Pics : RAF Pathfinder base - today.

The RAF Pathfinder Museum is situated within the confines of RAF Wyton, near Huntingdon. A typical inter-war RAF Bomber base, in August 1942, Wyton became home to 83 Squadron ( PFF) flying Lancasters, later being joined by the Mosquitoes of 109 and 139 Squadrons. Due to its close proximity to the Headquarters of 8 Group ( PFF ), Wyton was a main hub of Pathfinder activity.

I broke my car journey in the town of Huntingdon to find this old house, now used by the local council.



The 'blue plaque' next to the door tells the story.....



I stood and wondered at how many 'top brass' had entered that door, and how many uncomfortable interviews had been conducted within those walls by the formidable AOC of 8 Group, Don Bennett.....

Wyton airfield itself still belongs to the RAF. V-bombers were stationed here in the 50s/60s but today it's used mainly for training purposes. Even so, to get in one has to go through photogrphic ID, and past an armed guard. I'd taken a camera but expected 'Photography To Be Strictly Forbidden'.

Once inside, the place was actually eerily deserted.......the opportunity to photograph some of the old buildings was far too good to miss and I spent a very pleasant hour or so.

The huge wartime hangars still stand intact -



The operations Block, with air-raid shelter in the foreground....



Almost a 'time-capsule', these original Nissen-huts still stand right by the flying-field. I half-expected to see and hear a 'Lanc' taxy past.....



When I say it was quiet, I mean quiet. I walked around a corner to be confronted by these two....





OK, this is 'anorak stuff' but I've long wondered about doing this particular 'Then & Now'. This well-known photo shows 'Honest John', Group Captain John Searby of 83 Squadron with five of his crew who led the famous Pennemunde Raid in August 1943. Searby ( 3rd from right ), who passed away in the 1980s, was one of the most famous Pathfinders. On Searby's left is his bomb aimer, George Ross DFC, who died over Berlin a short while after the photo was taken.




Well, after walking around a bit, I found it.



I stood for a while in total silence, reflecting on the history and exploits of the Pathfinders. They are all fading away now, but thanks to the efforts of Johnny Clifford and others like him, they will not be forgotten.

 

Thanx for another excellent set of pics and sharing your trip, Martin!

 

Nice one, Martin.

 

agreed with the others, much approval on the after scenes, how tranquil, wonder of the rabbits are eatable ? ........yuk

ok have to ask where are the shots of the group _you guys_ today when on the visit

 

Fantastic then and now comparison, Martin. I guess you will already know by now how much I like this sort of thing...

 

Well ....... while Martin was photographing rabbits, the rest of us were enjoying a pint in the "Three Jolly Butchers" in Houghton!

We wondered where you got to Martin, we thought you must have gotten lost.

Here is that link that both you and another seem to have missed.

156 Squadron RAF


Robin 156 Squadron = Pathfinder Force

 

Great pics - thanks!

 

Thank you Martin for another great story through the lens of a camera ;-)) You are a national treasure-or should be ;-))

 

Hi Martin,

Thanks for sharing the great pics. You can almost hear the Lancs near those Nissen huts. Such places are always filled with so much atmosphere.

View attachment 1739

Cheers

Owen

 

Two last spooky shots from the album.....

 

Thanx again, Martin!

Incredible to think how much life ( and death,too ) there were once in these places and now almost nobody...

 

I missed this, cheers Martin.

 

More great photos...

 

I can just "see" that Bomber that Sir John Mills flew in in: "The Way to the Stars" flying just above those huts.

 

Thanks Martin, it's a real pleasure to view these pics. I like the rabbits too, what a contrast as opposed to the 1943 activity!

 

I'm glad some people have enjoyed this thread. I've delved into my album and come up with one last ( really ! ) image, plus a relevant quote.

' I remained in Flying Control until it was clear the aircraft would not return and after snatching a couple of hours' sleep collected all Archie's gear from the room he occupied in the Mess and drove to Cambridge where his family lived.

It was just after 7 am when I found the house and broke the news to his wife who bore up bravely but it was an unhappy mission which I have never forgotten'

( W/Cdr John Searby, 'The Everlasting Arms' p. 11 ).

This is a view of that same Flying Control where Searby waited.. The WWII building can still be clearly seen, but the 'glasshouse' is obviously from post-war days.

 

What a nice picture! This called called recycling. it's a pretty design and modern too. You wouldn't think it stems from WWII .

 

take that modern garbage bin out of this shot and a fresh coat of paint and you could be in the 1940's!
Very nice Martin!

thanks!

 

Hi Skipper, we have a building in my area, that is similar to the one Martin posted and is from WWII. However, it was used only to train Navy Pilots who were in advanced flight training schools. Over the years, the Federal Govt sold off some of this property to private investors. The one and still with the tower in place, is located in my hometown of Kingsville, Texas, and is actually located behind a Golf Course. The investors refurbished it turnint it into a really nice-looking and small, apartment complex. The Air Traffic Control tower is now like a private Bar-or Lounge-for the residents to mingle at and relax. I wish I had or could get a picture of this building but, it's on private land and unless your invited by a resident-you can't get in. It can just barely be seen if you drive down the old runway on the old part of NAS-Kingsville. However, these days, if you tried, you might be stopped by Navy Shore Patrol or USMC Police.

 

I saw a report today that contracts are about to be placed, the bulldozers will be moving in, and RAF Wyton will become the UK National Defence Intelligence Centre.

Photography by WWII 'anoraks' will most certainly be strictly off the menu.....