Declassified: What Happened To These RAF Bases Since WW2? | Forces TV

[@fpmbii]

RAF Upper Heyford, Dec 1972 - Mar 1976. I was attached to the 20th Avionics Maintenance Squadron working on the F-111. Fond memories of the base and surrounding areas. I lived in a place called Fringford Lodge for a bit then Middleton Cheney. I had many good local friends that I lost contact with after leaving.

[@gregghoel5653]

Gregg Hoel I was stationed at Upper Heyford 1963 for 18 months with B-47's. Then off to a remote site 300 miles north of Athens. Loved Upper Heyford & England & the people.. Thanks for the GREAT video....

[@philipsmithers2800]

My biological father was a tail gunner "Galloping Kate 2" in the 389th. I have no doubts what so ever that he does not even know I exist, or should I say knew. I was born 1945 in England and reared there by a single mother who married when I was 7 yrs. Through DNA I discovered who he was in 2016, he died in 1996 and hailed from Montgomery, Alabama. I have a half brother, his son, who I have met. He showed me an old war chest belonging to his father and his uniform. This chest even had bomb pins in it, part of his duties was to pull the pins out of the bombs. I would like to thank all the allied forces for giving us 75 yrs of peace.

[@geraldjohnson4013]

Fascinating! Unlike most of my classmates in grammar and high school I was always fascinated with history and I'm still fascinated with it. My father was a tank crewmen with the 761st Tank Battalion and served Patton's 3rd Army during the war. He engendered in me the study of military history and I'm glad he did. There's a Supermarine Spitfire and JU-87 Stuka hanging from the ceiling at the Museum of Science and Industry here in Chicago. Great documentary!

[@jaminova_1969]

This is facinating! My uncle was a bombadier on a B-17 with the 8th Airforce during the war. I love learning about history and what life must have been like back then.

[@kerriegrant6293]

Interesting, thank you. i was born in early 41, and having often listened to my family, some of which were fighting in that war, it brought a lump in my throat, and tears to my eyes for those souls that died that we would live and remain FREE! Gos Bless them.

[@jonathanj.7344]

The freedom they fought for in the 1940s has slipped away. We are no longer a democracy.

[@leesmith3560]

Joined the RAF in 1971, and base closures seemed to follow me for 22years. Colerne, Lyneham, Wildenrath (RAF Germany), Kinloss, all bases where I served. Some are now Army Units, so they live on. I also live in a house on the site of RAF Skellingthorpe, of WW2 fame. Such a shame to lose all that heritage, but I suppose priorities must change. I still have my memories. Ex Nimrod Crew Chief.

[@brucehemming9749]

Great documentary thanks for sharing this as an RAF Veteran myself I have seen some of the bases I worked at in the 90s get closed so would love to see more of these videos…. Proud to have served but tinged with sadness to see bases disappearing, some with little to no recognition…. Great video 👍🍻🫡

I literally grew up on RAF stations from the age of two (I'm now 82). One of the most interesting I think was RAF Dyce (before it became the official Aberdeen Airport). We were in 'married quarters' on the hill overlooking the airfield, while behind us the quarries, full of water and trout. At the time Dyce still had a squadron of Spitfire (the last aerodrome to have them I believe) and as kids we would collect the empty cartridge cases used to "fire-up" the aircraft engines.

[@fbrun213]

Hard men, fighting a hard war. Thank you gentlemen for your service and sacrifice.

[@richardhill8117]

My Daughter and I served on 158 Sqn RAF Air Cadets in Essex and my daughter went to the dedication parade and unveiling of the memorial. She said it was a great honour

[@RichSmith36]

I loaded weapons on the F-111's of the 77th Fighter Squadron at RAF Upper Heyford from 1989-1992. Many fond memories of the base and the UK.

[@davidmassey5179]

I was there 77-78. Good memories also.

[@joestephan1111]

Deep Respects to all who served, and Gratitude to those who paid the supreme price.

[@rustysphotography]

Especially since 80 years later and nobody seems to have learned from such great losses on every side . Seems such a tragic waste

[@brianmcquirk9120]

I served two tours at RAF Bawdsey and worked there years later as Assistant Bursar at Alexanders International School. I actually started the Radar Museum and was interviewed on TV about it. There was no Mention of Orford Ness, just up the coast, where the very first radar experiments were carried out by Watson-Watt. There was too much interference from the sea so they moved to Bawdsey to get the height. One of the very last CH (Chain Home) towers was pulled down just after I left Bawdsey. It had been used by the Coast Guard for their communications. On day shift I would travel on the Bawdsey ferry from Old Felixstowe courtesy Charlie Brinkley or his son. Charlie was known for the "Brinkley Stick" a means of discharging capacitors in electrical equipment. On night shift it meant driving a long way round. I lived in Felixstowe up until I emigrated to Vancouver Canada 36 years ago.

