A MAN has crossed the Atlantic to visit a former World War II airfield in the New Forest where his father served during World War II. 

Doug Harrison’s father, second lieutenant James (Jim) Harrison DFC who later became a colonel, served with the 371st Fighter Group at Bisterne airfield in 1944.

Doug and his wife Marian from Louisiana, who are Friends of the New Forest Airfield (FONFA) members, first planned their trip to the UK in 2019 but it was delayed by three years due to the Covid pandemic.

Bournemouth Echo: Doug and Marina HarrisonDoug and Marina Harrison (Image: Friends of the New forest Airfields)

However, in May their ambitions to visit the New Forest were finally realised.

Doug said: "It was from this site that my father, James K. Harrison, flew missions across the English Channel in a P-47 Thunderbolt with the 371st Fighter Group.

"As a child, I had heard my father - who was reared in west Texas - remember his two months stay in the area. He had very positive memories of the beauty of the English countryside, and the hospitality of its people."

Bournemouth Echo: A page from the Bisterne Manor Guest Book from 1944A page from the Bisterne Manor Guest Book from 1944 (Image: Friends of the New Forest Airfields)

During the visit, Doug and Marian were hosted at Bisterne Manor by its owner Hallam Mills where they were able to see a guestbook that was signed by many of the officers of the 371st Fighter Group.

Doug said: “My father signed the book on 27 May 1944. In his papers I found a letter to his then-girlfriend, Elaine Pearce of Baton Rouge, Louisiana (my mother and his wife of 63 years), written on that same date.

“The letter described his visit to Bisterne Manor and his appreciation for the hospitality of the Mills family for making some of its amenities available to the officers of his unit.

"Seeing his signature in the guestbook and touring the property as Mr. Mills’ guest was quite a thrill for us.”

Doug and Marina were also showed us the remnants of an electrical generating facility and air raid shelters, which remain on the former domestic site of Holmsley South airfield.

Doug said: “The FONFA volunteers all demonstrated a heart-warming commitment to preserving the memory of the men who helped save the free world from the airfields in the New Forest.”