  387TH
BOMBARDMENT GROUP (MEDIUM)
Station A-15
Station A-39 at Châteaudun was a well-established airbase with two intersecting concrete runways, taxiways and large reinforced concrete hangars. 387th Bombardment Group, Medium On September 12, 1944 a reconnaissance party from the 387th Bombardment Group (Medium) arrived at Châteaudun from A-15; an advance party followed three days later. The rest of the group (Headquarters and the 556th, 557th, 558th and 559th Bombardment Squadrons, Medium) made the move on September 18. American and RAF bombers had left the base a shambles; both runways were well-peppered and nearly all builidngs and hangars were demolished. The runways and taxiways had been repaired but the buildings had not. The group erected tents in a scattered, random pattern which was supposed to minimize the effect of any one strafing pass by enemy aircraft. Headquarters and the mess tent were located at the edge of a picturesque grove of pine trees; the 566th established camp on a low hill overlooking the field. Poor flying weather often left the group with free time. Some of the more industrious members used this to improve living conditions by building floors and furniture for their tents and improving their heating systems. An adjacent German bomb dump offered a supply of excellent building material, with each bomb encased in a well-made wooden crate. The men assumed that German bombs were like American bombs and would not explode unless armed with a fuse, and carelessly tossed them into a large, impressive-looking pile. The men found the town of Châteaudun to be a neat town with several wine shops and a good theater that was soon used for American movies. A private bathhouse was leased by the Group and provided the luxury of hot showers. The 387th was stationed at Châteaudun for less than two months before moving on to Clastres. |