[@ballyhoo48]

Hi Brian. I'm hoping of course you are still with us. I don't know if you are in Vancouver or on the island. My father lived in Victoria and passed away 5 years ago now. Hi name was Michael O'Hagan and was also involved in radar. Take care.

[@vanallen9453]

..my late Dad served with the US Army Air Force B-17's at Thrapston..near Northampton..where he met my late English mother.. playing the piano in a pub..while her brothers and former boyfriend.. were fighting Rommel in North Africa..in tanks..and I have been back there.. many times since..and my British cousin.. is now the well-known actor.. Marc Warren..

[@jasontuck-smith3896]

Great video and so pleasing that these places still exist. RIP to the brave lads who lost their lives.

[@gfys756]

"Brave lads" who died for nothing. You've been conquered, mate.

[@rob5944]

I was very impressed by the efforts made at Hethel, it's very respectful to the memory of all those who served. This is particularly so as my own father was in the RAF from 1940-46, although in a very unglamorous role in the regiment. Namely driving a staff car and a balloon winch, with the occasional stint on a twin Lewis gun. I'm still proud of him all the same, it still took the best years of his life he once told me, despite an unsuccessful attempt at volunteering as a tail end Charlie, his dear friend Tom Berry was sadly killed doing it. Any information regarding this man would be most welcome as a photo he had kept in a bureau disappeared years ago when I was a child.

[@thesailjunkie]

I was in the USAF at RAF Greenham Common from 1982 - 1986. Loved my tour there. Lots of history.

[@peterharwood1430]

I used to jam with American musicians on their airbases. Great times.

[@TheMooster845]

RAF Lakenheath from 1986-1990 here. Thank You for your service Brother!!!

[@gavinking5605]

I was in the RAF Police in December 1985 detached to Greenham Common.We worked near to the Gamma.

[@chrisjones3901]

Those women still stand by their morals that cruise missiles are bad.

[@Hattonbank]

Maybe they were bad but the Soviet SS-20’s with over 1000 nuclear warheads target at Western Europe resulted in the deployment of Cruise missiles, but those women preferred to ignore that.

[@rogerfjohnson2051]

I was born on Friday the 13th at RAF Watton, my godfather being Wing Commander Gough, my sister was born at RAF Marham and I grew up hearing many stories from my father and mother who both served in the RAF during WW2. My father was in the catering Corps and responsible for the officers mess and used to shoot rabbits and serve them as chicken until one day somebody complained that they had found buck shot in his lunch - my father's excuse was he had difficulty catching the bird. On another occasion an American officer accidentally discharged his fire arm in the Quarters next to my parents. When asked if he had heard a shot he told my father that it was between him and his laundry. On another occasion when returning to the base after poaching on the Sandringham estate my father got pulled over by a police car and when the officer approached policeman jsaid " Jonny do you want any Rabbits " my father told us he bought the lot. On another occasion there was a police roadblock and they were checking every vehicle, My father used to ride a motorcycle and rather than try and explain why he had a canvas bag stuffed with a brace of pheasants he put on his tin helmet. Then rode up the outside of the queue telling the police that he was a dispatch rider on urgent business and got waved through. I guess as the RAF stations being bomber command and the high mortality rate of crews life was lived on the edge - it's not the doing that is wrong it's getting caught - which on one occasion my father did when riding his motorcycle up the offices mess steps 😂😂

[@voornaam3191]

That reminds me of the short stories of Roald Dahl. Dahl had been a Hurricane pilot during the war, he loved being a pilot. He wrote a book, a number of short stories about things RAF pilots came across. Egypt, Greece, the RAF was there. And his short stories from the years just after the war were great. Working at a petrol station, doing some poaching, and writing short stories for a living, those were great years for a young man, not married yet. And you bet he had got his share of pain, during the war. He was an jnteresting man. Do you know he was an intelligence officer in the US, kind of spying on the US Airforce, as a British officer? Do you know he wrote the script for TWO James Bond movies? He was not just a children's book writer. Check out his RAF pilot book, you might like it a lot.

[@graham2631]

My grandad was in the 405 pathfinders he was a bomb aimer it was nice to see his position in a Halifax. He is still over there.

[@josephryan9230]

Thank you for sharing that.

[@valfoster9268]

My dad was RAF squadron 405 pathfinder. Where were they stationed?

