"Hunting the Hunter" (The Story of the only US Navy Airbase in Europe)

Brian Fernley


Organisation:
South West Airfields Heritage Trust
Region:
South West
Notice Period:
Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
Type:
Charity
Fee:
Paid: £75 for local talks, travel expenses will be added over 15miles
Category:
History
Updated:
9th December 2022
Tagged:

Centred on RAF Dunkeswell this talk features the Battle of the Atlantic, the only battle that continued throughout the six years of conflict. The effect of Germany's submarines on Allied shipping required immediate defensive action and required the cooperation between RAF's Coastal Command and the USAAF and then the US Navy. Life on the base was documented by an American magazine providing a wealth of visual material which coupled with the personal anecdotes of people who were there provides a fascinating insight to the life of the submarine hunters.

One of those hunting was Joe Kennedy, brother of JFK, we feature President Kennedy, only days before his death reminiscing about his brother's time in the navy

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About Brian Fernley

I spent most of my working life in the telecommunications industry, starting as an apprentice, then moving into design. From there I joined the training department eventually becoming the UK Technical Training Manager for Siemens Communications. Throughout my career I enjoyed giving presentations and it was something he wanted to continue into retirement.

I've always been interested in aviation history and have had several opportunities to develop my knowledge; which including writing an interactive guide for Newark Air Museum and involvement with aviation archaeology.

After moving from Nottingham to Devon I became aware of the South West Airfields Heritage Trust, an educational charity whose purpose is to inform the public of the south-west’s aviation heritage. This is done in a number of ways, most visibly they have heritage centres at Dunkeswell and Smeatharpe, which are open to the public from Easter until the end of October. They also give talks, visit schools, hold events and look after a number of local memorials.

I have become an enthusiastic volunteer, contributing to both heritages centres and now regularly deliver talks on their behalf.


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