Nestling in the Norfolk countryside, it was once America’s biggest atomic bomb base, the airfield played in both the Second World War and the Cold War.
It opened in 1943, first occupied briefly by the RAF - which included a Free French Squadron - until 1944 when it was closed for some rebuilding, and then from 1948 onwards by the USAF. While the base became inactive 23 years ago, it is still used by the US Air Force’s 352nd Special Operations Group.
By the 1950s, there were more than 10,000 personnel and it was said to be the largest operational airfield in the UK.
During the Cold War, USAF B45 Tornado bombers took off on missions across Europe, to the borders of the USSR.
Whilst visiting RAF Sculthorpe with Rebex we noticed the control tower and just had to go and have a closer look, it was clear that we were not alone. Once inside the airfield we quickly made it across to the tower without being spotted. Sadly once in side it was clear most of the controls and equipment were gone but still made for a good explore.
on with the photos
1 by JSP 77, on Flickr
2 by JSP 77, on Flickr
3 by JSP 77, on Flickr
4 by JSP 77, on Flickr
5 by JSP 77, on Flickr
6 by JSP 77, on Flickr
7 by JSP 77, on Flickr
8 by JSP 77, on Flickr
9 by JSP 77, on Flickr
10 by JSP 77, on Flickr
11 by JSP 77, on Flickr
thanks for looking
https://flic.kr/p/LwK9DShttps://www.flickr.com/photos/140386387@N03/
A special delivery for Hitler: a Boston bomber of 342 (Free French) Squadron RAF, the first to use Sculthorpe in 1943, being armed before a raid.
A special delivery for Hitler: a Boston bomber of 342 (Free French) Squadron RAF, the first to use Sculthorpe in 1943, being armed before a raid.
It opened in 1943, first occupied briefly by the RAF - which included a Free French Squadron - until 1944 when it was closed for some rebuilding, and then from 1948 onwards by the USAF. While the base became inactive 23 years ago, it is still used by the US Air Force’s 352nd Special Operations Group.
By the 1950s, there were more than 10,000 personnel and it was said to be the largest operational airfield in the UK.
During the Cold War, USAF B45 Tornado bombers took off on missions across Europe, to the borders of the USSR.
https://flic.kr/p/LwK9Ghhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/140386387@N03/
A USAF Air Rescue Albatross of the 9th Air Rescue Squadron, based at Sculthorpe in the early 1950s.
A USAF Air Rescue Albatross of the 9th Air Rescue Squadron, based at Sculthorpe in the early 1950s.
Whilst visiting RAF Sculthorpe with Rebex we noticed the control tower and just had to go and have a closer look, it was clear that we were not alone. Once inside the airfield we quickly made it across to the tower without being spotted. Sadly once in side it was clear most of the controls and equipment were gone but still made for a good explore.
on with the photos
1 by JSP 77, on Flickr
2 by JSP 77, on Flickr
3 by JSP 77, on Flickr
4 by JSP 77, on Flickr
5 by JSP 77, on Flickr
6 by JSP 77, on Flickr
7 by JSP 77, on Flickr
8 by JSP 77, on Flickr
9 by JSP 77, on Flickr
10 by JSP 77, on Flickr
11 by JSP 77, on Flickr
thanks for looking
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