Striking the Hornets' Nest by Geoffrey L Rossano

Author:Geoffrey L Rossano
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781612513911
Publisher: Naval Institute Press
Published: 2015-10-04T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Airbases and Support Facilities

Creation of a large industrial facility to assemble, test, service, and repair the Navy’s bombers stood near the top of the list of crucial needs to be met before squadrons could take to the skies. Original plans envisioned establishing a site in the Pas de Calais region near proposed American aerodromes. Initially designated Base “B,” the assembly and repair complex would be responsible for assembling and testing all aircraft, repairing aircraft and engines, supervising aerodrome construction, holding reserves of all stores and equipment, and supplying squadrons with fuel, bombs, and ammunition. Staffing was estimated at approximately two thousand officers and men.1 In April, Lieutenant Lovett headed north to locate a site for the “repair base field.” At the same time, Cdr. Benjamin Briscoe readied for a trip to the United States to organize the men and equipment necessary to operate that establishment.2

Success of the German spring offensives raised fears on both sides of the Atlantic that the anticipated facility might be overrun, eliciting a decision to abandon the existing plan and seek a safer location across the Channel.3 According to Cone, the ubiquitous Spenser Grey “who is here with me, is keeping me informed of every move so that we will not only be able to move to England at a moment’s notice, but will also be able to occupy aerodromes if it becomes necessary.”4 Charles Lambe—now a general officer in the RAF—agreed to make a repair depot at Guines available to the Americans, while the British promised to identify several possible sites in England.5

Further discussions yielded a June 21 offer by the Air Ministry to turn over a partially completed acceptance depot at Eastleigh, near Southampton. A party led by Captain Hanrahan traveled to England at the beginning of July to inspect the proffered facility. They observed much work in progress, with hangars approximately 90 percent complete, storehouses 30 percent finished, and living quarters for 300 men already in place. Hanrahan returned to Paris a few days later and reported “at length” on the site, Executive Committee notes indicating “large portion of meeting was devoted to description by Hanrahan of repair base and field Eastleigh.”6

Authorization to accept the site followed quickly and Sims could report July 16, “Have practically completed negotiations to take over the acceptance park at Eastleigh.”7 Civil Engineer Frederick Bolles hurried down from London with orders to report to Hanrahan. By July 17, the British offer had been officially accepted and the Navy assumed control three days later. Lt. Godfrey Chevalier was given the task of readying the facility for use, assisted by engineer Bolles. Captain Cone exulted in this turn of events, calling acquisition of the Eastleigh site a “bonanza, . . . in every way admirable for our needs.”8 By the end of the month, Paris reported efforts under way to divert activities from Pauillac to Eastleigh, with tools and materials being shipped to England.9 It was hoped these measures would allow DH-4s transported from the United States for northern bombing use to be assembled just across the Channel rather than in distant southwestern France.

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