Lack of acknowledgement Options

[Phil_D11102]

I feel absolutely insulted that the NWN has not even mentioned deep in the bowels of this week's edition that it's now been 20 years since the USAF left RAF GC.

I have always felt that the NWN has had a love affair with those who stood out side the fence. I am speaking about those who cost the UK tax payer millions over the years in various cost from clean up to repairing criminal damage Not to acknowledge some 50 years of presence in the Newbury area is shameful.

I always felt my time spent inside the fence at Greenham was worthwhile as the biggest threat to non Soviet Pact countries was stared down. I felt my time helped ensure future generations had liberties we sometimes take for granted.

Thank you NWN for your lack of acknowledgement from the thousands of U.S. forces who have served at RAF Greenham Common.

Maybe now I can understand why there aren't any monuments to the U.S. military personnel in Newbury.

[stewiegriffin]

Phil, do come off it.

America is not the big deal to the British most Americans think it should be.

Are we supposed to be so grateful to you that we build statues to celebrate your gracing us with your wonderful American-ness?

If it's gratitude for your selfless service to the lowly folk of Britain you're looking for, I fear you may be barking up the wrong tree here.

Perhaps instead you should be grateful to us for allowing your country to base its missiles here?

[Penelope]

I feel absolutely insulted that the NWN has not even mentioned deep in the bowels of this week's edition that it's now been 20 years since the USAF left RAF GC.

I have always felt that the NWN has had a love affair with those who stood out side the fence. I am speaking about those who cost the UK tax payer millions over the years in various cost from clean up to repairing criminal damage Not to acknowledge some 50 years of presence in the Newbury area is shameful.

I always felt my time spent inside the fence at Greenham was worthwhile as the biggest threat to non Soviet Pact countries was stared down. I felt my time helped ensure future generations had liberties we sometimes take for granted.

Thank you NWN for your lack of acknowledgement from the thousands of U.S. forces who have served at RAF Greenham Common.

Maybe now I can understand why there aren't any monuments to the U.S. military personnel in Newbury.

It's not just the nwn who had the love affair, it extended throughout the media as a whole. Whole brigades of reporters talking to the "sisters" whilst the life of the camp and those serving within went largely unreported. And when the servicemen went the whole thing was gently swept under the shagpile like a bad stain.

[Adrian Hollister]

It's good they are gone. NWN should have celebrated the fact that they have gone. Doesn't matter if you were pro or anti - it was a significant bit of our local history.

[Nothing Much]

I think you will find that many folk remember the times that Greenham Common was used.

I have spent 30 years either cycling there as a child
or taking photos of big bro by his Jag (Even he admits it is a Mondeo)
on the tarrmac where a where a jet dropped a fuel tank on another on the ground. Burnt for 5 days.

The house I once lived in was used as a mess for 101st troops before D Day. Their art is still preserved in cellars.
I have visited the Cambridge memorial to American Airmen.
Best wishes, Christopher.

[Phil_D11102]

Phil, do come off it.

America is not the big deal to the British most Americans think it should be.

Are we supposed to be so grateful to you that we build statues to celebrate your gracing us with your wonderful American-ness?

If it's gratitude for your selfless service to the lowly folk of Britain you're looking for, I fear you may be barking up the wrong tree here.

Perhaps instead you should be grateful to us for allowing your country to base its missiles here?

To think back in 1944, the last time some American foot touched soil was up at RAF Greenham Common. That person jumped out of an airplane into France to fight back an enemy that was not at America's door, but at England's door.

Maybe that person with his wonderful American-ness didn't need to jump to his death that night or some other time. Maybe he should of went back to the grace of his family in America.

American's PROUDLY came to England, to Greeham Common for 50 years to help protect your butts as well as the butts of American's. You would gladly put down a monument to some footballer, but not to people who risked their lives, and in some cases gave their lives.

Instead of barking up your tree maybe it should be cut down. While you are probably in the minority of those who are unappreciative of their allies, it's the same minority that tarnish the reputation of an entire nation.

I am grateful that the missles were placed here, because it was through leadership who understood the threat and they had the courage to allow this to happen, but it took dedication to stand there ready to ensure that they were never used.

