After meeting other people with the same outlook, a decision was made to explore the
possibility of raising suitable permanent memorials on both Hunsdon and Sawbridgeworth airfields.
As a consequence, we formed the Hunsdon Airfield Memorial Group (H.A.M.G.) now renamed
as the Hertfordshire Airfields Memorial Group.
We have just completed another permanent structure at Sawbridgeworth airfield,
this was dedicated on the 14th of May 2006 .
Hunsdon
The Mosquito Museum at Salisbury Hall donated the reduction gear and blade of
a Mosquito,which they held from a crash site,and this was included into the memorial at Hunsdon.
Although there is an excellent memorial plaque on the wall of Hunsdon's village hall, we
in the H.A.M.G, wanted to see something else actually placed on the airfield to honour the Squadrons and personnel
who were stationed there.
Why did we go to all this trouble you may ask? The answer is simple. Sixty years
ago, Hunsdon airfield was a vibrant lively place, playing its part in the biggest aerial conflict ever
seen. Men and women served their armed forces in a way that can only be imagined by today's younger generation.
Hunsdon airfield housed service personnel from all over the UK and the Commonwealth. Hunsdon is best known for the low level air raid on the Gestapo prison at Amiens, France. But It is
also important to remember all of the personnel from the many and varied squadrons who served upon the airfield.This includes the RAF,RAAF,RNZAF,RCAF,WAAF, RAF Regiment, Army,WRVS,and NAAFI.
With any future development, all trace of this historic former airfield could be erased,
and so too will the memory of those gallant people. For this one reason alone, a permanent memorial is enough to
promote and remember their deeds and to preserve local history in the face of development.
The members of the Hunsdon Airfield Memorial Group are:
Michael Dent...Wormley, Herts.
Denis Sharp...Harlow,Essex.
Jim Cosgrove...Chelmsford ,Essex
Steve Foster...Hatfield Heath,Essex.
John Knight...Allens Green,Herts.
John Smith...Hatfield Heath,Essex.
Shareen Sharp...Harlow,Essex. (treasurer)
Special Thanks to Geoff Robertson
