More of No.1 BFTS

Here are a few more pictures from the BFTS museum.

Below is the patch worn by the instructors at the school. It is based upon the wings worn by the Royal Air Force with a star for Texas and a shield bearing the acronym BFTS.

Here is a WWII flight simulator and a close up of the controls.

I have no idea what this is. Can anyone help? I can tell I probably wouldn't be able to work it. I didn't see an on/off button switch or a reset button.

I have a few more I will post tomorrow. Mr. Madgwick let me photograph whatever I wanted. If anyone has memories, stories, pictures or anything they would like to donate to the museum drop me an email and I can get you in touch with the museum, or you can give them a call 972-524-1586.

Summer's End

A week or so ago Jilly posted a series of wonderful photos showing Summer's End in Menton, France.

Here is Summer's End in Terrell, Texas.


You might remember this spot from this picture that was posted back in May.


Tomorrow, Terrell will host a visitor from the UK. BKenton left a comment on a post I made back in July about #1 BFTS pilots. He is in the Dallas area for a wedding hopefully, if all goes well, he will visit Terrell tomorrow to tour the #1 BFTS Museum and Oakland Memorial Park.
If you would like to meet Mr. Kenton email me and I can get you the specifics. Terrelldailyphoto@hotmail.com

Museum officials are currently getting ready for October 17th & 18th. That is is the RAF in Texas Fly-In weekend. Check the link to the right for details. I will probably post more the Fly-In early next week.

Last photos from No.1 BFTS

Here are the last of the photos from the museum. If anyone is a WWII history buff, this is the place to visit. They are always looking for memorabilia, donations or volunteers.

The first photo is made up of three Rank Flags. Flags like the ones pictured were used at the school when an officer of the indicated rank was at the airfield.


The next photo is of the control tower radio. This was taken from the control tower of what was called the Kaufman County Airport, home to No.1 BFTS.



The last photo is of a 1:2000 scale model of the airfield from the early 1940s. The only structures still standing are the two large hangers on the right. Current airfield information can be found here.

Monday Morning Mashup

I didn't make it out to Ham's Orchard, so while watching the finale of Survivor I enjoyed a strawberry shortcake.




Brian has a few shots up from Friday nights Relay for Life held at Furlough Middle School in Terrell, TX. I took some shots, most did not turn out the way I wanted. I had a DUH moment, if you hold the camera on its side and don't move your hand, you end up blocking half of the flash, like my shot at the end of today's post.


Run for the Wall takes off Wednesday the 19th from Rancho Cucamonga, CA. The Southern Route riders will make their annual fuel stop in Terrell on Sunday the 23rd at approx 9:45AM. Its awesome to see all of the motorcycles pulling into town, come out to the Brookshire's parking lot and show your support for their mission, or line the roads or overpasses as they pass through.


There is another ride taking place on July 3, 2010. Its the Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride. Riders will start in different parts of the DFW area and ride to Oakland Memorial Park Cemetery in Terrell. That is the final resting place for British cadets and pilots who were killed while training at No 1. BFTS in Terrell during WWII.


Mark you calendar for September 17-19 2010. That's the weekend of No 1 BFTS Hanger Dance & Fly-In.

Books and Crannies already has their next event scheduled. Check their Facebook page for details. I added photos from the book signing to my Facebook page. Visit my page and make sure you hit the 'like' button.

Inside No.1 BFTS Museum

I am not sure this photo is from WWII, maybe WWI, but I love the make up of it. Join us and they wont get you.



My photos from inside the museum yesterday didn't turn out as good as I had hoped. Everything is behind plexiglass, which is understandable. I still have some that I think are interesting. When I entered the museum, I was greeted by Henry Madgwick. He is a former British cadet at the school and a former Mayor of Terrell. He has many stories to tell, and I think I could have listened to him talk all day. I found a great story online about Mr. Madgwick and the school. Here is another link for the BFTS. I am going to have to go back and get a picture of Mr. Madgwick.

The picture below is a large map of the southwestern US. If you look carefully, towards the bottom left is the western most part of Texas, where the city of El Paso is. On top of the map, the trainers drew the outline of Britain, Ireland and the northern coast of Europe, with Terrell being London. The outline is hard to see in the picture.



The next picture is the flight suit that was used by the pilots during their training.



I will have a few more tomorrow.

Terrell, Texas Monday Morning Mashup

Saturday, like many places around the world, Terrell, Texas was home to one of Scott Kelbys World Wide photo walks. I think there were 22 people took part in the Terrell walk. My photo today is looking down the 28 foot well in the basement of the LE Griffith home. More of my pictures are on my Facebook page. Other walkers have been posting some of their photos to the group flickr page.

