In this video, I head across the border into Suffolk to explore an abandoned World War Two airfield, one of so many left to decay in our countryside after the war. I spend a few hours exploring the crumbling shelters, buildings and concrete structures before setting up camp in one of the derelict blast shelters for the night - Aussi swag, tarp a delicious dinner cooked on the Honey Stove and a couple of good beers - perfect!
It was a privilege and very moving to spend some time amongst these old buildings that housed so many brave American airmen during the war years - many of whom did not survive the war. East Anglia doubled in population during the war due to the numbers of airmen and ground crew who were stationed here. These airfields were like towns - little Americas dotted about the countryside with their own theatres, chapels, mess halls, recreation areas, clubs, post offices and commissaries, not to mention the rows of barrack huts, roadways and of course the technical and admin areas, the hangers, the runways, taxiways, concrete hardstandings and dispersal loops of the airfield itself. There were a great many of these airfields across the East of England, often so close to each other that they almost merged into one another and it was often said that a stricken and damaged bomber returning from Germany had more chance of crash landing on an airfield than not!
I would like to thank the landowner hugely for the opportunity to explore this amazing historical site and spend some time amongst the ghosts of those brave servicemen.
I hope you enjoy the video.
Thanks for watching.
Links
The One Food Company
https://www.facebook.com/theonefoodcompany/
Brewdog - Mr President Double IPA
https://www.brewdog.com/uk/mr-president-4-can
Vocation - Imperial Banana Stout
https://www.vocationbrewery.com/products/ba-imperial-banana-11-4-chocolate-banana-stout-440ml
Outhaus Rockhampton Swag
https://outhaus.co/rockhampton-canvas-swag-900/
Easthills Outdoors Blanket
https://easthillsoutdoors.com/products/down-puffy-camping-blanket?variant=41553007640743
Honey Stove and Hive Extension
https://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/bushcraft/RD106.html
TJM Metalworks Lightwight Camp Grill
https://www.tjmmetalworks.co.uk/shop/Lightweight-Grill-p224520545
Contact me at:
[email protected]
Or by mail at:
Simon, a bloke in the woods
PO Box 384
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 9DB
UK
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Music
Big Swing Band Audionautix
One More for the Road Golden Age Radio