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Colorado

I know this is not pumpkin related but I would like
to know if any of the European growers might know
any of the history of Volkel airforce base in the
Netherlands. Thanks Kirk Volkel

6/16/2006 12:41:16 PM

Netherlands

At the beginning of WWII the Germans built Fliegerhorst Volkel. They used it for missions to the west of Holland and the UK. At the end of the war the Germans were chased away by heavy bombings by the Allies which destroyed the airfield. Because it was in a tactical position it was rebuilt immediately by the RAF.

In 1950 the airbase was officially opened for the Dutch Royal Air Force. In 1952 the 1st Tactical Fighter Group was instituted. In 1960 they were given a Strike task and nuclear weapons were placed there in case of an attack from the East. The Americans were responsible for the nuclear weapons.

Volkel currently has three squadrons and is one of the most important F-16 bases in Holland. From here they have been sent to the Balkan and Afghanistan. These planes will likely be replaced by the Joint Strike Fighter in a number of years.

Brad

6/16/2006 2:18:02 PM

Colorado

Thanks for the info Brad. Do you know the translation
for Fliegerhorst? ---Thanks Kirk Volkel

6/23/2006 2:13:06 PM

Itzetown City

Fliegerhorst = Air base

6/23/2006 2:49:39 PM

Colorado

Thanks Boehnke. Any idea who it was named for?
---Kirk Volkel

6/23/2006 3:10:40 PM

Netherlands

It was not named after a person but it is the name of the village. Volkel is a small village east of Den Bosch in the southern province of North Brabant. The airbase is a mile or so north east of the village.
It is possible that you have Dutch ancestors. Any you know of?

6/24/2006 2:21:53 AM

Colorado

Brad, Thanks for the reply. I believe that my Grandmother
had a little Dutch in her background.
Thanks again guys.

6/28/2006 3:39:58 PM