Guide to the Town of Napier Field (AL) Collection
Record Group 075
Date Span:1939-1998.
Extent: 4 scrapbooks and 24 reports, all scanned into PDFs.
Creators: Carl H. Petersen, mayor of Napier Field 1997-2000; US Army Air Corps; Dr. I. C. Bates, of Dothan.
Historical Sketch: In 1939, the United States Army Air Corps built Napier Field to train pilots and other Army Air Corps personnel to fight in World War II. Napier Field was named in memory of Major Edward L. Napier, one of the first Army Flight Surgeons. The Field was located in Dale County, Alabama, and operated October 1, 1940 through October 31, 1945. Squadrons A, D, I, and H, and other units trained at Napier Field, including British Royal Air Force and Mexican Army pilots. (Source: Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan Regional Airport History and Information. URLhttp://www.flydothan.com/about_dhn.html. Accessed 20 November 2006). The USAAF abandoned Napier Field after World War 2. In 1968, residents incorporated to become the Town of Napier Field.
Scope / Content: Collection consists of Scrapbooks of photographs, newsclippings, and other materials reflecting the history of Napier Field and official US Army Air Corps unit histories of the training squadrons A, D, I, and H at Napier Field as well as histories of the 73rd Base Headquarters, 15th and 16th and 429th-433rd S.E.F.T. group, 1023rd Guard, 21st Aviation Squad, , 2062nd Ordinance Co., 907th Q.M. Co., 957th Q.M. platoon, 4th Airways Communication Detachment, 856th Signal Service, 4th Weather Squadron, and 599th Band and the 2116th AF Base. Also contains Dr. I.C. Bates "History of Napier Field" written in January 31, 1944.
Organization: Organized into 2 series: 1. Scrapbooks; 2. US Army Air Corps Reports
Provenance: Scrapbooks assembled by Mr. Carl H. Petersen, former mayor of Napier Field; USAAF Reports were classified documents on file at the Air Force Historical Research Facility at Maxwell Air Force Base. They were declassified on September 27, 1958, and provided to the The Wiregrass Archives on microfilm by Carl Peterson and Tina Bernath.
Processing Note: The The Wiregrass Archives director scanned the scrapbooks in Fall 2006, omitting the USAAF reports, Dr. I. C. Bates's history of Napier Field, and a few photocopied maps that were illegible when scanned. The Wiregrass Archives returned the scrapbooks to Mr. Peterson who displays them at the Napier Field Town Hall. Archival assistant C. Funk scanned (June-November 2006) the microfilmed USAAF reports and Dr. Bates's history. Tina Bernath donated her microfilm reels of these reports.
Location of Originals: Scrapbooks in possession of Mr. Petersen; USAAF Reports at Air Force Historical Research Agency, Maxwell Field, Montgomery, AL.
Access and Use: Open (Public Records)
Date processed: November 2006
Processed By: Caroline B. Funk, Martin T. Olliff
INVENTORY
| File Number | Title and Description | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 001 |
Title: Scrapbook of Napier Field as USAAF Installation Description: 11 pages. Contains obituaries, memoirs, post card, matchbook, photos of artifacts, and one letter re: Major Edward LeRoy Napier, 1883-1923. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 002 |
Title: Scrapbook of Napier Field after USAAF decommissioned it. Description: 95 pages. Pgs. 1-46 are miscellaneous photos, handwritten histories, newsclips, information on Napier Field United Methodist Church and history of Grimes United Methodist Church; Pgs. 47-62 Yearbook for Grimes Elementary School, 1947-48; Pgs. 63-86 are two Hayes Aircraft Co. pamphlets for Napier Field Division; Pgs. 87-95 are miscellaneous materials including photographs, incorporation papers, maps, info on Arthur Johnson. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 003 |
Title: Scrapbook entitled "Town of Napier Field, Incorporated September 11, 1968." Description: 48 pages of newspaper clippings and photographs about people and events in town. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 004 |
Title: Scrapbook commemorating Herbert Beumer, Napier Field mayor, 1984-1986. Description: 64 pages of photographs and newsclips related to Mr. Beumer or donated by his family to Mr. Peterson (scrapbook organizer). |
Series 2: USAAF Reports (microfilmed)
| File Number |
Frame # & Length |
Class. # |
Title and Description |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 005 |
MF Reel 1 1714 8 pages |
Index |
Title: (History of Aviation) INDEX Description: General history about the Air Force Pilot School and the Index for Reel 1. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 006 |
MF Reel 1 501-576 65 pages |
286.78-1 |
Title: History of Napier Field (Installment 1) Jan/39-Dec/41 Description: This report includes a forward by the Commanding Officer, a preface by the Historical Officer as well as other documents which include a description of the region, early development of aviation in Dothan, the inspection and selection of the Napier site, contracts and construction, aviation command and personnel, and the naming of the field. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 007 |