I am not looking to graditude, I am looking for acknowledgement of history and to the dedication of thousands who put their lives on the line so you can slur them later.

[dannyboy]

Funny, I don't remember any love affair with the Peace Women in the NWN.

[Ron]

To think back in 1944, the last time some American foot touched soil was up at RAF Greenham Common. That person jumped out of an airplane into France to fight back an enemy that was not at America's door, but at England's door.

Maybe that person with his wonderful American-ness didn't need to jump to his death that night or some other time. Maybe he should of went back to the grace of his family in America.

American's PROUDLY came to England, to Greeham Common for 50 years to help protect your butts as well as the butts of American's. You would gladly put down a monument to some footballer, but not to people who risked their lives, and in some cases gave their lives.

Instead of barking up your tree maybe it should be cut down. While you are probably in the minority of those who are unappreciative of their allies, it's the same minority that tarnish the reputation of an entire nation.

I am grateful that the missles were placed here, because it was through leadership who understood the threat and they had the courage to allow this to happen, but it took dedication to stand there ready to ensure that they were never used.

I am not looking to graditude, I am looking for acknowledgement of history and to the dedication of thousands who put their lives on the line so you can slur them later.

If I recollect correctly we had stood on our own for some considerable time during which we paid a considerable amount of gold to the USA for armaments, etc., before they came into the action. Brought on by the fact that the Japs hammered them in the Pacific not for any generousity of heart!!

[stewiegriffin]

To think back in 1944, the last time some American foot touched soil was up at RAF Greenham Common. That person jumped out of an airplane into France to fight back an enemy that was not at America's door, but at England's door.

Maybe that person with his wonderful American-ness didn't need to jump to his death that night or some other time. Maybe he should of went back to the grace of his family in America.

American's PROUDLY came to England, to Greeham Common for 50 years to help protect your butts as well as the butts of American's. You would gladly put down a monument to some footballer, but not to people who risked their lives, and in some cases gave their lives.

Instead of barking up your tree maybe it should be cut down. While you are probably in the minority of those who are unappreciative of their allies, it's the same minority that tarnish the reputation of an entire nation.

I am grateful that the missles were placed here, because it was through leadership who understood the threat and they had the courage to allow this to happen, but it took dedication to stand there ready to ensure that they were never used.

I am not looking to graditude, I am looking for acknowledgement of history and to the dedication of thousands who put their lives on the line so you can slur them later.

Oh, purleeeze.

As everyone knows, America chose to sit out WW2 until the Japs forced its hand. Where were you all before Pearl Harbour?

And who exactly was 'risking their lives' by working at Greenham Common in the 80's? Absolutely nobody. Unless there was an attempted Soviet invasion I managed to sleep through.

That there was a US base here is a matter of historical fact. I simply fail to see the need for monuments to people who spent a few years driving absurdly oversized cars around town and then went home again.

[Penelope]

To think back in 1944, the last time some American foot touched soil was up at RAF Greenham Common. That person jumped out of an airplane into France to fight back an enemy that was not at America's door, but at England's door.

Maybe that person with his wonderful American-ness didn't need to jump to his death that night or some other time. Maybe he should of went back to the grace of his family in America.

American's PROUDLY came to England, to Greeham Common for 50 years to help protect your butts as well as the butts of American's. You would gladly put down a monument to some footballer, but not to people who risked their lives, and in some cases gave their lives.

Instead of barking up your tree maybe it should be cut down. While you are probably in the minority of those who are unappreciative of their allies, it's the same minority that tarnish the reputation of an entire nation.

I am grateful that the missles were placed here, because it was through leadership who understood the threat and they had the courage to allow this to happen, but it took dedication to stand there ready to ensure that they were never used.

I am not looking to graditude, I am looking for acknowledgement of history and to the dedication of thousands who put their lives on the line so you can slur them later.

God bless the 101st airborne without whom we would not have stemmed the Nazi tide.

[Squelchy]

To think back in 1944, the last time some American foot touched soil was up at RAF Greenham Common. That person jumped out of an airplane into France to fight back an enemy that was not at America's door, but at England's door.

