WWII Airfields of East Anglia - Tonys Tiny Tours Ep.2

[@paullester4502]

Great video. I have been touring the USAAF 8th Air Force Bomber bases (heavy) in East Anglia over the last three years. There were three divisions of Flying Fortresses and liberators based at 41 airfields. Have done all but 4 to date. BTW if you visit any memorials it's worth taking a photo as the Imperial War Museum will publish them on its website and credit you too. Sometimes they are hard to find. LEST WE FORGET.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Paul, and thanks for the tip about the memorials

[@bikecommuter24]

IF I ever get the chance to go back to the UK again, I'll look this video up to check out the old air fields looks like a nice day trip. Reminds of my time at RAF Woodbridge and all the nice pubs and backroad rides I took and the Sunday morning rides in my Mini for some bangers and mash. I worked on F15's when I was stationed at NAS Keflavik in Iceland before I moved on to A10's at RAF Woodbridge, which at the time was part of RAF Bentwaters.

[@mancavemoto]

Hi Donald, I used to love the airshows at Bentwaters. I've never been a real buff on identifying planes, as sone one like you could probably tell. But as my father jumped out of a Dakota in WWII i've always had an interest. Sounds like you got to travel quite a bit!

[@bikecommuter24]

@@mancavemoto Hey Tony, thats cool about you Dad. I happen to be a supporter of a C53 called D Day Doll, they are like the Dakota's but are purpose built for Paratroops. D Day Served in the UK took part in D Day and Operation Market Garden, watch the movie if you have not seen it. Also I seem to Remember RAF Bentwaters used to have a nice row of Static Display Aircraft I used to go by them on my to work, My Dorm was on Bentwaters and my Duty Section was on Woodbridge, they were remodeling the dorm my squadron was assigned to. I seem to remember their was a F101 Voodoo and a few others. I was a Jet Engine Mechanic-Crew Chief assigned to the 78th Fighter Squadron called the Bushmasters our patch was a snake it was the coolest patch of all the Squadrons our Sister Sqaudron was the 91st Blue Streaks. Cheers here is a link to D Day Doll and I got to ride in her one time, her Crew Chief is a friend of mine also Retired Air Force that was a thrill for me. commemorativeairforce.org/aircraft/157

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Donald, I'll take a look. I've been trying to find out more about my Fathers story, but they didnt keep records of who was on what plane. He was flown into his operation by a USAF pilot. The plane came under fire and my father had to cut through the static line webbing of three of his compatriots to get out. Subsequently he missed the DZ and was captured.

[@bikecommuter24]

@@mancavemoto I hope you find out.

[@AugustoJNNeto]

The tours seem like a nice way to record and visit new places/routes and get a bit of a review oh the bike/gear at the same time. Also, opens a window for sponsorships Aside from the fact that it is a wonderful way to spend the day. Top job, Tony.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Augusto, I’m glad you liked it

[@stevesteve1965]

Well done Tony and thank you, look forward to more of the same.👍

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks 👍

[@julianwhite4855]

Motorbikes, aeroplanes and WWII history, a great combination, thank you

[@mancavemoto]

No problem Julian

[@BIG-K]

I really enjoyed that. It's also given me some ideas for rides once this lockdown allows. It was interesting and scenic - many thanks, Tony 👍

[@mancavemoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@atastefortheroad4475]

As an American, this tour is a helpful reminder of how much infrastructure got built on UK soil - first for WWII and then the Cold War. Very interesting stuff.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, yes it certainly had a effect on the landscape in my part of the world. Most of the concrete runways ended up as hardcore under the M1 motorway when it was built!

[@JLOSTAFF1]

Thanks Tony. Very interesting. Love doing these sort of trips myself. Keep em coming! 👍

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, will do!

[@roviwoteap2375]

What a cracking “tiny tour” video. Bikes, planes and a little bit of history thrown in for good measure... right up my street! Very entertaining and nicely edited. Look forward to more of these in the not too distant future. By the way, what lovely country roads for riding on, you have in Essex, along with the golden colours of autumn.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, yes Essex is a bit more than just Towie ans Southend Sea Front ;)

[@wakajawaka44]

Thanks for uploading this video Tony very interesting and informative. A lot of research must have gone into the making of this one! Thanks again.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, yep a bit of research and it was a bit of work to edit too

[@leegingerninja]

Love going to Andrews Airfield, great in the summer with a beer watching the planes take off and land 👍🏻 Great video mate, very informative, I'll be nicking some of those places to ride 👌🏻😎. All the best mate 👍🏻

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Lee, once I get my website rebuilt I'll have all the GPX files there for download. Be good to catch up again and Andrewsfield is a good spot to meet

[@leegingerninja]

@@mancavemoto sounds good to me mate 👍 anytime 👌🏻

[@grahamtricker4103]

Excellent Tony. You should do more of these! 👍

[@mancavemoto]

More to come!