MF Reel 1 577-650 72 pages |
286.78-1 |
Title: Photos and Charts 1941-1942 Description: This report is made up of a letter from Colonel Clapham on the reassignment of a group of officers, a chart on housing capacity, as well as various reports and photographs of unintelligible nature. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 008 |
MF Reel 1 651-695 43 pages |
286.78-1 |
Title: Flying School Historical Outline 1940-1942 Description: Includes Napier Field site selection data, acquisition of land, start of construction, completion date of current housing plan, cost of construction, troop capacity for housing, housing facilities as well as assorted maps and documents concerning the above topics. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 009 |
MF Reel 1 696-734 37 pages |
286.78-1 |
Title: Dr. I. C. Bates, "Early History of Napier Field, 1940-1943" Description: A description of the history of Napier Field by Dr. I.C. Bates of Dothan. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 010 |
MF Reel 1 735-860 124 pages |
286.78-1 |
Title: Album of Station Information May/41-Feb/44 Description: Report includes name of the station (Napier Field), location, airport activities and usage, ownership of the station, and assorted documents, charts and photographs concerning the above topics. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 011 |
MF Reel 1 861-1029 167 pages |
286.78-1 |
Title: History of Squadrons and Detachments (Installation 1) Aug/41-Jan/44 Description: Contains the histories of: 73rd Base Headquarters, 15th and 16th and 429th-433rd S.E.F.T. group, 1023rd Guard, 21st Aviation Squad, Cadet Detachment, Detachment Medical Department, 2062nd Ordinance Co., 907th Q.M. Co., 957th Q.M. platoon, Detachment Finance Department, 4th Airways Communication, Detachment 856th Signal Service, 4th Weather Squadron, Chemical Section, Veterinary Services, and599th Band. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 012 |
MF Reel 1 1030-1165 134 pages |
286.78-1 |
Title: Station Dispensary/ Master file Sep/41-Oct/45 Description: Contains information on the Post Surgeon, C.O. Squadron, the Registrar, Medical supply, Flight Surgeon, Dental Service, Out-Patient Service, Venereal Disease, V.D. education, Veterinary Service, as well as Medical History, Convalescent Training Program, the Post Medical Inspector, Sewage and Waste Disposal, and several Hospital Orders. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 013 |
MF Reel 1 1166-1186 19 pages |
286.78-1A |
Title: Squadron "D" History Jun/43-Oct/45 Description: This report contains a detailed daily (sometimes weekly) account of the squadron's progress in various areas. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 014 |
MF Reel 1 1187-1137 149 pages |
286.78-2 |
Title: History of Napier Field (Installment 2) Dec/41-Jan/43 Description: This section is a continuation of the first installment and adds on sections including: After Pearl Harbor, Continuing Construction, Napier Training programs, Organization of Squadrons and Detachments, Functions of Squadrons and Detachments, Personnel and Functions of Key Departments, as well as a bibliography. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 015 |
MF Reel 1 1338-1501 162 pages |
286.78-3 |
Title: History of Napier Field ( Installment 3) Jan/43-Jan/44 Description: Includes Further Construction and Prevention Methods, Overall Organizational Changes, Development of Morale and Education, Progress in Training, Academic Training, Military Training, Physical Training, and Summary and Evaluation. Photographs and Maps are also included. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 016 |
MF Reel 1 1502-1613 110 pages |
286.78-4 |
Title: History of Napier Field (Installment 4) Feb-Jun 1944 Description: Includes a Preface by the Historical Officer; Administration, Organization and Services, Post Air Inspector, Training, Supply and Maintenance, Units, Summation and Evaluation, and List of charts. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 017 |
MF Reel 1 1614-1683 68 pages |
286.78-4 |
Title: History of Squadrons and Detachments (Installment2) Feb-Apr/44 Description: Contains the histories of: 73rd Base Headquarters, 15th and 16th and 429th-433rd S.E.F.T. group, 1023rd Guard, 21st Aviation Squad, Cadet Detachment, Detachment Medical Department, 2062nd Ordinance Co., 907th Q.M. Co., 957th Q.M. platoon, Detachment Finance Department, 4th Airways Communication, Detachment 856th Signal Service, 4th Weather Squadron, Chemical Section, and Veterinary Services. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 018 |
MF Reel 1 1684-1709 24 pages |
286.78-4 |
