where we came across the local Scouts group holding their service at the memorial. Nice to see that they still make the effort to remember. A few "Oh my God" looks as we arrived But just local families paying their respects. The local Vicar was a miserable bugger though. Into his car and gone 5 seconds after the service

We had a group ride along one section of the runway here as well.

 

[Noddy]

Then off to Snetterton, can't believe how many who regularly go there had missed this memorial. Stopped and we grabbed some hot food and drinks before setting off to Knettishall. Rode half the perimeter track down to the memorial, took photos and were just setting off again when John, Jaws, discovered a rear puncture. Big lump of flint had done the darstardly deed.
Richard, Wapping, had the plug equiptment and was soon performing surgury
as well as supplying an electric pump. Top man, bet he gets lots of PM's this week Anyway it seemed to work and John set off alone for an early shower.

 

[Noddy]

We lost a lot of time here and decided to skip Fersfield in order to get to Thorpe Abbotts. Lost some more time in Diss as the fuel tankers hadn't delivered to the local garages today, and a couple of bikes were in desperate need of fuel. The group split for the final run to Thorpe Abbotts, but thanks to a member who lives locally and voluanteered to wait and lead them in, the main group set off, we just made it, they are closed for Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb and had agreed to open for us on the 11th. They were locking up the museum when we arrived, but were happy to re-open for us. Fantastic place. So many original photos, drawings, paintings and personal flight records from the crews etc. A must do visit if you are in the area. Could do with a few more photos ifanybody has any!

 

[Twotter]

One of the old runways at North Pickenham. Funny to think that where all those poultry sheds are now there were once the B24 Liberators of the 492nd Bombardment Group (Heavy).

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Even got a bit of wind turbine in there too, and very well placed they were

 

[Twotter]

The RAF Wendling Memorial to the 392nd Bombardment Group (Heavy) flying B-24 Liberators.

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[Twotter]

The control tower at Shipdham where we respected the two minutes silence.

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And the memorial plaque on the side of the building.

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Looking down on the parked up bikes I couldn't help but think of all the people who looked down on the aircraft going out, and returning from those daylight raids.

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[Twotter]

RAF Deopham Green Memorial just after the cubs & scouts had left.

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A view along what's left of one of the old runways.

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[Twotter]

Here is a view of the 96th Bombardment Group Memorial at Snetterton.

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A close up of the dedication panel.

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[RayS]

Rememberance Day

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Here's a few photies from the back! Some are the same!

on top of the Shipdam Control Tower, Watton, Charly, Tony, Jaws (AKA Mr Bling) and a worried looking Noddy!

Still on top of Shipdam Control Tower, 2 lads from Norfolk (names??), Jaws & Son of Jaws

At Watton

Still at Watton, the Propeller Memorial

The Propeller Inscription

Snettisham, we all got this one!

Knettishall

Finally Wapping getting it out for Jaws!

At that point my camera battery gave out, have to charge it next time!

Cheers to all
Ray

 

[(RIP) Boxertools]

Mrs Tools and Master Tools at the Wendling 392nd Bomb Group memorial an hour and a half after a bunch of middle aged over weight bikers had been there.

Great pictures and a great idea.
Keep the memory alive.

M

 

[ChasMill]

My piccies taken with a Nokia N95:

Desert rats memorial

 

[ChasMill]

And more:

 

[ChasMill]

And more (sorry, first time posting piccies):

 

[Noddy made me]

I think we all have pretty much the same photos, but heres a few more. Apologies for the nokia photos will remember camera next time.
1. Its a windy here innit.....
2. The aforementioned Givi flask. Dad my bungies are floating!!!!
3. Parked on an American runway in Britain on German bikes......
4. View from the inside.
5. Canary wharf, sorry a view from behind on the roof showing the old hangers.

 

[Noddy made me]

1. Turned the phone the other way round when we got to Watton.
2. Tried and failed for an arty shot. The remains of one of the buildings. On the way out i noticed theres only one hangar left and that looked like it was coming down too.
3. Everyone jumped in their cars and were gone.
4. Smellovision. Imagine standing here, but with the smell of tea and burgers wafting over to us on the wind.......
5. The sun came out to mark the occasion.........of John getting a puncture

 

[Noddy made me]

1. Noddy gets us to a petrol station...........with no petrol. Actually im glad, cos im sure this is the petrol station that was in the news very recently after lots of customers got there cards cloned.......
2. The sun came out, and then it started raining. Wapping ? (The one with the very bright lights) tucks into his rations whilst watching all the car drivers pulling in for petrol................


Err thats it, a very big thank you to all that organised the run and thank you to everyone who turned up and made it a good day.
Off to buy a new flask
Regards Tony