Nielson Field

[VeeVee]

I rediscovered this aerial view of Nielson field being bombed during liberation. I think it was an ebay photo that I didn't win years ago.



The main strip became present day Ayala Ave.



I took these pictures in Feb. 2009. The rebuilt tower that's now the Filipinas Heritage Library.

[legionnaire]

Here's some more detailed aerial photography from American bombings on Japanese aircraft on Neilson field.





Pasig River on the left




carpet bombing




destroyed Japanese aircraft. You can see the Operation Office (Neilson Tower) slightly off to the top left with the opposite runways to it.

[oklahoma]

Hey Legionaire...Flat out good stuff., especially the aerial shots from directly above. Those camo revetments in the upper left of the one photo, in my humble, would draw more attention from a Photo Interp than they would if left alone without the netting. Being camoflaged they will be certainly taken out. With no netting the USAAF could see if there were planes parked therein or not. With camo netting they are gone. Of course, our guys probably leveled anything they saw, even humble latrine structures, so in the final analysis it probably made no difference. Anyhow, I love these views. Really appreciate you posting them.

[oklahoma]

Hey Vic...Viewing the rebuilt Neilson tower/ops building,etc, it is certainly difficult to imagine that humble little Neilson Field sat smack dab in the middle of the shadow of those present day, magnificent Manila high rises. Who woulda thunk it? I truly appreciate the great stuff you put up for us poor statesiders to drool over.

[legionnaire]

Your very welcome Oklahoma! Yes the camo netting made it a more obvious interesting target. I just wish there was close up of the boneyard.

Philip

[frank]

www.pacificwrecks.com/airfields/philippines/nielson/index.html

www.makati.gov.ph/portal/contents/about_makati/makati_history/american.htm

[VeeVee]

Thanks for the additional pictures, awesome! I've never seen them before.

This is what it looks like now as seen from beyond the Boneyard area (marked in the aerial shot) looking toward the main runway.

[oklahoma]

Hey Vic....I don't recall who supposedly said "time heals (changes) all things", but whoever it was hit the nail squarely on the head as pertains to the former Nielson Field area. This boggles the mind. I wonder if any of the guys who uncrated the P-40s at the Air Depot in 1941 could believe their eyes if any are around to view this photo you have posted of present day air strip location.

[oklahoma]

Hey Frank...Many thanks for posting the PacificWrecks website address. Wife thinks I spend too much time re-fighting WW2 as it is. Now I have another site to take up more of my time. The "honey doos" will have to wait.

[VeeVee]

Hi Okla, a couple more views for you.

Present day satellite view:



Took this shot in 2005. Ground view of Ayala Ave. This part wouldn't be the old runway yet. The old runway would be down the road around the Manila Peninsula Hotel which is the low building straddling the two cars.

[oklahoma]

Hey Vic....As I stated before, the changes in this area boggles the mind. I especially appreciate the satellite/aerial photo type views (ala Abucay Line, Layac Junction,etc views) with overlay explanations that you (and other folks) supply. Brings it all to life. Also, you can't beat these "before and after or now and then" shots for comparison's sake. This is good stuff. Thanks again.

[mike321ph]

These photos are really amazing
Thanks so much for sharing these
To think I pass by Ayala almost everyday

[VeeVee]

You're welcome. Show the pictures to your friends

[VeeVee]

A slightly wider view of the one photo already posted

[Breanna]

Great article. shoponthe.top