Title: A History of the Women AF Pilots Jan-Dec 1944 Description: Includes Station WASP history, Flying Proficiency on Arrival, Station Training, and Flying Duties, Accident Record, Physical Standards and Stamina, Discipline and Control, General Adaptability and Personal Record, Desirability of Large-Scale Emergency Utilization, General Statistics, Individual Statistics, and a photograph. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 019 |
MF Reel 2 4-21 16 pages |
286.78-4A |
Title: Squadron "A" History Apr/44-Oct/45 Description: Contains the squadron's progress report by date |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 020 |
MF Reel 2 22-139 117 pages |
286.78-4B |
Title: Section "I" & "H" Progress Book (2116th AAF Base Unit) Apr/44-Oct/45 Description: Progress Report done by date, also includes Functions and Organization, several pages are handwritten and a few are illegible. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 021 |
MF Reel 2 140-232 91 pages |
286.78-5 |
Title: History of Napier Field (Installment 5) Jul-Aug/44 Description: Includes a forward by the Commanding Officer, preface by the Historical Officer, Administration and Services, Air Inspector (Administrative), Training and Operations, Supply and Maintenance, Units, and Summary and Evaluation. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 022 |
MF Reel 2 233-257 122 pages |
286.78-6 |
Title: History of Napier Field (Installment 6) Sep-Oct/44 Description: Includes Administration and Services, Training and Operations, Supply and Maintenance, Units, Summary and Evaluation. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 023 |
MF Reel 2 358-484 124 pages |
286.78-7 |
Title: History of Napier Field (Installment 7) Nov-Dec/44 Description: Includes Administration and Services, Training and Operations, Supply and Maintenance, Units, Summary and Evaluation. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 024 |
MF Reel 2 485-661 175 pages |
286.78-8 |
Title: History of Napier Field (Installment 8) Jan-Feb/45 Description: 2116th AF Base, Training and Operations, Flying Training, Operations, Military Training, Ground School, Administration and Services, Personnel, Finance, Chapel, Public Relations, Information and Education, Post Exchange, Photography, Messes, Chemical Warfare Services, Physical Training, Intelligence, Provost Marshall, Post Office, Supply and Maintenance, Purchasing and Contracting, Maintenance, Supply, Summary and Evaluation. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 025 |
MF Reel 2 662-805 142 pages |
286.78-9 |
Title: History of Napier Field (Installment 9) Mar-Apr/45 Description: 2116th AF Base Unit, Training, Flying Training, Ground Training, Military Training, Administration, Overall Station Changes, Personnel, Public Relations, Intelligence Section, Security Provost Marshall, Fiscal, Publications, Losses, Post Exchange, Supply and Maintenance, Overall Changes, Supervisor of Supply, Maintenance, Purchasing and Contracting, Salvage, Quartermaster Property, Clothing and Equipage, Post Engineer, Summary and Evaluation. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 026 |
MF Reel 2 806-993 186 pages |
286.78-10 |
Title: History of Napier Field (Installment 10) May-Jun/45 Description: 2116th AF Base Unit, Training, Flying Training, Ground Training, Military Training, Administration, Overall Station Changes, Personnel, Public Relations, Intelligence Section, Security Provost Marshall, Fiscal, Publications, Losses, Post Exchange, Clothing and Sales, Supply and Maintenance, Overall Changes, Supervisor of Supply, Maintenance, Purchasing and Contracting, Salvage, Quartermaster Property, Clothing and Equipage, Post Engineer, Summary and Evaluation |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 027 |
MF Reel 2 994-1139 144 pages |
286.78-11 |
Title: History of Napier Field (Installment 11) Jul-Aug/45 Description: 2116th AF Base Unit, Training, Flying Training, Ground Training, Military Training, Administration, Overall Station Changes, Personnel, Public Relations, Intelligence Section, Security Provost Marshall, Fiscal, Publications, Losses, Post Exchange, Clothing and Sales, Supply and Maintenance, Overall Changes, Supervisor of Supply, Maintenance, Purchasing and Contracting, Salvage, Quartermaster Property, Clothing and Equipage, Post Engineer, Summary and Evaluation |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 028 |
MF Reel 2 1140-1156 15 pages |
286.78-11 |
Title: Napier Field (Events) Aug/45 Description: Troop Training, Personnel and Aircraft assignments. |
| 075 | 06-1106 | FF | 029 |
MF Reel 2 1157-1259 102 pages |
286.78-12 |
Title: History of Napier Field (Installment 12) Sep-Oct/45 Description: 2116th AF Base, Administration, Training, Supply and Maintenance, Summary and Evaluation. |
Contact Us
Wiregrass Archives
Troy University Dothan Campus
Everett 128
502 University Dr.
Dothan, AL 36303
Phone: 334-983-6556 x21327
Email: wiregrassarchives@troy.edu