Helping find REAL people and their traces is not the only thing I do related to WW2. I also build 3D digital models of buildings and landscape of the era, and am currently working on building at least part of the 1944 Normandy coast line in 3D, to be included in Microsoft Flight Simulator. 'Adding' these bits of scenery is mainly freeware. I have an extensive documentation built on the bunkers and other fortifications used, and also on the troops and equipment involved from both sides. Some of it can be miniaturized, much of it no (flight simulator is just not detailed enough). What I am looking for now is more information on the temporary airfields that were constructed all over Normandy! I do have a document listing them all, also know the locations. But I have found very little useful photo material so far of any buildings on them. I also need to know the exact lay of each field in the countryside I assume there is some NARA stuff available, but haven't been able to localize it yet. Cost is also an issue, because this is not a commercial project and hence I don't have funds to buy much. I tried the French ICG, but not much luck, there so far. Anyone know of a source I haven't found yet? :blush:
Francois, Have you tried http://omahabeach.vierville.free.fr/ It has a large amount of Omaha beach area in aerial photos, ground photos, and even early oblique aerials of the Omaha beach area. Also included in the aerials are some photos of temporary airfields. Without looking I recall at least 2 of them. Respectfully, John
St. Laurent, just the first aerodrome I was looking for. I didn't know that site yet. John, you're my hero !
Hi Francois, I don't know how deeply you have delved into the IGN site but there is an option available therein to download free cover flown in 1947. This valuable service is offered through this portal. As an example, I have taken a screenshot of the process below: Each of the orange markers represent a frame the size of the one highlighted NE of Bayeux. I downloaded that file and uploaded a downsized version below: Note the remains of the B-8 (Sommervieu) ALG at lower centre left. That's about the level of detail you can expect from most of the other ALG locations as shown on this 1947 IGN cover. Your only other alternative that I am aware of is to spend a huge amount of money searching for and purchasing copies of the National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP) reconnaissance photographs. Allan has recently sent me on a map showing the locations of many British ALGs east of Bayeux and is reproduced below with permission: Photographs of ALGs in Normandy are comparatively rare, especially those showing the layout of buildings and orientation of the strips. One well know exception is this shot of the American Sainte Pierre du Mont A-1 ALG: Regards, Pat
Hi Pat, many thanks for chiming in. That picture is what I was looking for..... I have found another one, but I think it is of the same site. As for the IGN 1947 photo, yes, those are the ones my partner in France has bought and which we have now integrated as our 'base' in Flight Simulator. (By the way, I'll be happy to make copies of our upcoming product available for free for members of this forum, should anyone be interested. It will basically allow you to FLY over those pictures..... )
François You can check here if you find some interesting information (length of runways, azimut etc.. for US ALGs) http://www.6juin1944.com/assaut/9usaaf/9alg.php http://www.6juin1944.com/album/9af_alg/index.php
Thank you Patrick, excellent information !! I used this entry from Wikipedia which also provides links to Google Earth: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Landing_Ground#Normandy_Campaign
There are a couple of aerial photos of B-3 on this site. http://www.flickr.com/photos/24554019@N06/sets/72157623523601445/
Hi François, Here is another - Sainte Laurent sur Mer (A21): I found the location with the aid of the anti-tank ditch at top right after searching D-Day cover for the invasion beaches. Note field 'A' as a tie below: ...and the same tie field 'A' today, now just west of Colleville sur Mer Cemetery: Regards, Pat
Hi Navman, not sure if this is still open. In the Bangor digital community are several reports about constructing airfields and other engineering activities incl pictures. See the this link: http://digicom.bpl.lib.me.us/ww_reg_his/208/ I remember seeing a British Pathe film with this topic. Will look if I find this piece.
Hi Hans, I suspect the BP Film you are thinking of is 'Making Airfield After D-Day Landings 1944' (Film ID #1969.01). There are also some good aerial photos of ALGs from German reconnaissance flights in the book 'Hitler's Spyplane Over Normandy 1944' by Philippe Bauduin. Regards, Pat
Hi Pat, yup. Thx. You seem to know all and everthing about the D-Day. Here is again the link. Yours is broken. Making Airfield After D-Day Landings 1944 Hans
Thanks Hans, My link is fixed now. Nope; I'll never know everything about D-Day - thankfully Regards, Pat
Hi Francoise (@Navman), I came across this areal photo from A1. Image credit: Skip Young 386th Bomb Group. As a ref: This web portal is the most complete documentary about Abondoned & Little-Known Airfields
Hi Hans, that's cool !! Thank you ! Due to private circumstances I have paused the ALG design for a while, but will hopefully pick it up again this year. I am now aiming for 75th D-Day commemoration .....
Okay here are the first ALG photos I got from NARA last week. Going back again next week and will see if I find any more. If you want to order a print of these from NARA I can get you the details. I figure Pat will love to ID the fields based on the tree lines. Any fuzziness is due to my poor photo skills. [IMG=900x675]http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x446/sirjahn/ALG%20under%20Constuction_zpsr2uvbs4k.jpg[/IMG] [IMG=900x675]http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x446/sirjahn/ALG%20under%20construction%206_zpsbuuj0tfo.jpg[/IMG] [IMG=900x675]http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x446/sirjahn/ALG%20under%20construction%204_zpskjsldtfw.jpg[/IMG] [IMG=900x675]http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x446/sirjahn/ALG%20under%20construction%205_zpsv2udlsz8.jpg[/IMG] [IMG=900x675]http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x446/sirjahn/ALG%20under%20construction%202_zpsuijpbqzk.jpg[/IMG] [IMG=900x675]http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x446/sirjahn/ALG%20under%20construction%203_zps9qvo5j7m.jpg[/IMG] This is kind of a cross over shot. Gliders landing on partially completed ALG [IMG=900x675]http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x446/sirjahn/Gliders%203_zpsrmarrvnf.jpg[/IMG]