The next fun event for photos will be the Flights of our Fathers Fly-In on September 17th & 18th at the #1 BFTS Museum and the Terrell airport. Make plans to be there. I added a link to their webpage.

I got a new phone last week. I traded in my old blackberry for a LG Rumor Touch. It may not be as fancy or have as many functions as the bb, but it works for what I want it for, so I am happy with it.

Terrell got a little rain yesterday afternoon.

Can Josh Hamilton make a run at the triple crown?

The town of Combine fires almost its entire police department? They say they will rely on the County Sheriff to patrol their streets. How much will that cost the county and do I get to vote on it?

Come on over

Spotted at Terrell Municipal Airport last Sunday.

The comment below was left on this post, if you left the comment please send me an email and I can try to get someone to contact you. My email is terrelldailyphoto@hotmail.com

bkenton said...
Hi - this is a great article and photos. I found this as I am researching the graves in the picture. I am a cousin of Vincent Cockman who is one of the 20 young airman buried in Terrell. I live in the UK. As a small child I remember meeting his mother - who was my grandmother's aunt. I am in Dallas TX for a wedding in mid October and am planning on visiting the Oakland Memorial Park. If anyone can help me with directions to find Oakland from Dallas that would be very much appreciated. I also plan to visit the 1 BFTS museum in Terrell. My grandmother was his first cousin. Many thanks and congratulations on this great article.

Dont forget to check the link on the right for the Royal Air Force in Texas Fly In taking place in October.

The people

The best part of the Fly-In was the people. From the large turnout to the honored guest and visitors from out of town.

Above is former Terrell Mayor and student at the old BFTS Henry Madgwick talking to two of the Marine color guard. The lady with her back to the camera was a visitor from Canada. She gave everyone a good laugh when she asked the Marines what Corps they belong to.


The gentlemen standing in the above photo along with the man sitting in the front row in blue shirt and hat were all students of the school during the war. They all made the trip for the Fly-In.

I really wish I had written down names! This is Mr. Madgwick and a retired General who ordered the posting of the colors.

Active duty British officers were on hand. I think they were Leftenents. Does that sound right?


Above is Harold Payne from Caddo Mills, TX., he was a pilot on a B-17 Flaming Fortress. He didn't attend the Terrell school, but was stationed in Franlingham, England in 44-45. He had some great stories to tell. Here he is talking to members of the Marine League.

Of course our Mayor was on hand. Mayor Hal Richards gave a few opening remarks and mentioned that the idea has been floated to make the Fly-In an annual event. I think that's a great idea.

Tomorrow I will end the series, and quit boring everyone, with a Skywatch photo from the day.

The Royal Air Force in Texas Fly-in

I want to thank everyone for the nice comments over the last few days. Seeing off the soldiers means a lot. The City promised to be back out there when they return, and I will be there too.

Instead of posting a picture today, I am putting up a poster and a link on my sidebar.

One of the unique things about Terrell is the #1 British Flying Training School Museum. During WWII Terrell hosted one of six British Flying Training Schools. Thousands of British and American aviators learned how to fly in Terrell.

In February, I toured the Museum and posted a few pictures. This October, #1 BFTS Museum will host The Royal Air Force in Texas Fly-in. The fly-in will be a two day event that will bring veterans of the school back to Terrell for a reunion and an opportunity for the citizens of Terrell to learn about the museum and Terrells role in WWII. Go ahead and mark October 17th and 18th on your calendar, save your dollars and pounds and join us in Terrell.

Be sure to check out the link on the right for all of the details of the fly-in.

Be sure to also visit this site. Its a site dedicated to James Edward Castleman of Bogata, Texas who was an instructor at #1BFTS during the war. It includes many photos, stories, and memories.

Ben Kentons visit to Terrell

Earlier this year I exchanged emails with Ben Kenton from the United Kingdom. Mr. Kenton was planning a trip to the Dallas area and wanted to visit the burial place of his cousin Vincent Cockman while here. Airman Cockman was killed during a training mission while stationed at #1 BFTS in Terrell during WWII and is buried at Oakland Memorial Park. Unfortunately, I could not get off work when when Mr. Kenton visited, so I didn't get to meet him. He did send me pictures of his visit to Terrell. Thanks for the pictures Ben, I hope you enjoyed your short time here and make it back someday.

