Molesworth Welcomes Nene Valley Chapter HOG

  • Published
  • By Russell A. Lucier, Commander's Action Group
  • JIOCEUR Analytic Center
5/31/2009 - ROYAL AIR FORCE MOLESWORTH, England --  It was a sunny day in May. They cut through the wind on two wheels instead of wings. They wore motorcycle leathers instead of aircrew jackets. 

The formation of approximately 100 motorcycles rolled out of the air base as the deafening sound of their engines thundered and shook the ground. As they rode through the day, they were reminded of those who went before them to defend the freedom they so appreciate.

The Nene Valley Chapter Harley Owners Group (HOG) may well have achieved the highest decibel levels at RAF Molesworth since planes stopped flying there decades ago. Their purpose: to raise awareness of the experience of American service members during World War II. Tony "Blondie" Ellis, one of the chapter's road captains, said "many Americans left home for the first time, only to come and find themselves living in tents in England's wet, cold weather. They must have been miserable!"

All chapter road captains are responsible for organizing two "ride-outs" per year. To fulfill this obligation, Ellis organized what he entitled "The American Dream." This ride-out began in the town of Towcester, home of the Nene Valley Chapter HOG, and stopped for breakfast at a USA-style diner. The American theme continued at their second stop, RAF Molesworth, home of the World War II 303rd "Hell's Angels" Bomb Group. There the riders heard of the 841 personnel from the base who gave their lives for freedom, and the 764 who became prisoners of war.

Those numbers became more poignant at the third stop of the rally, the Cambridge American Military Cemetery and Memorial, where some toured the grounds in deep reflection. Others took a lighter approach and bathed in the sun during the short stay before setting off for the final stop of the day, Nuthampstead Airfield, home of the 398th Bomb Group. The day ended there at a local 17th century pub which was frequented by off-duty airmen during the war. The bikers remembered their predecessors and then celebrated in a way they knew best - with a hog roast, of course.