[@joemallia2912]

It would be interesting to see what happened to RAF bases outside the UK. For example 840 Signals Unit Siggiewi in Malta where I worked as a civilian Clerk between 1953 and 1962 is now a Malta Police Academy. It was the parent Unit to 100 Signals Unit Tas-Silg, 203 Signals Unit Dingli, 447 Signals Unit Wardija, W/T Station Benghaisa and the Radar Station at Madliena. Al these Units are in use and well kept. The respective Commanding Officers I remember were Squadron Leader Cooban, Squadron Leader Ryder, Squadron Leader Hart and Squadron Leader Redford, all perfect gentlemen, Squadron Leader Hart I missed most. To these and to all the Senior Technical Officers, Adjutants, Warrant Officers, Senior NCO's and airmen I send my best regards!

[@paulphilipempey1]

In my opinion, it is imperative that this information is put forward to remember the plight of our airmen during WWII. It was also interesting to see the use of some of the airfields currently. Thank you for this informative upload.

[@tomsmith5947]

I was stationed as a firefighter at RAF Upper Heyford from 1988-1991 in fact when you see them get in the car the concrete "bldg" just behind them was the fire training facility and to the left was the live fire aircraft training area with a mockup of a F-111 that we would torch up with a few hundred gallons of JP-8. UH was a great assignment especially living off base, getting to know the locals, towns and pubs, of course some didn't like us there but we were there to support a mission for the US and RAF, not to mention pumping billions and billions into the economy.

[@Neil070]

Late 90's/early 00's it was a car storage facility. I worked there for a couple of days while Longbridge car plant was closed for annual holiday/ maintenance. I worked for a contractor, he walked me to the runway, the longest in the UK, he told me

[@kitspackman3994]

I lived at RAF Upper Heyford before it was transferred to the USAF in 1950. We were the last RAF family living there at the change-over time, very strange indeed.

[@sameyers2670]

There's a number of former RAF bases within an hour of me in East Yorkshire, including RAF Elvington. Others include RAF Driffield (industrial/MOD) RAF Leconfield (MOD), RAF Full Sutton (Industrial and a prison), RAF Patrington (campsite) , RAF Melbourne (returned to farming) and RAF Pocklington (industrial estate and gliding club).

[@MausMasher54]

An RF Upper Heyford alumni here, '75-'76, AGE Sub-Pool....Loved it and the village.....and the country......

[@robharding4028]

My utmost appreciation for all those airmen, and to the many not even mentioned or commemorated, and who never came home,We salute you all. god bless each and every one of you.

[@ianstewartorr8455]

When we are in Scarborough for a few days we love visiting elvington museum it’s just wonderful

[@avalon1focus]

Absolutely love Scarborough, happy memories, sadly both my Aunt and Uncle have both passed on so hard for me to go there with out the memories flooding back

[@kingstonjensen5589]

Instablaster

[@TCSC47]

At 16:05, Watson-Watt says something that is very important and often overlooked, and that is the term "integrated system". Britain's radar success had as much to do with the communication, plotting and planning, and control of the aircraft as typified by the WRAFS pushing their model planes about the plotting tables, an iconic scene in many WWII RAF films. The UK had to put together our RADAR system very quickly with limited technical resources and in comparison to Germany's Radar it was perforce a bit less sophisticated technically. Their system consequently took longer to become useful in the fighting. Today, we use more of the German principles in modern RADAR, but for its time, their total system did not work as well for them as ours's did for us.

[@thephantom2man]

Makes me sad how basically nothing remains of tangmere, i moved away from There a few months ago, but apart from a little bit of taxiway and apron, and the tower itself, but almost everything is gone, and it was such a major station during the battle of britain

[@sgtgrash]

An absolutely fascinating documentary and very well presented, thank you. I imagine there are plenty of opportunities for a series here.

[@peterleadley7103]

As kids, back in the 60's, my friends and I used to 'infiltrate' the perimeter of Elvington, to watch the V bombers land and take off from there. The MP's were no match for local 10 year olds with an intimate knowledge of the area!

[@mariano7699]

Fun contest :))

[@jeep146]

I loved exploring the WW2 sites the short time I was stationed in England. I could understand the need to downsize our military numbers. It was very expensive to the US tax payer. America provided many jobs and I was friends with many who worked at the bases. England is going through some tough economic times, I hope it improves.

[@eileenspink4394]

loved the RAF BASES DECLASSIFIED LOVE HEARING THE STORY'S OF OUR BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN MY DAD WAS A 16YRS OLD AND A PATHFINDER AS A AIR GUNNER & RADIO MAN HE TOLD US HE CRASHED 3 TIME ONE TIME INTO A FARMER'S BARN MY FAMILY ARE VERY PROUD OF HIS SERVICES TO HIS COUNTRY AND ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN THAT SERVICED THERE COUNTRY IN ITS TIME OF NEED

[@johnmurphy1631]

l

[@bluenosepiperflyer]

Thank you for this video, especially its portrayal of the unique and very moving RAF Lissett memorial, comprising seven silhouettes of a Bomber Command crew. The video's imagery of the memorial at sunset (see 27:20), and the accompanying narration, are beautifully done. Travelers using GPS, or Google Earth users, can find the memorial at latitude/longitude 54° 0'40.11"N, 0°15'37.98"W.