No. 1 BFTS Mural, Terrell, TX

 

Flights of our Fathers Fly-In, Oct. 2nd & 3rd

Join us in Terrell, Texas on October 2nd and 3rd for Flights of our Fathers Fly-In. On the heels of the Terrell Photowalk, I will be hosting a photowalk at the Fly-In. If you have a camera and can upload pictures, sign up. Photos can be submitted from the dinner dance on Friday night, the pancake breakfast on Saturday morning, or the Fly-in festivities on Saturday. I will be attending the Fly-In on Saturday and I will send out and post more information here about where to meet up. A page will be created on flickr for photos to be uploaded. Of the photos uploaded to flickr, a panel of judges (not me!) will pick the top 3. They will be placed on a web page and a winner will be selected by the readers. The winner will have their picture published in the Terrell Tribune and may be used in the Fly-In promotion next year. More information as we get closer to the Fly-In

Below is the press release for the fly-in. Even if you don't want to participate in the photowalk, come out, have fun and take pictures of the vintage aircraft.

“Flights of our Fathers” Fly-in at the British Flying Training School Museum
A Dinner and Dance with entertainment will reunite WWII veterans on October 2nd and commemorate cooperation between US and British Allied Forces, and Canadian friendship. Dinner tickets are $35. Saturday morning festivities start with a pancake breakfast at 7:30am at the airport which is available for $5. After breakfast, visitors can view vintage planes, antique cars and military vehicles while youth participate in various aviation activities and games. The British Flying Training School Museum Fly-In seeks to honor the Allied Forces with entertainment and ceremonies. Join us at the Fly-in. Tickets to the Fly-In $8 for adults, $5 for 5-16 and senior citizens.

The British Flying Training School Museum and the City of Terrell are preparing to host the 2009 Flights of Our Fathers fly-in at the municipal airport and museum. The event begins with a diner dance on Friday night, October 2nd starting with a cocktail reception with British pilots, Canadian Air Force Officers, US pilots, and dignitaries. Dinner will be catered by Double T Restaurant after which the entertainment will begin.
The 20 piece Heritage Brass Band will provide music for the dinner/dance. The band members will be in uniform and play 40's music. The "Andrews Sisters" will be there to entertain as well. Class Act, a fabulous group of tap dancers were a big hit last year and will be here again to dance. North East Texas Fine Arts Alliance (NETFAA) will again have their pictures on display.
Heritage Brass Band will also be providing music for a Memorial Service that will be held for all veterans on October 4th.
About 7:30am on October 3rd the flag will be raised to taps and the gates opened for general admission. The morning’s event will begin with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Civil Air Patrol Black Sheep Squadron. The cadets will serve up pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee for a $5 donation. After breakfast guests can view vintage planes, vintage military vehicles and antique cars.
The British Flying Training School Museum will be open on October 3rd for tours with a docent or on your own. The museum has added and improved the displays and added equipment and historic memorabilia that will please the crowds.

The morning will also see artists arrive with their canvases to paint their choice of planes, antique cars, military vehicles, or artifacts in the museum. With limited time, the artist will challenge themselves to complete paintings before the 1pm judging. This style of painting is known as 'plein air' and will be hosted by the North East Texas Fine Arts Alliance (NETFAA).
There will also be a Photo Walk hosted by Jim Klenke of TerrellDailyPhoto.com. Photographers will be welcome to take photographs of the 2 day event and submit their photos for judging. The winning photos will be considered for use in next year’s publicity.
About noon the Marines will post the colors. The Mayor will issue a proclamation, there will be a brief address, then the Commemorative Air Force fliers, skydivers and other aerobatics will begin.
The WWII British Flying Training School Reunion Dinner on Friday is being held to honor the British pilots who trained in the United States and the American officers and civilian staff who assisted with that training. Over 2,000 young men passed through the training facility staffed by American men and women who taught the cadets to effectively fly a war plane using simulators and planes that will be on display along with other period artifacts.
Tom Killebrew, author of the book, "The Royal Air Force in Texas", recounting the history of the BFTS and the people who served there, will also lecture and sign books. Taps and Last Post will be heralded by a trumpeter as the US and UK flags are lowered at 4 p.m., concluding the event.
Tickets to the Dinner are $30 and tickets can be purchased either online or at Terrell Marketing Center.
Admission to Saturday's Fly-In is $8 for adults, $5 for ages 5 – 16 and seniors 65 and over. For more information call (927) 524-4322 or go to the website: British Flying Training School Museum ( BFTSMuseum.org)