RAF Sculthorpe ( 2001 - 2005)

[@andreewoosley7046]

Mark - thank you for putting together these images of Sculthorpe AFB. My father was stationed there first in 1956. We returned again between 1963-64 as a family. I was young and attended the school on base. We lived on what is now called Halifax Crescent. Both my parents have died during the last two years, and I am comforted by seeing places we once were as a family - although it doesn't look the same. I appreciate your video.

[@Chelveston78]

Hi Andree. Thank you for your comments. Yes and sadly, there has been much change at the former RAF Sculthorpe. My Father served with the USAF and we were stationed at several Bases in the UK all of which have now closed so I can understand your sentiments about a place and time. I am pleased that this video brought back some Family Memories and hopefully happy times. I wish you well.

[@markspooner16]

The aircraft you mentioned in the 80's were the Jaguar squadrons ( 6, 41 & 54) . We were temporarily based there while the runway at RAF Coltishall ( the squadrons home base ) was being re-surfaced

[@JoeBaker51009]

My dad grew up at those small bungalows and was allowed to walk around the barracks. We came back after going to a nearby town. We entered and I was sad seeing my dad seeing the state it was in. For him it was home. We went in his old nursery and he found some old Disney characters on the walls. The same ones when he was there. Thanks mark

[@Chelveston78]

Thanks for sharing this story. All the best to you.

[@davange77]

Worked there for about 6 months during the late 70's when Marham's Runway was being resurfaced , traveling there daily by bus .

[@davidwhitaker4651]

The photo in the middle of the movie,of the flagpole was taken by me David Whitaker appox. 1957 while stationed at Sculthorpe in the 19th Tac Recon Sg. , Working in the Photo-Lab.

[@Chelveston78]

Hi David - thank you for identifying and dating your photograph. I don't know where I came across this image but it's in total contrast to the contemporary view of Flag Street (hope your happy to allow its continued inclusion in this video?). Surprised that it's dated 1957 - I would have put it much later. A great photograph of a different time. Thanks once again and all the best.

[@davidwhitaker4651]

YES please do , I have lots of photos being used in different books .

[@Chelveston78]

@@davidwhitaker4651 Thank you David. Obviously, much has changed at RAF Sculthorpe but I like these 'Then (1957) and Now (2003) comparison photos. Doubt whether Flag Street (2021) looks the same but then again, the 'Z' Blocks are still standing so maybe it does?? Thanks for sharing. Cheers...

[@davidwhitaker4651]

@@Chelveston78 All weeds and tall brush and so many building gone. The old 19th Tac photo-lab is gone. The hole 19th Tac barracks area is gone . I have been back several times , the best time was the 47th Bomb Wing 50 Reunion in 2002, with Maj.Gen Davy Jones attending.

[@Chelveston78]

A sad sight no doubt for those that served at the Base especially those who served there during its heyday. Slowly the Base will fade away but the cost of safely removing the ' Z' Blocks (asbestos riddled) may suggest they could be around for a few more years to come. The military link (to include the USAF connection) continues with the airfield site still being used for training.

[@martinchamberlain542]

Thankyou for a great video, Mark. I have travelled to north Norfolk for holidays for many years, and every time I pass Sculthorpe my memories return of when it was an active base. Can anyone help me out please? I have a vague memory of a jet being parked on the edge of the airfield, clearly visible from the road., I believe it was an F100 super sabre. Does any other aviation geek out there recall this? Many thanks.

[@Chelveston78]

Hi Martin, thank you for your comment. I think I might be able to offer a few options reference your question but it depends on what year? After 1962 the Base reverted to 'Standby Status' and aircraft from Lakenheath frequently deployed to the Base operating the F-100. The 48th TFW was still using said aircraft into the early/mid 1970's. But other Wings using the F-100 would also transit through the Base. Anyhow, if a single F-100 airframe was visible, then it could possibly have been used for Fire & Rescue Training if indeed the said training area was visible from the road? The French Air Force used the F-100 ( I guess under loan/lease agreement with the US) and returned these aircraft over a period of years from the mid/late 1970's. Sculthorpe was used to receive these aircraft where they would be decommissioned either ending up being scrapped, sold or passed onto Museums for display? Maybe a single aircraft was delivered on the day you saw it and was awaiting processing? Pure speculation but possibly someone else could further expand on the answer? All the best..

[@martinchamberlain542]

@@Chelveston78 Hi again Mark, thanks for your thought provoking response to my question. I think my memories is from the 60s or 70s, I can’t be any more specific ! I clearly remember the jet in question, I still think it looks like a shark with a distinctive oval air intake in the nose. It is a very handsome beast, but I understand it was challenging to fly, with a high landing speed. I really enjoyed your video, I hope there are more to come…I would love to see what Binbrook is now like, I used to watch EE Lightnings cavorting around there. Thankyou again.

[@Chelveston78]

@@martinchamberlain542 Thanks again Martin. I think your dates are spot on for the F-100 sighting which suffice to say deployed to Sculthorpe frequently - the Base Gate Guard (actually sited on the Flag Street roundabout was an F-100 airframe). I have posted an updated Sculthorpe video together with other titles. Just click on my KZbin name for playlists. Thank you for your interest and I wish you well..

[@thomaslake2946]

I need to visit Sculthorpe but I don't know what's left on the base All I know is that the control tower isn't there apparently but the Tyre mountain is

[@Chelveston78]

There isn't much to see today. The Control Tower, Hangars and much of the airfield infrastructure has gone. The airfield itself is still retained by the MoD for training. The 'Z' Blocks are still there but in varying states of decay (riddled with asbestos and vandalised). On a positive note, a Heritage Centre has been created which is worth visiting. Check out my video RAF Sculthorpe 'One Last Look'. May 2022 which will give you a good perspective of the current status.

[@thomaslake2946]

​​@@Chelveston78 at 2:14 were on the bass is that building because I visited sculthorpe a week ago on a open day at the heritage centre and I did some exploring but I couldn't find the Truman building or the old gym and at 5:42 is that a runway your standing on and how did you get permission to go on it

[@Chelveston78]

@@thomaslake2946 Hi, check out Google Maps (satellite imagery) for Sculthorpe Airfield, zoom in and locate Bachelor Drive to get your bearings. The square building opposite the 'Z' Barracks Blocks was the Gym. Truman Hall is almost directly opposite (oblong building - to the left of the 'Z' Blocks as you look at the map). My last visit to the site was in May 2022 and said buildings were still in situ, however, the three storey Truman Hall was obscured by bushes and trees with a large mound of building rubble to its front on Bachelor Drive further sheltering it from view. The image at frame 5.42 was taken from the taxiway in front of the now demolished control tower. My visit was authorised as this land was/is Ministry of Defence property. Hope this information helps? All the best...

[@garybrewer1035]

Still searching for David A. Burton. He would have been at Sculthorp in the 1962-64 time frame.

[@edwardwhite6565]

This makes me sick with sad ness. Where are my buds?