 WW-II
Pachuta
Bombing & Gunnery Range
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Pachuta Bombing &
Gunnery Range
by Bill Eddins
The Clarke County Tribune - June 18,2009
Click Here For More Photos
The Pachuta Bombing & Gunnery range was located In
Western Clarke County and Eastern Jasper County Ms. near the Village of Pachuta
& the community of Barnett. The Range was in use between the years of 1942
and 1945. The Range was used for practice Bombing, gunnery, rifle and the F3
school at Key Field, Meridian Ms. The Range was assigned to Key Field and was
available for use by any Third Air Force Unit. The Range total acres were
10,686. Of this total, 9,660 acres were acquired by condemnation on July 12
1943. Over 60 local families were affected and forced to relocate.
Units that used the
Range:
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347th AAF Base
Unit Key Field
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Squadrons A,C,D,H,T 347th
(CCTS) (TR)
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Squadrons A,C,D,H,T 347th
(CCTS) (TR)
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Sq. “A” 321st
AAF Base Unit (TAD) Key Field
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328th AAF Base Unit (CCTS) (HB) Heavy Bombardment
Gulf Port Ms.
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69th Tactical Reconnaissance Group
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18th Photo Tectical Unit
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22th Tact. Rec.
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31th Tact. Rec.
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931st Signal
Battalion
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311 BS 86th BG
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Facilities at the
site:
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Gunnery Target Range
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Strafing Range
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Bombing Range
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Rifle Range
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Barracks
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Weapons used on the
range:
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Sub machine Guns .45
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Pistol .45
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.50 Cal Machine Gun
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M-1 Carbine
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100# Photoflash Bombs
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100# Sand filled practice
Bombs with Three# Spotting Charge
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52# M46 Photo Flash Bombs
with Black Power and 25# of Photographic Flashlight Powder
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Mustard land mines
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Aircrafts:
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A-24A Dauntles |
A 20’s |
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B-17’s |
B-25’s |
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B-29 Superfortresses |
P-51 Mustangs |
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CG-4A Gliders
If you can provide any additional
information or have personal experience with this facility, please e-mail me at
the following address:
Thanks!
Bill
Eddins
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