John Gieb wrote on the opposite side of this photo,
"Preparing to move from Camp Ackwell." [sic] Research on this camp was
stymied for some time until we located HM Prison Ashwell, in the area of
Oakham, Rutland and near RAF Cottesmore Airfield. Today the RAF Harrier Force
flies GR9/9A aircraft from this field.
HMP Ashwell is situated 1.5 miles from
Oakham in Rutland. The prison first opened in 1955 as an Open Prison for short
to medium term adult male prisoners. The site previously an Army camp extends
to about 10 hectors. In October 1987 it was converted to an Adult Male Low
Category C establishment. |
T/Sgt John M. Gieb stands atop a crate
with a stogie clenched in his teeth. as he oversees activities. Photo was
taken as the riggers prepared to move out from Camp Ashwell in England after
ensuring all was set for moving vital goods into France. |
Cottesmore Airfield
was the training site where many new parachutist volunteers were trained
by the 508th, and perhaps other regiments as well. This aircraft was flown
from Saltby as Chalk 10 in Serial 20 on D-Day and carried men of Hq 2nd. |
Chute Drying Shed
probably reminded some of the drying barns seen on the tobacco farms in
North Carolina and Connecticut |
Interior View
shows chutes hanging over rigger tables where they would eventually be
repacked |
Into The Skies
A C-47 banks away while another watches the departure of her sister
ship. Note also the B-17 "Flying Fortress" facing the camera. Apparently
the 8th Air Force used Cottesmore too. |