[@pat_6_484]

Nice one Tony. Really enjoyed that and all the info you provided with the excellent footage. I now have a nice list of places to visit!

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Pat

[@OldManTony]

Very interesting Tony. I was brought on airforce bases, but not on any of those hahahah! Coincidentally I did a video last year on a WW11 airfield near me in Norfolk.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, I will check it out

[@mattbadgerultrarunner]

This is a lovely little series. Good stuff Tony.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks

[@rogerbennett1597]

Hi Tony. Likin' it! 😀 Very interesting and great to combine some aviation history with a ride out. I did a bit of a tour to East Anglia in 2017 and amongst some other places did Old Warden Shttleworth collection, Lakenheath, Woodhall Spa, BBMF at Coningsby and finished up round Newark Air museum. Well worth visiting. 👍

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Roger

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Enjoyed that Tony - Lot's of those fields were new to me (and I thought I knew most of the UK's airfields!) - I do use Lakenheath for radar services regularly when flying up to see my folks at Tibenham in Norfolk (coincidentally another ex-8th airforce US base) and have landed at Rougham on several occasions in the past....they used to hold a cracking airshow there each year which I used to love flying in to. Great vid....look forward to the next one....all the best!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Andy, there are so many in this neck of the woods for obvious reasons. Lakenheath must look great from the air, it’s such a huge site! Happy New Year to you, hope 2021 is a good one 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

@@mancavemoto .....yes it does, and with the equally massive Mildenhall next door, that part of East Anglia is filled with Runways!

[@davidforsdike4343]

Parham ,Bentwaters and Old Buckingham. Well worth a visit. All have museums. Bentwaters is mostly cold war. Great bikers pub at Old Buckingham.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, I used to go to airshows at Bentwaters, they were always the best!

[@NooBiker]

Nice tour, sir. You had good weather for it. The long straight road next to Andrewsfield trip is one I ride on every now and then. I've been to Wethersfield for a Fire Bike course. Didn't know Ridgewell, Bottisham and Rougham, but will have to pay a visit... Thanks for sharing!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, yep I had to act fast to take adventage of the weather window, which meant I wasn't quite as well prepared. What it the Advanced Machine Skills course that you did? I did that one aftre the initial Fire Bike day

[@NooBiker]

@@mancavemoto I've only done the Fire Bike day.

[@robertwright9179]

Once again Tony great video and all on my doorstep.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Robert

[@Dan-56]

Fantastic combination tour and bike review 🏍😃👍. Looking forward to more in the future !

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks! 👍

[@stepheneldridge6998]

Good video Tony, enjoyed that 👍. I live near Goodwood, formerly RAF Westhampnett, and a couple of miles from from RAF Tangmere, which has a great museum. I often call in to Goodwood and watch them prepping the Spitfires. Cheers, Steve

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Steve, you can't beat the sound of a merlin engine!

[@markmurphy1995]

Thoroughly enjoyed that Tony, thank you! Was admiring your Wolf jacket before you mentioned it! 👍🏻🇮🇪

[@mancavemoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@petewebb6952]

Very good vlog. Pleased the music was a quiet chill out. I see the RYD Shoei helmet is in use. Airfields are and interesting bit of history. Looking forward to getting my Tiger GT Pro, for two up soft touring.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Pete, yes the RYD is my designated camera helmet!

[@petersydney5895]

I love this mini series Tony. Looking forward to the next.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Peter

[@philhesmondhalgh]

What a great video - really interesting and fascinating to find out about those small independent museums keeping some of the local history alive

[@mancavemoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidearth3646]

A very enjoyable watch, keep up the good work

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, will do!

[@markgoodman5781]

Super stuff Tony . Really enjoyable.

[@mancavemoto]

Many thanks!

[@jeremythomas6980]

cheers again Tony I intend to hopefully do both these tours when the weather brightens up and we get released from locked up I mean lock down lol

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@1990-t1j]

That must have taken some researching. A unique series. Well done.

[@mancavemoto]

Yep quite a bit and it was a bit of a bugger to edit!

[@keithprentice2100]

Another great video Tony. Keep em’ coming matey 😀

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, will do!

[@GrumpySpyder-Ryder]

That was a really amazing video. So much information about airfield histories, the motorcycle and the jacket. Very well done.

