Pics : RAF Pathfinder base - today.

uksubs · Apr 10, 2008

Martin Bull said:

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.
Click to expand...

Great stuff Martin again

Halldin · Apr 11, 2008

Nice!

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Pics : RAF Pathfinder base - today.

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