WITH thousands of families expected to visit the Amberley Air Base for the Amberley Air Tattoo this weekend, Marburg resident Rob Krause thought he would share his memories.
Rob said he took the photos, illustrating this story, at the 1970s air show, back in the days when 35mm slides were the fashion.
“I recall the day being very enjoyable and interesting,” he said.
“It was busy with a huge crowd”.
He remembered climbing through the planes on display, which he described as an eye opening experience.”
While he won’t be attending this year in person, he plans to watch any television coverage and will be keeping an eye to the sky for any sightings of aircraft.
“During World War II, there were many planes participating in training exercises, and I recall one type, the Lockheed Lighting, being particularly noisy, scaring chickens, horses, cows and even children when they flew at tree top height down through the Black Snake Creek Valley.
“I also remember seeing hundreds of Lincoln Bombers parked in the paddocks around the Amberley strip.
“It was amazing to see the great amount of camouflage stretched out among the trees under which various sorts of gear was stored and also where the service personnel camped.”
And he recalled that back then, travelling to and from Ipswich along Rosewood Road meant all vehicles had to stop to cross the runway, and guards patrolled this area at all times.
“In those days it seemed to be such a long drive to Rosewood when the road was narrow and bumpy, however my grandparents lived in Rosewood where there was always a cup of tea and a piece of cake waiting for us on our arrival.”
