Benches installed at Airlift Hill in RAF Burtonwood tribute

Two bespoke commemorative benches have been installed at Airlift Hill, a new park opened on the former Burtonwood Airbase site.

The benches commemorate the work of the American personnel who served at RAF Burtonwood from 1940 to its closure in 1993, and the vital role that RAF Burtonwood played in the Berlin Airlift.

RAF Burtonwood was opened in 1940 and was transferred to the US military in June 1942, during which time it became the largest air base in Europe during the Second World War.

A commemorative bench at Airlift Hill commemorating RAF Burtonwood's role in the Berlin Airlift

In June 1948, and after the post-war division of Germany, the Soviet Union closed all the roads, railways and canals from Western-occupied Germany into Western-occupied Berlin.

The Western Allies responded with the Berlin Airlift between June 1948 and September 1949, supplying the people of West Berlin with all their needs in the biggest air lift in history.

RAF Burtonwood played a central and vital role in the success of the airlift, with every C-54 Skymaster involved in the Berlin Airlift being serviced at the base.

A commemorative bench at Airlift Hill commemorating RAF Burtonwood

After the war and role in the Berlin Airlift, RAF Burtonwood became a major equipment storage and supply centre for the US in Europe before its eventual closure in 1993.

The two bespoke benches now in place at Airlift Hill were designed in collaboration with Aldon Ferguson, president of the RAF Burtonwood Association, funded by Omega Warrington and were installed next to Pickett-Hamilton Fort.

Cllr Paul Warburton, Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and adult social care, supported the project.

He said: “The benches are a fitting and lasting commemoration to the base, its vital role in the Berlin Airlift and to all those who served at RAF Burtonwood.

A plaque on one of the benches commemorating those who served at the base

“They look magnificent next to the Pickett-Hamilton Fort at Airlift Hill, and I am sure they will become a valued local landmark.”

Mr Ferguson, who also founded the RAF Burtonwood Association, added: “Sincere thanks go to Cllr Warburton and Colin Graham at Omega Warrington for their involvement in arranging for this wonderful memorial area to be created.

“It immortalises the dedication by those who served at RAF Burtonwood and their achievements in preserving peace in Europe ever since.”

A US military plaque displayed at Warrington Town Hall has been lovingly restored

In addition to the benches, a US military plaque displayed at Warrington Town Hall has been lovingly restored.

It was presented to the people of Warrington in 1945 to acknowledge the friendship and hospitality to US military personnel.

Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Maureen Creaghan, said: “The plaque is a fitting memorial to honour all those who were based at RAF Burtonwood during the war, and the important work that took place after there after the war ended.

“It is fantastic to see that it has been restored to its original condition for visitors to the Town Hall to appreciate.”