Draft:Bad Zwischenahn Airfield: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| (13 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|Luftwaffe aviation in Lower Saxony}} |
|||
{{Draft topics|europe|military-and-warfare|transportation|engineering}} |
|||
{{AfC topic|other}} |
|||
{{AfC submission|||ts=20241124155427|u=KeyMen12|ns=118}} |
|||
{{AfC submission|t||ts=20241124133930|u=KeyMen12|ns=118|demo=}} |
{{AfC submission|t||ts=20241124133930|u=KeyMen12|ns=118|demo=}} |
||
{{Infobox airport |
{{Infobox airport |
||
| name = |
| name = Bad Zwischenahn Airfield |
||
| nativename = |
| nativename = (Land-und Seefliegerhorst Zwischenahn) |
||
| image = |
| image = |
||
Ju 88 D-1, 1.(F) 120, Stavanger, 1941 (1.2).jpg |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
| caption = [[Junkers Ju-88]] bomber group |
|||
| IATA = |
| IATA = |
||
| ICAO = |
| ICAO = |
||
| type = Former German Military airfield (Large) |
| type = Former German Military airfield (Large) |
||
| owner = |
| owner = [[Luftwaffe]] |
||
| operator = [[Luftdienstverband]] (Air Service), and [[Reichsluftfahrtministerium]] (National Air Ministry) |
|||
| ⚫ | |||
| city-served = |
| city-served = [[Zwischenahn]] |
||
| location = |
| location = [[Bad Zwischenahn]], [[Lower Saxony]], [[Germany]] |
||
| elevation-f = |
| elevation-f = |
||
| elevation-m = |
| elevation-m = |
||
| Line 19: | Line 25: | ||
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Germany |
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Germany |
||
| website = |
| website = |
||
| r1-number = |
| r1-number = N/A |
||
| r1-length-f = |
| r1-length-f = |
||
| r1-length-m = |
| r1-length-m = 1400x90 |
||
| r1-surface = |
| r1-surface = Asphalt |
||
| r2-number = |
| r2-number = N/A |
||
| r2-length-f = |
| r2-length-f = |
||
| r2-length-m = |
| r2-length-m = 1200x80 |
||
| r2-surface = |
| r2-surface = Asphalt |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| r3-surface = Asphalt |
|||
}} |
}} |
||
'''Bad |
'''Bad Zwischenahn Airfield''' (also known as '''Land-und Seefliegerhorst Zwischenahn''') was a significant [[aviation]]/[[Luftwaffe]] hub in northwestern Germany ([[Lower Saxony]]). |
||
== History == |
== History == |
||
Built in 1936 near [[Zwischenahn|Lake Zwischenahn]], the airfield initially served as a civilian facility with an 800-meter grass runway. It supported target towing operations for the armed forces under the supervision of the [[Reichsluftfahrtministerium]].<ref name="Bad Zwischenabn">{{cite web |title=Bad Zwischenahn Airfield |url=https://www.forgottenairfields.com/airfield-bad-zwischenahn-343.html |website=Forgotten Airfields |access-date=23 November 2024}}</ref> |
Built in 1936 near [[Zwischenahn|Lake Zwischenahn]], the airfield initially served as a civilian facility with an 800-meter grass runway. It supported target towing operations for the armed forces under the supervision of the [[Reichsluftfahrtministerium]] (Ministry of Aviation).<ref name="Bad Zwischenabn">{{cite web |title=Bad Zwischenahn Airfield |url=https://www.forgottenairfields.com/airfield-bad-zwischenahn-343.html |website=Forgotten Airfields |access-date=23 November 2024}}</ref> |
||
The [[Luftwaffe]] assumed control of the airfield in 1939 and expanded its infrastructure. This included the addition of three asphalt runways, the largest being 1,400 meters long, and the construction of mooring facilities for floatplanes on the lake, called the E-Hafen. The expanded base was renamed Seefliegerhorst Zwischenahn and codenamed “Adlerhorst” (Eagle’s Nest).<ref name="Bad Zwischenabn"/> |
The [[Luftwaffe]] assumed control of the airfield in 1939 and expanded its infrastructure. This included the addition of three asphalt runways, the largest being 1,400 meters long, and the construction of mooring facilities for floatplanes on the lake, called the E-Hafen. The expanded base was renamed Seefliegerhorst Zwischenahn and codenamed “Adlerhorst” (Eagle’s Nest).<ref name="Bad Zwischenabn"/> |
||
===World War II=== |
===World War II=== |
||
During World War II, the airfield hosted various military units. In May 1940, [[Heinkel He 59]] aircraft launched missions from the |
During World War II, the airfield hosted various military units. In May 1940, [[Heinkel He 59]] aircraft launched missions from the E-Hafen during the German invasion of the Netherlands. Later that year, bomber groups operating [[Ju-88]]s conducted attacks on Britain.<ref name="Bad Zwischenabn"/><ref name="Relikte">{{cite web |title=Zwischenahn |url=https://www.relikte.com/zwischenahn/ |website=Relikte |access-date=20 October 2024}}</ref> |
