Welcome to Friends of the New Forest Airfields Preserving our Aviation Heritage
Welcome to Friends of the New Forest Airfields Preserving our Aviation Heritage
Charles McKenzie was a founder Trustee of the Friends of the New Forest Airfields, and was appointed as the Project Manager for the design, materials procurement, and construction of the New Forest Airfields Memorial in Black Lane, on the western dispersal area of the Second World War airfield at Holmsley South. He remained a member until his death on 7th April 2019.
In recognition, of his work for the organisation FONFA has created
a lecture in his name.
The inaugural lecture will be on Tuesday 30th April - click on button for full details.
Charles McKenzie Memorial Presentation (jpg)
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2024 marks the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord, in which the 12 airfields of the New Forest played a crucial role by providing air cover for the armada of ships and the troops on the beaches.
FONFA will be marking this anniversary with a number of events this year, including a ceremony at the Airfields Memorial on 8th June
In addition, we will be helping to run a 'History Hub' at the D-Day event on Christchurch Quay ( https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/24183715.d-day-event-take-place-christchurch-quay/?ref=rss%3FIYA-mail%3Db2774d16-ee90-4eb1-9c64-a08aff701749&utm_source=inyourarea.co.uk&utm_medium=Referral ) on the evening of 6th June - please do come to see us.
In October 2023 we received an email from an American gentleman who had been on honeymoon in Paris the previous month.
He had seen the article on the old FONFA website about Lt Norris who flew in the 393rd Fighter Squadron 367th Fighter Group. This article concerned the display we have at centre off artefacts belonging to Lt Norris.These had been sent to FONFA by his daughter Linda Bloom.
Now the reason he was searching for information.
Being interested in baseball memorabilia he had purchased an old baseball glove from a Military Supply store. They claimed it was an American glove from WW2. He works in baseball and loves baseball history, so he sent it to his contacts at the baseball hall of fame, and they confirmed that the glove style is genuine for the WW2 era.
I wasn’t sure what the 367 imprint and 393 handwritten numbers meant, but after finding this article, he strongly believed that this glove belonged to a member of the 367th Fighter Group/393rd Fighter Squadron.
He had no interest in parting with it, but he thought Linda Bloom might appreciate knowing that this glove is now back in the US and in good hands!. When Linda ,was informed of this find and its return with the US, she was delighted.
It is not surprising that the glove surfaced in France. Although the Group's initial two bases in Europe were in the UK at Stoney Cross, from April to July 1944, and Ibsley, for three weeks in July, most of their time in Europe was spent on French airfields.
Files coming soon.
April 7th, 14th, 21st
May 5th, 19th, 26th
June 2nd, 9th, 16th
July 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
August 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
September 1st, 15th, 29th
October 13th, 27th
10 am to 4 pm (last admission 3:30)
Free Parking
Café – Light Refreshments
Are you able to give a few hours a month to join FONFA’s small team of volunteers to help us with our membership records?
We are looking for a volunteer who is willing to act as our Membership Secretary.
The role includes maintaining our membership records, issuing membership cards and dealing with applications/renewals. This does not include collecting membership fees as this is undertaken by the Treasurer in partnership with the Membership Secretary.
We are also looking for more volunteers to help us improve access to the heritage centre. No prior experience is required as training will be given.
To find out more about these volunteering opportunities or for more information please email Sam at fonfa2010@gmail.com or speak to one of our volunteers at the Heritage Centre.
FONFA VOLUNTEER APPLICATION FORM v1.0 (pdf)
DownloadThe story behind some of the aircraft models in our Heritage Centre, and the pilots that flew them, is fascinating. From time to time we will feature one of these amazing stories of bravery and determination. This month we present the story of the USAAF 405th Fighter Group at RAF Christchurch. The P-47 Thunderbolt models Little Lulu and Touch of Texas represent two of the aircraft flown by the 405th Fighter Group.
The USAAF 405th Fighter Group at Christchurch Airfield v2 (pdf)
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