[@zambiakid]

A great aunt of mine worked at RAF Bawdsey during the war. She refused to tell us what she did there right up until she died, even after it was declassified. She maintained she'd sworn never to reveal it and she wasn't about too.

[@mattsmith5267]

Wow, bless these true unsung Hero's. So many helped not only save OUR Nation but saved Europe too! Yet they still feel unable to talk about it. I find it so very sad that day by day our true history is being lost to the grave.

[@sirbader1]

That's a solid English Lady, right there. Bless her soul.

[@jaminova_1969]

God bless her and all those who fought the good fight! We owe everything to that generation.

[@briankelvindiffey3006]

if you have a secret....dont reveal it... otherwise its not a secret.

[@David-dl6zg]

Snowden could have learned a thing or two from your great aunt.

[@modelflyer2003]

Was hoping to see something on RAF Bentwaters. I served there from 1990 to 1992. Was an awesome tour.

[@ronmorella6541]

I was hoping for the same. Was stationed there from 1964 to 1967. Went back once in 1987 for a visit, so much had changed. Had some good time back then. It's closed now, how sad.

[@oakwood6922]

Interesting times at that base, around Boxing Day 1980......

[@thephantom2man]

I wasnt alive then, but didnt a lot of phantoms go there at the end of thier service lives to be scrapped? Apparantly theres still phantoms there now

[@modelflyer2003]

@@thephantom2man I saw a few F4 Phantoms there. Those planes are SO loud.

[@americancitizen748]

I spent two years (86-88) at RAF Martlesham Heath (part of Bentwaters) at an AUTOVON switching site. We had telephone trunks to RAF Upper Heyford! Loved my time in England. RAF Martlesham Heath is also now a museum.

[@MonkPetite]

I love that memorial of the 7 crew ... how well done. Superb.

[@brianholland7396]

Monk Petite and

[@Realm-of-Horror]

The B&W clip at 4:36 is actually a scene from the movie Memphis Belle, filmed at former RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire. I recognised it as soon as I saw it, despite being made to look like an old stock film. If the clip had continued it would have zoomed in on actor Jon Lithgow stood on the control tower gantry.

[@rzholland]

Actually, very interesting. One thing that was not mentioned about Hethel was that Colin Chapman bought the airfield personally and then moved Lotus there so he could rent it to Lotus.

[@terraplane49]

I was there in 2005, when Lotus allowed us to use it as a training circuit for Eastern Region Special Olympics cycling team.

[@davidstewart8796]

very interesting to hear about the Halifax Bomber, many of those serving in the RAF and named on our war memorial flew and died in the Halifax. An interesting video.

[@englishpassport6590]

We built around 660 airfields on these Islands during WW2 most of them dissapeared into motorway and industrial estate hardcore after the war. Elvington near York has the longest runway in wartime Britain and to the present day as far as I know. Elvington was used by the French Air Force for their modified super long range Halifaxes which flew to Warsaw and back to Britain dropping food and ammunition to the Polish Home Army under siege by the Dirlewanger SS division in the City...

[@kdriscoll57]

My dad was at Ibsey, He showed me around when I was little, and we were on holiday. We didn't see the MOD, keep out sign until later.A treasured memory. I think the control tower has been restored now, not so in the 60's

[@docvideomusic]

Very beautiful !!! I've been there many years ago to see the Lotus fields and factory !! There were Nillsson and Mario Andretti !

[@WilliamEades_Frostbite]

The Aircraft shelters she was in at Upper Heyford are in the Victor Alert area and are called Tab V's. I was stationed there from 76 to 79 in the 20th AMS. I lived at RAF Gaydon and Feltwell while I was with the 48th TFW at Lakenheath.

[@fletcherquinn3658]

Don’t suppose you knew my grandfather paddy Quinn?

[@WilliamEades_Frostbite]

@@fletcherquinn3658 I'm sorry, but my memory isn't what it was, and the name doesn't ring a bell. What squadron was he with? I was in AMS as an Avionics Tech working Comm, Nav, ECM on F111s

[@paulrobinson2996]

RAF Gaydon closed down on 31st October 1974, and British Leyland bought the site in 1974. So how did you have accommodation there?

[@WilliamEades_Frostbite]

@@paulrobinson2996 Base Housing was let to the USAF and was later turned into Council Housing. There was a fence and gate blocking off main base, but it was open during "Business Hours" so we could have access to the NAFI as there were still people there stripping out equipment.

