RAF Fenchurch Sept'17

Some history...​

Opened in 1937, it saw the peak of its activity during the years of World War II, when it served within the defence network of fighter bases of the RAF providing protection for the Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, Humberside industrial regions.

In September 1940 it became home to the first RAF "Eagle squadron" of American volunteers (71). It also hosted the first all-Canadian RAF Squadron (242) and the first all-Polish RAF Squadron (306).

As technologies evolved, the first night fighter Operational Training Unit (54 OTU) was formed at Church Fenton in 1940 and stayed until 1942. Some of the squadrons stationed there flew the famous "Wooden Wonder", the De Havilland Mosquito.

After the war it at first retained its role as a fighter base, being among the first to receive modern jet aircraft, namely the Gloster Meteor and the Hawker Hunter. In later years, its role was mainly flight training, from 1973 for a few years being home to the Royal Navy Elementary Flying Training School (RNEFTS) using the Jet Provost T3, and again 1979-1992, triggered by the introduction of the Panavia Tornado, being the first station to receive the new turboprop-powered Short Tucano T1 basic fast jet trainers. From 1998-2003 Church Fenton was the RAF’s main Elementary Flying Training airfield

(https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/units/566/raf-church-fenton/)



Sadly this place has recently suffered from more vandalism and thefts, with most of its glass lampshades smashed and everyone of its sinks broken and the taps stolen. However I still enjoyed having a look around this site as there’s a good amount of peely paint a mould.



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Thanks for lookin folks.

A nice collection of images. A shame that this place is falling to bit all because of vandalism, that's all it is and not due to dereliction. I wonder if anyone looking at picture 1772 would recognise their mates/relatives or even co-workers.

Thanks HJ, I enjoyed hunting for them mushrooms! Yeah I don't think that bog roll will be walking off like some things do!

God thats been bashed about in the couple of years since I was there.

Also I believe it's Church Fenton not Fenchurch

Excellent stuff as always prettyvacant. Definitely lots of lovely peely paint

You made a decent job a that PV, I enjoyed it, Thanks

woooo thats gone downhill badly !
nice pictures tho

Its amazing to see no graffiti! Mostly natural decay! Thanks for posting.

I had heard the place had gone downhill badly..but you still captured it lovely as always.the decay is lovely in here ain't it.

mookster said:

God thats been bashed about in the couple of years since I was there.

Also I believe it's Church Fenton not Fenchurch

Click to expand...

Thanks, yes your right Mookster its Fenton..got too much goin on in me head atm, glad I've not good a responsible job where lives matter

Mikeymutt said:

I had heard the place had gone downhill badly..but you still captured it lovely as always.the decay is lovely in here ain't it.

Click to expand...

Yeah the place appeared untouched for years and then after a few reports it attracted the vandals...worth stopping if passing as still some photogenic parts, I'd revisit if it weren't so far lol

Man...you nailed that. Loads of decay and very strong composition = winner. Love the fire-hose shot.

Looks like the youths have had a smashing time, but you have captured some nice shots, i see the fern is still on the stairs.

Cool pics there mate. Still some nice decay in here Pity the idiots have been busy.