[@mancavemoto]

Much appreciated!

[@jjnewman65]

I really enjoyed this caveman. Thank you 🙏 and I will share with my mates. Some who ride bikes. We are all from Essex . Cheers 🍻

[@mancavemoto]

Awesome, thank you!

[@brianperry]

WW2 UK became an unsinkable aircraft carrier. RIP all those US airman who never got to go home

[@mancavemoto]

Exactly

[@johnhughes3080]

Really good video Tony, interesting and enjoyable content, looking forward to seeing more 👍👍👍

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks 👍

[@cloggsy1971]

Thanks Tony, again, another incredible video; history on our doorsteps 👌🏻👍🏻

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Cloggsy, so much history!

[@anton5749]

Loving the tours. More please.

[@mancavemoto]

Will do

[@cbroz7492]

..my dad was stationed at Great Ashfield with the 350th BG..he got there shortly after D Day...

[@lordpunter6188]

Another great tour/ride - thanks !

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for watching

[@amateurel4129]

Great video Tony! Very interesting! Really like the format

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@paulmorris3022]

Hi Tony. Really enjoyed the video well done

[@mancavemoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Honda_Hooligan]

Great video touring my local roads. 👍🏻

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@twowheelsoneleg5672]

Nice, very easy viewing, just the right amount of detail for the non anorak

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@markieell5614]

Tony really enjoyed the footage 👍🏻 & its nice that we don’t forget things like that 🇬🇧🇺🇸 Mark . 🍺🇬🇧👍🏻

[@mancavemoto]

Absolutely, lots of brave people

[@lakest7573]

Always liked your channel,it just gets better and better.Keep up the good work👍

[@mancavemoto]

Thank you very much!

[@robbiehales]

Great video, you missed a real gem just ear Mildenhall/Lakenheath in RAF Tuddenham, it's now an airsoft site run by myself, we have several of the old buildings still standing and loads to explore.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Robbie, and yes I did, although I had to cut the numbers to fit them all in on one day! I'll be sure to head up and have a look around when restrictions ease.

[@robbiehales]

Absolutely mate, feel free to message us on facebook gunman airsoft Tuddenham and I can show you about.

[@charlestindall4029]

Another good one thanks. Charlie

[@mancavemoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Cyberdyne-kg8ku]

Re Dry Gulcher. My friends family farmed the land where the plane crashed. Legend was the farm workers alway carried a hessian sack to pick bits they found when ploughing including, unfortunately the head of the single casualty, which was never found.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks for sharing, pretty creepy legend :(

[@rogerwilliams2902]

Quite often I think of the poor US servicemen who came over to help us out of the shit and who died in the process. We owe them a lot...

[@mancavemoto]

Indeed

[@steverobinson5666]

Hi Tony - great trip, but you missed RAF Mildenhall! I had the privileged position to be able to go [thought work] to most of the current working MOD airfields in east anglia - something I value now that I am retired!

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Steve, I did ride right past it as you saw in the video. I missed loads as there so many in this part of the world as you know.

[@karlosh9286]

excellent , just what I needed on a grim November evening :-D If you are into airfields in Essex, there's Stow Maries near Maldon. Apparently possibly one of the only surviving World War I airfields. Most of WWI airfields got repurposed as WWII airfields. This didn't happen at Stow Maries. I went there last year, in pre covid times. They have a reasonable amount to see in a museum bit and some hangars and a pretty good cafe. They do have volunteers doing guided tours of the site. I think they charge entry to the site (the tour is included) Currently their website isn't working. Googling for "stow maries great war aerodrome" should find it. I guess you'd want at least a few hours to see what they have.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks KarlosH, I've been to Stow Maries a few times, its a great place. I'm thinking of doing a WWI episode too. Theres also an airship base up near Leiston and Orford Ness was a first world war site too

[@karlosh9286]

@@mancavemoto Ahh, if I'm that way when we're all allowed to have fun again , I'll have a look . thanks :-D

[@wikky988]

Very interesting vid Tony.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@andydowson8248]

Great video, thanks Tony. Hope to see more of the same. 👍

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, more to come!

[@toddbecker2153]

Love this! I want to come over and take the tour😄 I was born in Lakenheath🇺🇸

[@mancavemoto]

Do, there’s so many WWII sites to visit!