[@tray8411]

Victor alert..That brings back some memories!! 82-84

[@russcelt1]

Russell Middleton, BSc, CDL-A-XTPM (former), SSgt-USAF (former) AFGCM, NDSM served on RAF Upper Heyford 1970 - 1973.

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

A year before the 50th aniv of D Day I visited an Aunt in London. My dad was a B17 Captain in WW2 and my Aunt took me out to the pub where his crew frequented. On the ceiling of the pub you could still see where American flight crews signed their names,, and my dads.

[@OldhamSteve52]

My father in law served in India, Ceylon and Canada during WWII. A real character who is missed. Never ate a curry after 1946, won’t eat that s-r again he said. RIP Jimmy!!! A real hero.

[@joeboyd8702]

This was interesting. Thanks for uploading.

[@davidproudfoot6668]

There are over a 100 redundent aerodromes hidden from view around the UK, each with a story of historical value and well worth researching. Hope this video is not the last because it wont be long before most of those forgotten places have bitten the dust; now just a memory. An typical example is RAF Burtonwood, near Warrington which played a vital role in WWII, the Marshall Plan, the cold war era Berlin Airlift and much more. What remains of the taxiways are faintly visible on Google Earth.

[@malcolmmckinlay2143]

All gone now David

[@lesleygeorge4132]

this is KEN GEORGE, I was born, just over the airfield fence , of R.A.F. FAIRWOOD, GOWER, SWANSEA, in Jan, 1945. i later learned to drive on a small part of a runway, and flew BOX KITES , used as aerials, for downed pilots or crew in liferafts. ( in Fairwood cottage hospital, probably used also as the airfield hospital.) - i was also at the opening of the airfield as a domestic airport - in 1957, by DOUGLAS BADER, had my photo taken with him and my friend. i did not get a copy, taken for the SOUTH WALES EVENING POST, CASTLE STREET, :)

[@darrenjones3681]

There were loads of airfields around Plymouth and Devon and Cornwall during the war, mostly fighter squadrons but places like Davidstowe were bomber bases, also plymouth had RAF Mount Batten which was home to Catalina and Sunderland seaplanes

[@timorvet1]

Would love to see something like this produced with a large budget, focusing on "Fighter Command" aerodromes used during the "Battle of Britain". What they looked liked during the war, what they look like now, memorials, and airman's graves.

[@petersmith6794]

Geoffrey Young , I visited the Battle of Britain bunker near Uxbridge Middlesex, well worth visiting...

[@BobFarnell]

Wonderful Historic Video, Brings back a lot of memories

[@terryofford4977]

An excellent review of some of the Yorkshire airfields, Brought back happy and sad memories of my own time with the ROyal Air Force. Thank you for an interesting feature story. Terry Offord

[@oddball1711]

Did my Aerospace Operator training at RAF Bawdsey in August/September 1972. Great camp. Still remember getting the ferry across the river to go to Felixstowe.

[@gerrywright7557]

Air Defence Operator, I was there in 1971

[@rafalotreba6824]

First time I can see a presenter whom roots coming to my country. All the best, Sian🙂

[@DingleyDell]

Big respect to the contribution of about 150 Polish pilots who flew with the RAF. Ferocious and fearless.

[@connieroberts5368]

During 1973 I worked for John Laing Civil Engineering and I was assigned to the project planning for building these enormous bombproof aircraft hangers. I always wondered what had happened to this base.

[@phillydelphia8760]

Would love to see more about the Tarrant Rushton secret airfield! It was used for s.a.s drops, bombing raids and a fair bunch of the airborne glider infantry for operation market garden (including my grandfather). After the war, it got turned into a flight refueling station with the meteor jets I'm pretty sure.

[@stardust5379]

since Thatcher, governments have decided we don't need an air force. First duty of any government is to defend it's citizens. My dad was at Marham and now look at the state of East Anglian air bases. With the 100 ARG pulling out of Mildenhall it is a sad situation for East Anglia. Let's support those we have left.

[@arcadia449]

RAF Nuthampstead, near me, became a storage facility for leftover munitions after the war. When the base closed in 1960 it was shortlisted to become London's third airport. As things turned out they opted for Stansted.

[@mpol701]

Still even gets the odd flight had one on flight radar other day landed at nuthampsted

[@nosnibor800]

Thanks for loading this, I am particularly interested in old airfields. I used to fly from Enstone in Oxfordshire in the 1990's which had an interesting history.

[@kevinshort3483]

I flew from Enstone a few times in the early 1990's in a Grob . Happy times indeed.