||
* '''Early Use''' |
* '''Early Use''' |
||
From 1941 onwards, Wettererkundungsstaffel 1 used the base for weather reconnaissance over the North Sea and North Atlantic, remaining active until the war's end. Between 1943 and 1944, other units, including Kampfgeschwader 30 and 40, operated from Zwischenahn, also flying Ju 88 bombers.<ref name="Bad Zwischenabn"/><ref name="Relikte"/> |
From 1941 onwards, [[Wettererkundungsstaffel]] 1 used the base for weather reconnaissance over the [[North Sea]] and [[North Atlantic]], remaining active until the war's end. Between 1943 and 1944, other units, including Kampfgeschwader 30 and 40, operated from [[Zwischenahn]], also flying [[Ju 88]] bombers.<ref name="Bad Zwischenabn"/><ref name="Relikte"/> |
||
* '''Testing ground Me 163''' |
* '''Testing ground Me 163''' |
||
| Line 49: | Line 58: | ||
===Post-War=== |
===Post-War=== |
||
After World War II, Bad Zwischenahn Airfield was heavily damaged by Allied airstrikes, with two of its runways and most of its hangars destroyed. Only one hangar and part of the lakeside runway were left intact. The site briefly served the Canadian Army, which repaired some of the facilities for their use during the postwar occupation. Eventually, the airfield was abandoned for aviation purposes. The [[British Royal Air Force]] later converted the site into a hospital (RAF Hospital Rostrup) in the 1950s.<ref name="Bad Zwischenabn"/><ref name="Relikte"/> |
After World War II, Bad Zwischenahn Airfield was heavily damaged by Allied airstrikes, with two of its runways and most of its hangars destroyed. Only one hangar and part of the lakeside runway were left intact. The site briefly served the Canadian Army, which repaired some of the facilities for their use during the postwar occupation. Eventually, the airfield was abandoned for aviation purposes. The [[British Royal Air Force]] later converted the site into a hospital (RAF Hospital Rostrup) in the 1950s.<ref name="Bad Zwischenabn"/><ref name="Relikte"/> |
||
After its capture by Canadian troops in May 1945, Bad Zwischenahn was used as a logistical and administrative hub by the [[2nd Canadian Corps]]. The airfield supported occupation duties and the demobilization of German military forces.<ref name="BAOR Location">{{cite web |title=Home 3 location Bad-Zwischenahn |url=https://baor-locations.org/home-3/locations/bad-zwischenahn/ |access-date=20 October 2024}}</ref> |
After its capture by Canadian troops in May 1945, Bad Zwischenahn was used as a logistical and administrative hub by the [[2nd Canadian Corps]]. The airfield supported occupation duties and the demobilization of German military forces.<ref name="BAOR Location">{{cite web |title=Home 3 location Bad-Zwischenahn |url=https://baor-locations.org/home-3/locations/bad-zwischenahn/ |access-date=20 October 2024}}</ref> |
||
Latest revision as of 10:13, 25 November 2024
 | Review waiting, please be patient.
This may take 7 weeks or more, since drafts are reviewed in no specific order. There are 1,448 pending submissions waiting for review.
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
Reviewer tools
|
Bad Zwischenahn Airfield (Land-und Seefliegerhorst Zwischenahn) | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
_120,_Stavanger,_1941_(1.2).jpg) Junkers Ju-88 bomber group | |||||||||||||||||||
| Summary | |||||||||||||||||||
| Airport type | Former German Military airfield (Large) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Owner | Luftwaffe | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operator | Luftdienstverband (Air Service), and Reichsluftfahrtministerium (National Air Ministry) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Serves | Zwischenahn | ||||||||||||||||||
| Location | Bad Zwischenahn, Lower Saxony, Germany | ||||||||||||||||||
| Coordinates | 53°12′27″N 7°59′13″E / 53.20750°N 7.98694°E | ||||||||||||||||||
| Map | |||||||||||||||||||
  Bad Zwischenahn Airfield Location in Germany | |||||||||||||||||||
 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Runways | |||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
Bad Zwischenahn Airfield (also known as Land-und Seefliegerhorst Zwischenahn) was a significant aviation/Luftwaffe hub in northwestern Germany (Lower Saxony).
