RAF Bentwaters (1951 - 1993) Part 1. The Domestic Site.

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The 81st Tactical Fighter Wing, USAF vacated the 'Twin Bases' of RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge in 1993 and 2023 will see the 30th Anniversary of the departure and closure of these installations. This video is a brief look at the Domestic Side of the former RAF Bentwaters using previously posted content which has been edited and condensed.
The New Community of Rendlesham is a mix of Private new houses being incorporated into the existing former USAF Housing stock. The Community is considered a Village but the area seems like a small Town given the number of houses within the development. Apart from the Chapel and the original 'Tobacco' Base Housing area of Suffolk Drive, I recognised nothing from my era (1975 - 1978). Many having a connection with the former Base will possibly be surprised at the dramatic transformation of the site?
Photo Credits: My photos and video segments have been supplemented with a number of Sourced Images denoted by (S/P) on the photos concerned. The Originator where known has been credited with the image. No infringement of personal copyright is intended by their use.
Music Score: 'Hail to the Spirit of Liberty' by the USAF Concert Band. 'National Emblem' and 'To the Colors' by the USAF Ceremonial Band

Опубликовано:

15 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 9

@skipsmoyer4574 18 дней назад

Was there Nov 78 -80. This has helped me as looked at new Google map and couldn't find orientation, now see much was demolition. I climbed the water tower twice, first alone, then some time later a friend talked me into again and we both went up. Never got caught.

@Chelveston78 17 дней назад

Hi and thank you for your comment. Check out my Y/T video titled RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge 'The Domestic Site' Revisited (2001 -2002). Essentially a rehash of this video with a few contemporary scenes added. The Water Towers were Base 'Landmarks' and briefly feature at 1.38 mins. They're long gone today but many accepted the challenge to climb these structures - good memories. All the best.

@piggyoinkenstein.186 Год назад

Ain't been there but been chicksands, high wycombe, and croughton/heyford. My dad was in the air force for 29 years, back n forth to UK. Was a groovy place back in the 70s. When the best of what was british was still alive and well. Ahh, the fish and chips wrapped in newspaper etc.🤪👍

@LeeBv9983 Год назад

Don't know how this popped up in my YT feed. I was stationed in England from 1978-1984. From 1978-1981 I was at RAF Wethersfield in Essex (AKA RAF Sleepy Hollow). There was actually lots of housing there and we had a large number of firemen from Bentwaters living there. Because they worked 24 hour shifts with two days off in between, the longish drive to Wethersfield was worth it to get their families in housing. Wethersfield was so small then that there was no fire station on the base and any emergency response would come from the town of Braintree about 10 miles away. However, in 1981 a Red Horse squadron moved in and the excess housing vanished, as did I as my unit relocated to RAF Uxbridge in west London, which is how I got a second tour.

@Chelveston78 Год назад

Hi. Thank you for your comments. You highlight what I said in the video about the scarcity of 'Base Housing' at Bentwaters (and I guess other USAF Bases) in the 1970's with personnel willing to travel to Wethersfield for family accommodation. I think from Base to Base a distance of 50+ miles but given the back roads and with no direct route, it would have made for a long travel time. I know of others who lived a good way from the Base (some by their own choosing). I think the situation improved into the 1980's with more Base housing being built. As to 'why this popped up on your YT feed,' maybe algorithms, play lists or just the magic of the internet - who knows but I thank you for the information. All the best...

@piggyoinkenstein.186 Год назад

Wow, sure would like to have a couple of them pork pies from sainsburies. oink, oink. !

@htw9594 12 дней назад

Was there 1959 - 1961. Fifth to seventh grade .

@thomaslake2946 4 месяца назад

Were is rendlesham

@Chelveston78 4 месяца назад

Hi, the original settlement at Rendlesham was/is to the West of the former RAF Bentwaters. A settlement since Medieval times, in fact earlier. The 14th Century St. Gregory's Church still survives? Interestingly and very recently (2022), there have been archaeological digs around Rendlesham sheading more light on the areas early settlement. I would suggest that you check out Google Maps satellite imagery which may explain better how the area would have looked if you exclude the Base? Today, the Domestic Site at the former Base forms part of the 'New Village Community' of Rendlesham. Hope this answers your question? All the best.