[@haroldgough5799]

I should say that we launched A-10's into battle during Desert Storm Out of incirlik Air Base turkey but we were based out of the 81st TFW specifically RAF Woodbridge and the 78th TFS Red Tails. Man when they opened up one of them empty tab V's and the Echo of it brought back a lot of old memories good memories.. I remember being part of the ground crew as a crew chief on a a-10s in launching the last 4 ship a 10 out of RAF Woodbridge and then boarding a c-141 starlifter and taking off right behind them and looking back and thinking we now turn these twin bases back over to Her Majesty's government thank you for the stay.

[@haroldhumerickhouse8433]

Harold Gough My dad was at Woodbridge/Bentwaters 1963-66. I loved the area and later joined the Air Force myself.

[@sy72455]

I was at RAF Woodbridge back in 7/75-12/77, great times

[@blakley42]

@@haroldhumerickhouse8433 I was stationed at raf bentwaters from 66-69 as a medic. In retrospect we had many good times and I was able to see a good bit of the uk and Europe. On the other hand, there were more then a few weeks when we were on duty more than 60 hours , and I’m still waiting for my overtime pay! On balance,though, it was good duty with good people, both American and English.

[@HSMiyamoto]

Its moving to see that at least one base was literally beaten into a ploughshare -- cows and wind turbines where men once dealt out death to others nightly.

[@davidpeters6536]

My Dad was in Bomber Command on Halifax's '42 - '45. Interesting programme, just one thing, the Halifax at Elvington is not a replica it was salvaged, it is just painted to represent Friday 13th.

[@haroldgough5799]

I was at the twin bases of RAF Woodbridge and RAF bentwaters home to the USAF 81st TFW the A-10 Warthogs near Ipswich United Kingdom. We lived off base in government contract quarters in the town of felixstowe United Kingdom I was there from 1991 to 1993 during Desert Shield and what would become the Desert storm. I have very fond memories of those two twin bases..

[@347chas]

I wus born in Woodbridge.

[@haroldgough5799]

347chas then you know exactly where I'm talking about. Last time I inquired about the twin bases Woodbridge was being used by a civil engineer outfit and bentwaters was turned into a museum

[@hannecatton2179]

Thank you for your service in the U.K. I lived in East Anglia , U.K. with my British husband and saw many memorials dedicated to U.S.A.F. personnel who served there and flew extremely dangerous missions over Europe. We owe them more than we can ever imagine.

[@haroldgough5799]

Hanne Catton you are quite welcome the honor was all mine I enjoyed my stay in the United Kingdom wished I could have stayed a little longer.

[@fistandilus1]

I was born on RAF Lakenheath but in the late 70's my father was assigned to RAF Woodbridge. We lived in Felixstowe for a while as well. I don't remember much about Felixstowe (I remember more of Aldeburge where we also lived for a while) but I do remember the house we lived in. It was made of stone, had a thatch roof and was "tilted". When you walked in the door of my bedroom, it was downhill all the way to the window. LOL

[@GrrMeister]

*RAF Cottesmore was used as the Vulcan 'Nuclear' Bomber base, (and I have been there - late 70's) and seen them practising low landings and taking off again with Full afterburners on. Awesome sight, right out of Star Wars. If it were not for them, "The Falklands War" (1982) would have been lost.*

[@rogerbeckner6419]

Too true. I'm American, and your guys came over here in77 to my base. Very professional crew, but they still liked a pot of brew. Which we gave to them as much as we could. I started growing a handlebar mustache because of the co-pilot of that crew! Everyone needs to see the video of the Falklands War with the Vulcans. I would take them all out for a pint because of the professionalism shown and the solid crew adherence to the mission. Even when they knew that they probably didn't have the fuel to get back home. That is heroism and patriotism in a nutshell.

[@joeturnip4216]

I live in Central California where we have one of the Vulcan Bombers on display at Castle AFB Museum. I saw the bomber land for the last time at Castle AFB. They did a "go-around" and I agree, the afterburners are most impressive but not as impressive as the landing performed by the pilot. He absolutely nailed it.

[@Hattonbank]

No afterburners on Vulcan engines but they were powerful enough and beautifully loud.

[@keithpringle3940]

The Vulcans didn't win the Falklands war, the one bomber left managed to put a hole in the runway at port Stanley but didn't put it out of action. The argies were using it again days later. The SLR and the sheer awesomeness and ability to lead that the British corporal has is what won the Falklands.

[@colinmiller5502]

Vulcans don't have afterburners/reheat

[@pauledwards3740]

I was posted at RAF Bawdsey at the time of its closure in the early 90's great little posting, sad to see the the dilapidation of top site, pleased the domestic site is now being used and looked after :)

[@Trillock-hy1cf]

What happened to the abandoned airfields? Most were turned into housing estates, with the run ways dug up to provide 'free' rubble to build homes, roads etc., with a few air bases having Museums, like Hendon. Some still have the old rifle ranges and air raid shelters in the bushes around the perimeter. I explored many when in the RAF (12 years 1961-1975) years ago.

