FONFA Member Stories

Doug and Marian Harrison visited the New Forest in May 2023 to walk in the footsteps of Doug’s Father Second Lieutenant Jim Harrison DFC.

Patty Ashley visited the New Forest in June 2023 to visit RAF Stoney Cross and RAF Ibsley where her Father Major William Jones was stationed in 1944.

Stanley became a member of FONFA after his 101st birthday and donated his uniform and other artefacts and stories. Stanley visited in July 2023. He sadly passed away aged 102 in January 2025.

Nancy Crossen Booth and her husband Tom from Ohio USA visited the New Forest in July 2024.They visited the centre and the memorial as well as Stoney Cross and Ibsley. Nancy’s father Major later Colonel Mo Crossen was stationed at both these former airfield sites during WW2. Nancy is standing in our MeeMees Tearoom next to a photo of her father outside the original MeeMees at Stoney Cross.

Nancy Crossen Booth and her Husband Tom from Ohio USA visited the New Forest in July 2024.They visited the centre and the memorial at Holmsley South as well as the former airfield sites of Stoney Cross and Ibsley. Nancy’s father Major later Colonel Mo Crossen was stationed at both these sites during WW2. Lt. Col. Morris Crossen the highly respected Deputy Commander of 367TH Fighter group was shot down and killed on October 20, 1944.

Second Lieutenant James (Jim) Harrison DFC was based at RAF Bisterne flying with the 371st Fighter Group, USAAF. Bisterne Advanced Landing Ground was built on land belonging to Bisterne Manor, with most accommodation being in tents. However, the Lady of the Manor opened a number of rooms in the Manor for use by the Officers based there and she kept a guest book with the signatures of all the visiting officers. Jim visited the Manor for the first time on the 27th May 1944 and he then wrote a letter home describing his visit. Here you can see Jim’s entry in the guest book and his letter. Please note that about a page and a half of personal content has been omitted from this copy.

Jim’s son Doug, a FONFA member from the USA visited us in May 2023, nearly 79 years to the day after his Father wrote this letter.

We are very grateful to Doug for making this letter available and to Hallam Mills for giving us access to the Bisterne Manor guest book.

Friends of the New Forest Airfield member Stanley Booker, a former Halifax Navigator during WW II, has had a most extraordinary combination of experiences during his long service career. Stanley donated his uniform and artefacts to FONFA and working with his Daughter Pat Vinycomb has shared some of his experiences with us. Stanley visited in July 2023. He sadly passed away aged 102 in January 2025.