A new Diorama or the story of B.100

Our museum`s association has made a point firstly, to document the story of RAF Laarbruch from 1954 - 1999, and secondly to show exhibits from RAFG, although our space and exhibits are limited at present.

A further important aspect is regular research, using literature and the internet, into RAF history.

During this research we came across texts and photos, which refer to the first use of this area by the RAF during the last months of WW2.

To be more precise, an RAF airfield existed on and outside the latter area of RAF Laarbruch for approx. 6 weeks between the months of March and April 1945.
This was the first (1st.) RAF (2TAF) airfield on German soil in WW2 known as B.100 Goch, although having nothing to do with this town. Indeed it also had no connections with the latter date Royal Air Force GOCH which existed in Goch from 1954 - 1961 without however having an airfield or aircraft.

The topographical reference (to Goch) is also incorrect, but can perhaps be explained by the importance of Goch to the Allies in WW2, it being the main depot and jump off point for Operation Plunder ( The Rhine crossing ).
It is also possible that this had phonetical grounds see Weeze or Kevelaer ( for Brit`s difficult to pronounce). Similarly it could also have been phonetic reasons for the British choosing the name of RAF Laarbruch for their airfield in 1954, which is in actual fact topographically Hees. Laarbruch is on the other side of the road ( L 361 ).


 

The importance of this region, and the fact that the existance of an airfield here, during WW2 was virtually unknown, led to our decision to build a diorama complete with information boards to remember the airfield`s short existance. In building the diorama we have tried as far as possible to authentically show how the airfield could have looked like. Viewing original photos of the airfield in 1945 will show that this is only partly possible. The complete "Project" including all research was carried out by Terry and Manfred. Both belong to the "Enthusiasts" in the museum. Terry is also renowned for the fact that he peaks to top-form when others are asleep. He then researches in literature or in internet, or turns to a pair of tweezers or a file, paints or glues, sometimes with a fine brush or air-brush, waits patiently until the paint dries and then carefully applies decals, when the clock shows 01.30. Among insiders it is commonly known that he recently built one (1) model aircraft from three (3) different model kits. This was not visible afterwards. This model can be seen in our first diorama. This time it was also his job to obtain all the model kits required for the diorama and of course to build or assemble them. The model kits of aircraft, vehicles, figures, accesories and paints, decals were ordered from England, Asia, USA, Australia and other countries.

The design of the landscape was Manfred`s creative brainchild combining reality and phantasy using the little information and photos available.
The result of all this work is a complex diorama depicting a section of B.100.
This section contains 15 models of the following aircraft:- Typhoons, Spitfires, Auster, Liberator and Thunderbolt, all in authentic colours, and with authentic codes etc. ( RAF, RCAF, USAAF ), and also diverse vehicles, lorries, Bofors AA, and over 50 figures including pilots, RAF Police, mechanics, officers, all in 1/72 scale.
The Typhoons and Spitfires each represent a squadron stationed at B.100 at the time ( 11 Squadrons, see B.100 ).

The diorama is rounded off with information boards containing original photos and texts.

For further information on the war situation at the time and a plan of this airfield please look on our website under B.100 Goch.

To finish off, we would like to thank Jürgen C. who supplied us with photos and reproductions of squadron crests.

 

Photo-Gallery