[@woodstreetcoffee4348]

Awesome. Pretty close to me in Saffron Walden

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, yep not to far

[@andyhorton1472]

Another great video. 👍

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Andy

[@Shinysideup]

As an Essex man myself that was interesting stuff

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks Ian

[@BN1960]

Very enjoyable video fella. You're not far from me in Essex as it goes. People think of Essex as just an extension of London but while that's true of the A13 corridor, it really is a lovely county to explore as you go farher into East Anglia If you like war aerodromes, check out Stow Maries WW1 aerodrome nr Chelmsford/Southminster/Maldon It's a good half day out and they have show flights of bi-planes from time to time as well.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers Nigel, yep some people have a very narrow negative view of Essex, but have probably never been to the 'real' Essex. Yep I've been to Stow Maries and few times and i'm working on a WWI route that it will feature in

[@richardwilson2093]

Really enjoyed this. Thank you. My grandad served as air gunner in 78th squadron. So we’ve decided to take up your tour as well as visit to bomber command memorial in lincs. would you have info of your route. Thank you

[@mancavemoto]

Hi Richard, I’ve been trying to get my website updated so I can store the routes on there for download. If you drop me a message on Instagram or Facebook I can send you the gpx files

[@davidsanderson1891]

Hi Tony Great video. Like the way you give information on Bike and jacket test while on your journey. We have Eden camp War museum in Malton. (Yorkshire) 32 Huts all about the war Its fantastic (goggle it mate). The family love it Ride safe my friend. Old dave.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, will do!

[@johnroberts6116]

I guess Tony is rather young to know that Glenn Miller and his band of the AEF visited many of these bases but we did hear part of Moonlight Serenade.

[@silverarrow2558]

Very interesting video ...

[@mancavemoto]

Thank you

[@daveshakespeare1610]

Enjoyed this alot. Subbed.

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers!

[@dazzer4220]

Fantastic video Tony. I would definitely like to visit some of these as wasn't aware so many had small museums. Once lockdown 2 lifts I can see a weekend trip to east Anglia coming up. Any plans for a follow up video to explore more these into Suffolk and Norfolk? ✌ Darren

[@mancavemoto]

Hi Darren, I only scratched the surface really, there are so many sites and little museums. They have some really interesting stuff too. Yes there will be more coming and further afield. The only problem this time of year are the shorter days. Luckily I filmed this before the clocks went back!

[@davechipling169]

I would love to live around there me and the wife both have jeeps love to drive round those lanes

[@lpete531]

Awesome, enjoyed it 👍🏽

[@mancavemoto]

Awesome, thank you!

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

That was cool. Thanks :)

[@mancavemoto]

Glad you liked it!

[@maxwellportlock2119]

Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland USA also name after him. (home of Air Force One - Presidents plane)

[@mancavemoto]

Cool thanks for the info

[@Norm3855]

See you soon

[@glimmerman]

Tiny tours are a stroke of genius 🤓

[@mancavemoto]

Why thank you

[@gregrsvr3947]

Good vid, do you run the cameras on batteries on from a power point ?/ btw "Peenemunde" is pronounced .."Peenermunder"

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, no usually run them from batteries. Thanks for the pronunciation tip 👍

[@wayneb2580]

Hi Tony great video very interesting quick question I’ve got same Tomtom But can’t seem to get the traffic to work it works indoors but not when outside Any ideas why cheers.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks. I'm not to sure, do you have it connected to your phone when you are out?

[@wayneb2580]

Yeah connected to phone and headset

[@phillipmoore4621]

Nice one give us more

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers

[@danieldravot341]

When I froze the map I saw he wasn’t going to Tibenham, home of the 445th Bomb Group, so I moved on.

[@B1ueStryk3r]

What jacket is that.

[@mancavemoto]

Its the Wolf Fortitude, i mention ir briefly in the video at 19:44

[@B1ueStryk3r]

Thanks

[@jjnewman65]

Hi Tony, I’m new to your Man Cave channel and inadvertently called you Caveman. Apologies.

[@mancavemoto]

Haha no offence taken! I’ve been called much worse

[@TomBartram-b1c]

This is the best raison d'être of a bike tour of East Anglia? Think I'll pass thanks.

[@mancavemoto]

Who said it was the best?

[@TomBartram-b1c]

@@mancavemoto if there is a better one, do share. E Anglia gets the best weather in Britain so it should have an immediate advantage over Wales where I live but stopping at a gate and pointing and a flat area that once hosted war planes isn't really selling it.

[@mancavemoto]

I don’t think you’ve really got the idea of the video, but that’s fine. Thanks for watching

[@TomBartram-b1c]

@@mancavemoto what IS the point then? I thought it was to to provide bikers with a theme for a ride. "The top five chippies in Suffolk according to TripAdvisor" might've been better.