Torretta

41°11'08"N 015°46'15"E 

runway: ../.. - ...x..m - PSP
runway: ../.. - ...x..m - PSP

Torretta airfield (also known as Cerignola #3) was a semi-permanent heavy bomber airfield located approximately 14km (9mi) southwest of Cerignola in Apulia, Italy.
The air field opened in December 1943 with a single runway. The airfield was initially used by 205 Group. When the other squadrons left 142 Sqn and 150 Sqn remained at the muddy field until February 1944. When 330 Wing left the airfield was handed over to the USAAF, who improved the aerodrome to be used as an affective bomber base.
Its double PSP runway with extensive taxiway and hardstand parking areas and steel control tower were built by the US Army Corps Of Enigineers in early 1944, as part of the Foggia Airfield Complex, a series of World War II military airfields located within a 25 mile (40 km) radius of Foggia. The only known USAAF units to operate from the very large and expansive field are the 461st and 484th Bombardment Group, flying a total of six squadrons of B-24 Liberators, from February 1944 until September 1945.
The airfield remained operational until the end of the war and the airfield closed in August 1945.


Torretta airfield from the air in 1944


Photo of Toretta as it appeared in late 1944. A larger version can be downloaded by clicking the photo or under this link at 461st.org. 


The remains of Torretta airfield were photographed from the air in 1953. The dispersal-like areas north of the airfield are actually small farms. Today, the river south of the airfield is dammed about 4km/2.4mi to the southeast, creating a reservoir that almost reaches the former airfield (photo via Pinuccio d'Angelo).

The airfield was dismantled after the war and today it is an agricultural area. Moderate scarring of the land in aerial photography like Google Earth is the only evidence left. The A16 Autostrada bisects the former airfield.


The airfield was still visible from the air in 2002, with the A16 motorway bisecting the airfield (Google Earth)