The clock was turned back 76 years or so in
North Northam- ptonshire on Remem- brance Sunday as a convoy of Jeeps and Dodges
wound their way between air bases of the mighty US Army Air Force. They were joined by more modern vehicles such
as Land Rovers, a Champ, Ferret, DAF and Dodge Ram to help mark the special
day. t began at John and Judith Underwood’s house
in East Carlton where we were treated to bacon butties to prepare us for a cold
but sunny day. Led by John in his Ferret, our first stop was Weldon where the
Royal British Legion had invited us to their service at the village war
memorial. Then it was back to East Carlton via Eyebrook Reservoir, where the
Dam Busters’ Lancaster crews practised low level runs in 1943. Judith and her helpers had prepared a tasty
meal of soup and beef stew with pineapple upside-down cake or rice pudding to
follow. John also opened his packed private museum for viewing. Then it was on to Grafton Underwood airfield
for another service and wreath-laying. This is where the Flying Fortresses of the
384th Bombardment Group operated and we were delighted to see that
the US Air Force had sent a representative with a wreath. We couldn’t leave this area without making a
splash in the ford at Geddington before heading back to our respective garages. Many thanks go to John and Judith Underwood for
organising this enjoyable and thought-provoking day. Words and pictures: Peter Clarke
Bacon butty time at East Carlton
John Under- wood briefs drivers on the route and timings
Allo, allo, allo. What's all this then? Bobbies at Weldon find Jeeps a big draw
The service at Weldon
MVT members, police and RBL standard bearers at Weldon War Memorial
Local MEP Margot Parker, the UKIP deputy leader, took a shine to Graham Bratley's Jeep at Weldon
Taking a break in the sunshine
Dodgy line-up at Spanhoe Airfield
Admiring the view at Eyebrook Reservoir
Ferret led the convoy
Lunch at East Carlton
Please Sir, can I have some more . . . Judith Under- wood gives secretary Ian Gardiner seconds
USAF Tech Sgt Suzana Donkor lays a wreath at Grafton Under- wood
Suzana and Simon Tasker with his ex-USAF Dodge Ram
The following pictures are from Stuart King . . . Harringworth Viaduct . . .