RAF Wethersfield, Yesterday & Today.

[@gemsfreak5278]

I was there when Col. Kelly crashed. I was 10 and I remember this event. I think he had a daughter about my age. Wethersfield AFB, 4 years. We first lived off-base in Castle Headingham and eventually moved on base into a tiny trailer park. I am glad I can still remember!

[@hoss1943]

I was at Wethersfield 1963-1965 in Transportation Squadron as a mechanic.Enjoyed the tour there and stayed in touch with several of the people.

[@mikemccomb7803]

I spent 4 tours to England during my 22+ years career. Mildenhall twice, Bentwaters and Chicksands. Although I was never stationed at Wethersfield, I spent quite a bit of time there as my then wife's family lived in Chelmsford, not too far from the base. Loved that base and tried many times to get an assignment there. But the Air Force had different plans. Lol. Thank you for preserving it's heritage. It has has always been near and dear to me. I plan to visit on my next trip to the UK.

[@Wethersfield_Airfield_Museum]

Thank you Mark, nice video. Sadly the Museum has been closed by the MOD, no more visitors allowed MDP HQ moved to RAF Wyton. We are trying to find a new building and hope one day we will have a museum back on the base.

[@Chelveston78]

Thank you for 'Officially Confirming' the sad fate of the Museum as rumours have been circulating for many months. I know you have a dedicated Facebook Group following and I'm sure that will continue. I recently made a return visit to the former RAF Upper Heyford now called Heyford Park. The transformation of the Base has been quite amazing since my time there (1968 - 1972). A Heritage Centre has been established which I'm sure you are aware of and surely the same facility could be afforded to yourselves by the New Owner/Developers of the site - whoever that is going to be?? I've posted a Y/T video titled RAF Upper Heyford & RAF Croughton Road Trip May 2022 which highlights the incredible changes at RAF Upper Heyford and suggests that the past and present can be accommodated together. It would be foolhardy on the part of the Site's Developer not to incorporate something of RAF Wethersfield's History into its plans or am I being naive to suggest that the Base's past should be as important as its future?? I'm sure you've explored all possibilities but whatever the case, I wish you well for the future.

[@daveberry2177]

@@Chelveston78 such a shame the museum has gone, police too, looks like it now might be a possessing centre for immigrants, i used to go to some good parties there in the 80s, nice folk

[@Chelveston78]

@@daveberry2177 I think we now know why there was a reluctance to enter into conversation with the guys at the Museum about its future given the recent news about Wethersfield becoming a possible Immigration Centre. I feel sorry for the dedicated volunteers at the Museum whose hopes about a return to the Base may now have been dashed, possibly forever?? Crazy World we live in...

[@daveberry2177]

@@Chelveston78 hi there and thank you for the reply, it seems no cares any more, that was a small piece of. history but part of a bigger picture, , i do not see why they could not have kept it going, they will never get it back , such a shame, anyway take care and many thanks, will be interesting to see how the mop flops

[@johncone9516]

Thank you posting. My father helped to extend the runway back in late 50's to get ready to take the F100's. I remember one of guards getting shot dead when one of his colleagues opened the guardhouse door and said draw. The other guard had one up the spout and the safety catch off. I also used to go the hanger dances as teenager in the mid 60's. Fond memories.

[@Chelveston78]

Thank you for your comments. An interesting and tragic story but a piece of RAF Wethersfield's history nevertheless.

[@bigal4334]

My first duty station from 1973-76. I worked in the MSA and it was one of the best assignments of my career. Sad so see it go this way. :(

[@jimkelly5457]

My first duty assignment in ¹969 straight out of basic. 20th SPS. I spent one and a half years there when th3 powers to be started down sizing the base. Myself a nd many were transferred to Torrejon, Spain. My four years in Europe was the best education a young man of 18 could ever hope for. Beautiful country and fond memories?

[@davidcolletti7136]

was my first station after basic...1982-1984,,,,,a great time

[@TK42138]

Good memories of growing up near the base from '81 to when the MOD police took over. Used to cycle up to the Toppesfield road to watch the Hercules do touch and go round training, on some days you'd see the U2 spyplane land and take off. I remember one summer evening when three Black hawk helicopters flew just below treetop height across the fields from Gosfield direction with no nav or running lights. Also remember some good airshows and how the Red Horse would help out at village fetes, social do's and in the hard winter of 81 into '82, helped snow plough the local roads when blizzards struck.

[@john07973]

My late Mum served as a WAAF with 38 Group 1944/45 Stirlings towed gliders for the Rhine crossing from there. Very sad to see what the airfield is being used for now

[@markbooth1117]

Nice video.

[@andyfield6854]

Now to be filled with doctors,lawyers and rocket scientists aka dinghy divers.