In the opening sequence of that great film "Twelve O’Clock High" Dean Jagger plays an American veteran, returning to the airbase (Chelveston) where his bomb group were stationed. The airfield is now mostly deserted, except for the occasional cow, but the control tower, huts and hangers still remain as ruined yet evocative reminders of what was once his home from home.

The reality is that between 1940 and 1945 tens of thousands of young men and women from all over the allied world, came together on such air bases for what was probably the most memorable and traumatic period of their lives.

At the end of the war, most of these airfields were closed and returned to their former owners and usage. Now crumbling and only just recognisable as airfields, the old bases are a fascinating and sad reminder of the sacrifice made by so many.

So what is there left to see now? These pages will give you an introduction into the different conditions that exist today. The restored control tower at Thorpe Abbots, the barely recognisable ruined tower at Metheringham and the "Control Tower Cafe" at Westhampnett. The now deserted hanger at West Malling (once also used for the closing sequence of The Beatles "Magical Mystery Tour") and the wall paintings in the barrack blocks at Seething.
These pictures are part of a much larger collection.

So if you want to see what is left of the airfield where you, a relative or a friend were once based, please contact me via email and I will mail a picture to you.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS ARE COPYRIGHT TO UK AIRFIELDS 1998.  FEEL FREE TO USE THEM, AS LONG AS DUE CREDIT IS GIVEN TO UK AIRFIELDS AND A REFERENCE IS MADE TO THE UK AIRFIELDS EMAIL ADDRESS.   THIS IS uk.airfields@virgin.net