[@Neil070]

Perdiswell on the A38 outskirts of Worcester is a park with a squash club, I think, and a school.

[@Trillock-hy1cf]

@@Neil070 Interesting,, thanks for your story.....

[@yorkshireredneck7794]

The trucks and trailers shown at Heyford (11.53) belong to the company that I work for, all of that area and 5 hangars in shot are ours, the base is a big site that a lot of people get lost on. A lot of history in the area including the old living quarters but they are all being demolished and new housing being built.

[@ericsmallwood2009]

Elvington, York is a brilliant museum hosted by brill volunteers. Very moving experience too. Well worth an afternoon.

[@richardcreaser308]

I was a volunteer there. Ex RAF fitter & was working at British Aerospace at the time. Every time I went to the museum to do some meaningful work they put me on the gate collecting money. I got fed up with them and ended my membership.

[@peterleadley7103]

@@richardcreaser308 No mention of the V bombers that used Elvington in the 60's. My friends and I used to 'infiltrate' the perimeter to watch them land and take off.

[@AW-Services]

Well produced video and extremely factual. A shame Smeatharpe or Winkleigh wasn't featured. Don't forget the efforts of Devon during our finest hour

[@alexandergrey5913]

Strange seeing Heyford again ! I was there in the late 80's for 2 years !

[@rogerhudson2814]

During WW2 about 600 airfields/bases were built by compulsory taking of useful agricultural land (you can't fly off the rough stuff) and after the war almost all of them should have been dug up and returned to farming. The government was and still is not working or planning in our interests.

[@howardfortyfive9676]

Thank you very much for this documentary.

[@pegpeg5496]

I lived at RAF Upper Heyford in the mid 80's. my late husband was stationed there and I worked at the exchange.

[@gfys756]

Great! Well done! Did you also advocate for Africans and Middle Easterners to invade your nation?

[@RobertPaterson]

We used to rent our cottages to Pilots of the 55Th at Upper Heyford. A wild bunch who were always crashing their cars but who also flew F111's - Fighter Bomber Pilots the same all over :)

[@gileswhitehead7437]

Respect is due, and I give without reservation.

[@edstoutenburg3990]

Good documentary on 'HMS U.K.'-The Worlds Biggest Aircraft Carrier! (Kept afloat by all the Barrage Balloons.) Im a Military history fan so it caught my attention as' After The Battle then and Now' has been a great UK magazine to pick up if your really interested in the massive scope of WW2. Unfortunately I can only afford the budget trip to see these places-Google Earth! 'Flying' over the UK-its amazing as you start to pick out all thr old Wartime Bases still visible -usually by the triangle type runway layouts. And GE-ing over many a site from other theatres of War or even WW1 really adds a depth to a History book to bring out the Scale of such battles. The massive losses that Bomber Command suffered in the War is a testament to the Crews and the effort required for Victory.

[@antonclark3420]

Interesting documentary, thought well narrated.

[@annabeltheunicorn9374]

Always a spooky atmosphere at these old basis. Used to shoot round the perimiter of RAF West Malling never liked being there after sunset. Kept having the feeling of someone behind you all the time

[@keithpringle3940]

That was me!

[@chuckyzzz]

This is very well made and good to see history like this being recorded.

[@peterbrown1012]

Vauxhall motor's Ellesmere Port is built on RAF Hooton Park which in turn was the home of the famous Stanley family. There is some WW1 hangers with Belfast trusses on site, grade two listed that is now home to the Griffin Trust museum

[@mikmik9034]

I understood that many RAF stations became "Secret" U.S. Air Bases as payment for the Lend Lease supplies of WW2. That the U.S. rarely gives up inroads in foreign countries, as part of the U.S. footprint for CIA operations if not other military uses.

[@scalemodellingchaos5696]

part of the footage which is claimed to be from a French documentary showing men running across the airfield with a guy on a bike is actually from the opening scene of "Memphis Belle"

[@lenniegoodband2677]

My Grandad was in the RAF, but with the RAFR he was based at RAF Cranwell then he was sent to RAF North Witham before he was sent to North Africa. But my Grandad did end the war in 1945, he was still fighting in Palestine on the Gaza strip right up to 1948. But now he is at rest and I'm his eldest Grandson and I've got his war medals plus my great Grandads WW1 medals who was in the Middlesex regiment.

[@frankkeys2719]

Living in northants and near corby i have a lot of old bases near by .grafton underwood kings cliff polebroke harrington desborough deenthorpe spanhoe ( harringworth) market harborough (now a prison) .A visit to any of these is well worth the time and effort.Airfield focus is avaliable in most good book shops which will give you the history of these airfields get out there and have a look around before they built homes on them.Every year a little more disappears believe me it can be very atmospheric walking up what is left of an old runway and thinking of the planes and people that went on their last journey from the very runway you are walking on.

