This sounds like a really interesting project. My grandparents lived in a small village called Ballyhalbert on the Northern Ireland coast. In 1941 the RAF established a airbase just outside the village. I believe it was used as a Base for fighter squadrons taking a break from the front line, and for long range squadrons providing air cover for the Atlantic convoys. My brother and I used to go and play on the airfield when we visited. Apart from the runway there were a few red brick buildings still standing. Eventually several caravan sites took over most of the runway and I believe almost everything had now been built over. During the war there were a couple of Polish squadrons based there and I often wondered what the Poles and the locals made of each other. It's a shame that these places just disappear over time and leave little trace. At least your project will ensure that some of them are remembered.
That sounds really interesting, Olli. And yeah, it is a shame that many of them disappear, but the more I search, the more I’m actually surprised how many details are left. It’s a big motivator for me to get out there and document what I can.
Wonderful piece. I can only imagine the excitement you felt in locating these subjects. Your work speaks to me. Just imagining what went on on those places. The danger in what they were doing. The high stakes involved. Imagine the conversations taking place within those walls. These are sacred places. I would be frozen in awe.
Enjoyed reading (and viewing) this project to date as well as your work up in North Wales - the balancing of project ‘purpose’ is also resonating as a means of energising and focusing on different projects, thank you!
Awesome Kyle, thanks so much for sharing! One comment on the „crew list“ - this is rather a list of German Locations and Towns: Erfurt, Oberpfaffenkofen (Airfield near Munich), Bremen etc.
This sounds like a really interesting project. My grandparents lived in a small village called Ballyhalbert on the Northern Ireland coast. In 1941 the RAF established a airbase just outside the village. I believe it was used as a Base for fighter squadrons taking a break from the front line, and for long range squadrons providing air cover for the Atlantic convoys. My brother and I used to go and play on the airfield when we visited. Apart from the runway there were a few red brick buildings still standing. Eventually several caravan sites took over most of the runway and I believe almost everything had now been built over. During the war there were a couple of Polish squadrons based there and I often wondered what the Poles and the locals made of each other. It's a shame that these places just disappear over time and leave little trace. At least your project will ensure that some of them are remembered.
That sounds really interesting, Olli. And yeah, it is a shame that many of them disappear, but the more I search, the more I’m actually surprised how many details are left. It’s a big motivator for me to get out there and document what I can.
Wonderful piece. I can only imagine the excitement you felt in locating these subjects. Your work speaks to me. Just imagining what went on on those places. The danger in what they were doing. The high stakes involved. Imagine the conversations taking place within those walls. These are sacred places. I would be frozen in awe.
Thanks, Jack. And yeah, these locations and details feel very unique and important. I’m excited to see where this one goes!
Enjoyed reading (and viewing) this project to date as well as your work up in North Wales - the balancing of project ‘purpose’ is also resonating as a means of energising and focusing on different projects, thank you!
Cheers, Matt!
I just figured out the other names. Here‘s the full list:
- Erfurt
- Oberpfaffenkofen (Airfield near Munich)
- Hébécrevon (Normandy)
- Bremen
- Ludwigshafen
Perhaps that gives some more context 😊
Awesome Kyle, thanks so much for sharing! One comment on the „crew list“ - this is rather a list of German Locations and Towns: Erfurt, Oberpfaffenkofen (Airfield near Munich), Bremen etc.
Hi Kyle, it’s good to find you here. It looks like your travels are proving rewarding.
As long as the project intrigues and inspires you creatively, it’s worth photographing 🙌🏽
Definitely. It’s important to set guidelines at the start, but be open to them changing. It’s one of the most enjoyable parts for me.