History
[edit]Built in 1936 near Lake Zwischenahn, the airfield initially served as a civilian facility with an 800-meter grass runway. It supported target towing operations for the armed forces under the supervision of the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (Ministry of Aviation).[1]
The Luftwaffe assumed control of the airfield in 1939 and expanded its infrastructure. This included the addition of three asphalt runways, the largest being 1,400 meters long, and the construction of mooring facilities for floatplanes on the lake, called the E-Hafen. The expanded base was renamed Seefliegerhorst Zwischenahn and codenamed “Adlerhorst” (Eagle’s Nest).[1]
World War II
[edit]During World War II, the airfield hosted various military units. In May 1940, Heinkel He 59 aircraft launched missions from the E-Hafen during the German invasion of the Netherlands. Later that year, bomber groups operating Ju-88s conducted attacks on Britain.[1][2]
- Early Use
From 1941 onwards, Wettererkundungsstaffel 1 used the base for weather reconnaissance over the North Sea and North Atlantic, remaining active until the war's end. Between 1943 and 1944, other units, including Kampfgeschwader 30 and 40, operated from Zwischenahn, also flying Ju 88 bombers.[1][2]
- Testing ground Me 163
One of the airfield's most notable roles began in 1943, when it became a testing ground for the Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, a groundbreaking rocket-powered fighter capable of exceeding 1,000 km/h. These tests were conducted by Erprobungskommando 16, which later merged into Jagdgeschwader 400 and relocated in late 1944.[1][2]
In addition to testing new aircraft, the airfield supported missions involving the Heinkel He 111 bombers equipped to carry and launch V-1 flying bombs. These missions represented early air-launched cruise missile operations, conducted until early 1945.[1][2]
Post-War
[edit]After World War II, Bad Zwischenahn Airfield was heavily damaged by Allied airstrikes, with two of its runways and most of its hangars destroyed. Only one hangar and part of the lakeside runway were left intact. The site briefly served the Canadian Army, which repaired some of the facilities for their use during the postwar occupation. Eventually, the airfield was abandoned for aviation purposes. The British Royal Air Force later converted the site into a hospital (RAF Hospital Rostrup) in the 1950s.[1][2]
After its capture by Canadian troops in May 1945, Bad Zwischenahn was used as a logistical and administrative hub by the 2nd Canadian Corps. The airfield supported occupation duties and the demobilization of German military forces.[3]
By 1946, the site became a base for the British Army as part of the BAOR. Units like the 7th Armoured Division ("Desert Rats") and 52nd (Lowland) Infantry Division were stationed in the area, using existing facilities for barracks and command centers. The infrastructure was adapted to meet British military needs, including storage, maintenance, and housing.[3]
Luftwaffe Units
[edit]- Kampfgeschwader (KG)
Hosted Kampfgeschwader (KG) units like III./KG4 during the Battle of Britain (1940) and KG6 in 1942 for aircraft transitions.[4]
- Erprobungskommando 16 (EK 16)
Erprobungskommando 16 (EK 16) used the airfield from 1943 to 1944 to test and develop the Me 163 Komet, including towing operations with Bf 110 aircraft.[4]
Closure
[edit]The airfield suffered multiple Allied airstrikes, with the final attack in March 1945 rendering it inoperable. Canadian troops captured the site in May 1945. much of the airfield infrastructure was destroyed or repurposed. The site briefly served the Canadian Army before being converted into a golf course and other recreational facilities. Today, only traces of the airfield’s original layout remain, and the parts of the runways now covered by the forest.[1]
- Some original buildings, like the former fire brigade and vehicle facilities, partially exist.[2]
- The airfield area is mostly inaccessible due to private ownership, but some remnants can be viewed from public roads.[2]
The site has become a place of historical interest, attracting visitors exploring remnants of World War II and the broader narrative of German military aviation.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h "Bad Zwischenahn Airfield". Forgotten Airfields. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Zwischenahn". Relikte. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
- ^ a b "Home 3 location Bad-Zwischenahn". Retrieved 20 October 2024.
- ^ a b "Me 163 Airfield01". Rob De Bie. Retrieved 6 October 2020.
- ^ "Traces of War". Retrieved 20 October 2024.