[@williamgoff911]

Ah. Good old Alconbury. Knew it well in 60’s.

[@equaliser2265]

Any , on your keyboard

[@davidviner4932]

I live nearby in Stanion, there is another war memorial near Geddington, worth a look

[@gordoneden3023]

My first RAF station after leaving training was to RAF Coltishall in Norfolk where the Station Commander was Group Captain HAC Bird-Wilson, one of "The Few". Another officer on the camp was a Sqn Ldr RH Petch, he wore a "Pathfinder" aircrew brevet. We also had a Corporal Clerk by the name of "Monty" Monton who wore the wings badge of a pilot. I remember that he had the most beautiful copperplate hand-writing. Several years later I saw a letter addressed by him to the HQ RAF Germany, where I had been posted and I recognised his writing instantly! The point of my comment is that RAF Coltishall is now a prison for sex-offenders! I suppose they have to be imprisoned somewhere but what will those convicts care about the history of the place and of those who served there to give them the freedom that they felt necessary to abuse. As an ex-serviceman I am proud of the places at which I served and of those I served with. I also feel that it is a bit of a let-down to others who served and died there. RIP RAF Coltishall!

[@JohnBath-f8p]

I'm 9 yeard into a disused airfields project recording so far over 200 former military airfields in the air and on the ground where possible. We have a really wonderful aviation heritage in the uk.

[@MrJohn1966elliott]

[@belbrighton6479]

You should check out world war 2 week by week. On KZbin it is the best history about the RAAF.

[@neilpiper9889]

Lotus cars. I used to work at Hethel and my brother did too. I lived in Diss and travelled there every day in the late sixties

[@TheThepeter56]

I used to work at RAF upper heyford 2017-2018. They still have the engine testing buildings complete with cradles and pipework. Also 3 of the hangers are still un opened since the americans left

[@keithpringle3940]

Do u reckon nobody's been in them since then? I reckon I'd enjoy having a good take through them!!

[@jimstrachan2773]

RFC / RAF Montrose , Britain’s first operational military airfield , the first aircraft to leave The U.K. for France in WW1 left from RFC Montrose , the hangars still standing among the oldest row of hangars still standing in the World. In WW2 RAF Montrose trained many pilots , many taking part in The Battle of Britain.The site now an industrial estate however one is used by The Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre which is housed in original original WW1 buildings along with other purposely built further into the old airfield , certainly worth a visit if in the area.

[@stevebaldwin4154]

As Ex RAF i was aware of some of the redundant airfields, Elvington and Lissett are near where i now live. I did work for Lotus at Hethel in Norfolk for a short time after ending my service in the late 80's at a radar station called RAF Watton in Norfolk. Whilst in the RAF as an air traffic controller Upper Heyford provided plenty of work especially on the night when the all went to bomb Lybia.

[@gordoneden3023]

RAF Watton. I remember going to Watton on Exercise Big T with No 1 Sqn, Harriers in the 70's.

[@88SPIKE]

Eastern Radar if my memory serves me right. I was in SIF in 3 hangar at Watton in the mid 60's

[@trevalderton4142]

I used to live in Watton and remember "Eastern Radar", with it's Meteor gate guard. In 1965 I left Watton to join the R Signals and returned for Ex "Big T" as a detachment commander supplying "Tele-brief" and telephone comms to each of the harrier hides around the site.

[@ericboehm9457]

RAF Upper Heyford 1991 until it closed. Many good memories of my time there.

[@katharinedurrand-wood7833]

When I was growing-up, we were lived, in what then was called Kinghill Hostel, it was old RAF/Army Barracks and my dad would take to the airfields East Malling. I Was Heartbroken, Now It Has Been Built on.

[@donalddarling4125]

I was at RAF Greenham Common 1975 to 1977. I would like to know what is there now if anything. I loved Newbury and spent a lot of time at the clock tower pub

[@ULHIS]

There's a few here in NI too. One being RAF Bishopscourt. The old Airfield is now a race track, has been for many years. The old RAF houses are now just normal residential homes.

[@colinmiller5502]

Served 2 yrs at Bishops, 74 -76, loved it ,lovely people lovely country,had an affiliation being a Scot,will go back one day.

[@stevepashley795]

What a terrific video. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Have now subscribed and looking forward very much to future videos. Thank you

[@Saintinkz]

Was stationed At RAF Alconbury 85-88 and worked a bit at RAFMolesworth aswell

[@mpol701]

Raf alcionbury still has non flying activity, mole worth did a few years ago but not sure I think they have gone