RAF base, Bicester, Upper Heyford
Built in 1916, the site itself had been in service up until 1993. Originally it was used by the Royal Flying Corps, yet hadn't been brought into use for flying until july 1918 by the Royal Air Force. Up until 1950, the base mainly served as a training facility. During the Cold War, Upper Heyford initially served as a base for the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC,) and later the United States Air Forces In Europe (USAFE.)
I went with a mate, late 2013 to check the place out. Most of the site was expectedly fenced off, which is a bummer. However we did manage to accidentally slip into a restricted area before eventually being asked to leave. Regardless, this site has some interesting history.
The petrol station was clearly set up by the Americans as they were all measured with dollar signs. Alongside this was an American grocery store.
A telephone that hung from the back of the grocery store.
Some interesting architecture.
What were those pipes used for transporting?
A flooded room.
Here's a video of the trip... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-4aNgg9YeA
If there was one thing I wish I could've done, it would be to explore the place further. Bit of a timid report on my behalf haha.
Built in 1916, the site itself had been in service up until 1993. Originally it was used by the Royal Flying Corps, yet hadn't been brought into use for flying until july 1918 by the Royal Air Force. Up until 1950, the base mainly served as a training facility. During the Cold War, Upper Heyford initially served as a base for the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC,) and later the United States Air Forces In Europe (USAFE.)
I went with a mate, late 2013 to check the place out. Most of the site was expectedly fenced off, which is a bummer. However we did manage to accidentally slip into a restricted area before eventually being asked to leave. Regardless, this site has some interesting history.
The petrol station was clearly set up by the Americans as they were all measured with dollar signs. Alongside this was an American grocery store.
A telephone that hung from the back of the grocery store.
Some interesting architecture.
What were those pipes used for transporting?
A flooded room.
Here's a video of the trip... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-4aNgg9YeA
If there was one thing I wish I could've done, it would be to explore the place further. Bit of a timid report on my behalf haha.