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Post by chadhill on Dec 21, 2010 9:08:47 GMT 8
Captioned "The site of Bataan Air Field at Cabcaben", 1942 (from the collection of the late Captain Paul Ashton, M.C., M.D.)
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Post by fots2 on Dec 21, 2010 17:21:21 GMT 8
Hi Chad,
Have you found any photos or information on the Mariveles airfield?
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Post by batteryboy on Dec 21, 2010 23:26:38 GMT 8
There were five (5) airfields in Bataan. Pilar, Orani, Bataan, Cabcaben and Mariveles. The Bataan Field and the Cabcaben field were approximately 5 kilometers from one another.
The Bataan Field was approximately 3000 ft x 150 with a 400 feet clearing on the sides. It had 2.5 degree slope from 0 - 2300 feet and an 8 degree slope on the last 700 feet. It was located at near Kilometer 166.
The Cabcaben Field was located at approximately Km 171. It had a 2500 x 100 with a 250 feet clearing on the sides. It was said to have been expanded later on as it was anticpated that transport and B-17 aircraft would land there (but never did).
The Mariveles airfield was approximately about 2,700 feet with a variation of 80 to 130 width. It was hardly in use except for emergency landings and flights. In 1945 the airfield was said to have been improved and I have read that a few light bombers and even a B-24 was said to have been accomodated there. Let me look for it.
Fots, I have two photos of the Mariveles airfield. One by the Japanese and another by US forces in 1945. Let me just look for them and will post it.
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Post by chadhill on Dec 22, 2010 8:18:44 GMT 8
I've checked but don't seem to have any photos of the airfield. Let me see what might be packed away-- I doubt anything will turn up but you can never tell. Batterboy, where do you find such rarities? I look forward to seeing your pictures. This photo was taken at Mariveles Field right after the surrender and just prior to the Death March. Japanese troops inspect (loot) the personal belongings of POWs. The following info is from William Bartsch's "Doomed at the Start" (pages 321-329). The 20th Pursuit Squadron was assigned to Mariveles Field after they were relieved of infantry duties at Longoskwawayan Point on 12 February 42. The field had been abandonded in early January because of it's poor location, but a new strip 3800 feet long had been built by extending a road adjacent to the old runway. General George, CO Bataan Air Force, allocated two of his five P-40's to the 20th. On 23 February two P-40E's arrived from Bataan Field. Of note: on 2 March the two P-40's, piloted by Lieutenants Kiefer White (lead) and Erwin Crellin (wingman) flew in the much publicized raid on Japanese shipping at Subic Bay. The raid was organized by Captain Ed Dyess of the 21st Pursuit Squadron, who flew out of Bataan Field. Crellin did not return and was presumed shot down by enemy AA fire. Two tunnels, designated M-1 and M-2, were under construction at Mariveles Field by Contractors Pacific Naval Air Base personnel. It is not clear from Bartsch's account if they were completed.
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Post by batteryboy on Dec 22, 2010 16:56:19 GMT 8
Here are two blurred photos of Mariveles Field taken from a Japanese footage. The runways were still being improved until the time of surrender. Still looking for the 1945 photo of Mariveles....
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Post by chadhill on Dec 22, 2010 19:02:04 GMT 8
Thanks, BB. The runway does look new. -Chad
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Post by fots2 on Dec 22, 2010 22:59:42 GMT 8
Thanks to batteryboy and chadhill for the information. I am asking because I plan to be in Mariveles in less than two weeks.
Chad, I cannot say if the two tunnels at the airfield were finished or not but there is text saying that both were blown up at surrender time.
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Post by chadhill on Jan 10, 2011 23:29:13 GMT 8
I just came across this photo which is said to have been taken at the very beginning of the airfield construction.
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Post by okla on Jan 11, 2011 1:42:54 GMT 8
Hey Chad....Where do you find all these great pix? I, and I am sure all the other "Geeks", certainly enjoy them. There is no telling what other "jewels" are lying out there in old archives, footlockers, attics,etc. I sure hope so, at any rate. Cheers.
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Post by batteryboy on Jan 11, 2011 9:22:38 GMT 8
Great find!
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