Maybe that person with his wonderful American-ness didn't need to jump to his death that night or some other time. Maybe he should of went back to the grace of his family in America.

Unless of course he lived near Pearl Harbour.

You would gladly put down a monument to some footballer, but not to people who risked their lives, and in some cases gave their lives.

Maybe now I can understand why there aren't any monuments to the U.S. military personnel in Newbury.

Did anyone lose their lives at Greenham? (apart from one of the Peace Women?), as for monuments we have a Micky D's a Starbucks a Pizza Hut and a KFC, so thank you.

I am not looking to graditude, I am looking for acknowledgement of history and to the dedication of thousands who put their lives on the line so you can slur them later.

I was there on the Easter Sunday when the 501st Tactical missile wing (motto: Poised to Deter Qiuck to React) completely failed to stop thirty women dressed as bunny rabbits from getting over the fence.

We all hoped the the Ruskies didn't attack in fancy dress after that.

[dannyboy]

The entire Cold War was an embarassment between two posturing sides keen on World domination, but who were too scared to actually confront each other.


Reminds me of the school bullies who are supposed to have a scrap to spend the entire break standing face to face saying 'Yeah?!' to each other & then later beat the **** out of some younger kid to prove how tough they are.

[Penelope]

The entire Cold War was an embarassment between two posturing sides keen on World domination, but who were too scared to actually confront each other.


Reminds me of the school bullies who are supposed to have a scrap to spend the entire break standing face to face saying 'Yeah?!' to each other & then later beat the **** out of some younger kid to prove how tough they are.

So, you would have preferred the alternative?

[dannyboy]

So, you would have preferred the alternative?

The allies at the end of WWII shaking hands & congratulating each other for a job well done? Yes.

[Phil_D11102]

If I recollect correctly we had stood on our own for some considerable time during which we paid a considerable amount of gold to the USA for armaments, etc., before they came into the action. Brought on by the fact that the Japs hammered them in the Pacific not for any generousity of heart!!

Yes, England paid for armaments, and the U.S. stood out of the war because of politics, not lack of will. The Japanese may of got the first strike in, but one battle don't make a war.

Where were you all before Pearl Harbour

Americans were fighting in the RAF...

And who exactly was 'risking their lives' by working at Greenham Common in the 80's? Absolutely nobody. Unless there was an attempted Soviet invasion I managed to sleep through.

That there wan a US base here is a matter of historical fact. I simply fail to see the need for monuments to people who spent a few years driving absurdly oversized cars around town and then went home again

The fact war didn't break out was because Greenham was ready. Funny how there is monument to the peace women right outside the gate. Sure, they were the ones who ended the Cold War...

Did anyone lose their lives at Greenham? (apart from one of the Peace Women?), as for monuments we have a Micky D's a Starbucks a Pizza Hut and a KFC, so thank you.

You mean the woman who walked into traffic. Terrible loss. Who died up at Greeham? Paratroopers training and those who jumped into France and fought on later. In aircraft accidents, 2 in 1958, another in 1964. One Airman was murdered in a hit and run accident while he was on vacation on the south coast in the late 1980's.

[Penelope]

The allies at the end of WWII shaking hands & congratulating each other for a job well done? Yes.

Dream on.

[Phil_D11102]

The allies at the end of WWII shaking hands & congratulating each other for a job well done? Yes.

I thought the western allies did that, but the Soviet Union had other plans..

[lordtup]

I am deliberately not quoting any individual postings on this topic but it is very interesting how history has been interpreted by those who obviously where not present at the time but who have read widely on the subject ,material written equally by people who weren't there either.

Though the USA air force's presence in Newbury is part of it's history, in no way should we assume that they were here for our benefit whether 1944 or 1984 .

[Andy Capp]

The question is, did we benefit by them being 'over paid and over here'? Regardless of motive, I suggest Europe benefited from the US presence, assuming we wished to stem Soviet sprawl. It was a quid pro quo.

[dannyboy]

I thought the western allies did that, but the Soviet Union had other plans..

Both sides had plans.