RAF Sculthorpe ( 2001 - 2005)

Royal Air Force Station Sculthorpe has a distinguished Wartime History.

This presentation focuses on RAF Sculthorpe under the tenure of the United States Air Force and what remained of the Base in the period between 2001 - 2005.

I can't remember the source but it was said that in the early stages of the 'Cold War', RAF Sculthorpe in rural Norfolk was the 'Base Most Feared by the Soviet Union'. Certainly, when the 47th Bombardment Wing occupied the Base (1952 - 1962), this was possibly true given the nuclear strike capability of the Wing.

Today, anyone interested in Military Aviation History would be saddened by the sight of this once important and active installation. The airfield itself is still retained by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and is used for training purposes. The hangars have gone leaving just the Control Tower.

The Base Housing area, renamed 'Wicken Green' was sold off in the mid 1990's and the dwellings were refurbished. Today, the area appears to be a well established community with a School. The former Base Elementary School (not featured in this video) survived any redevelopment of the site and is now the Blenheim Park Academy (a Primary & Junior School). A number of buildings on the technical side of the Base have been adapted for a variety of commercial uses. The status of the later built Base Chapel on Flag Street is not known.

The history of RAF Sculthorpe has been preserved with the establishment of a Heritage Centre which is located in the former 'Hawks Haven' All Ranks Club Building - today renamed the Green Park Rural Centre, Wicken Green Village. Opening times are limited. For more information, visit their Web Site and or Facebook Page at-: RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre. All those involved in this venture should be congratulated for perpetuating the memory of those who served at this Base.

Whilst I have no personal affiliation with Sculthorpe, its 'Cold War' history is fascinating. My visit to the Airfield in 2005 was authorised and I was fortunate enough to record areas of the Base that weren't readily and legally accessible. The 'Z' Blocks however, seem to be accessible to all but given their poor state of repair and the added danger of Asbestos within, my advice would be to steer well clear of these buildings. Every airfield has its secrets ('Overflights' of the former USSR) where myths, legends and rumours can be assigned - Sculthorpe was no different but the fact remains that this Base played an important role in the early Mission of the USAF in Europe...

Photo Credits: All images were taken by me unless specifically noted. I have used a sourced image (denoted by s/p on the photograph concerned) and whilst I don't want to infringe any personal copyright, it would be interesting to hear from the original photographer and so provide information ref: date etc).

Music Score: Lifting Dreams, Shattered Paths, Wigs and Kiss the Sky from YOUTUBE's Music Library.