In 2003 local man Frank Hurrell filmed around the camp a little before it was finally sold off and the final chapter of its life was played out. It is presented here exactly as Frank edited it and is a record of a sad end to the life of a wonderful station.
We are grateful to Frank’s widow for allowing us to include the video here.
Can you update as too where the memorial propeller is now please.
My great uncle was one of many aircrew that lost there lives early 1940 at RAF Watton navigator in a Blenheim would like to visit the area one day.
Like the video from 2003 gives an insight how the base was.
Hi John,
Yes, the Memorial is back where it started (within a few feet) at the entrance to Blenheim Grange which is in effect at the entrance to the camp.
When they developed the site for some reason they needed to move the entrance a few feet closer to Watton. The original entance was dead oppositethe Airman’s Mess, now Read’s of Watton.
Who was your great uncle?
Best wishes
Julian
Is the memorial and the propellor still there or sis that all get moved by the developers when building the site?
The Memorials were moved by the developers from the site in front of the Officers’ Mess (or remains of!) to the entrance of Blenheim Grange, and they are within a few feet of where they were originally placed, the 25th BG stone Memorial in the 1970’s and the Propeller in 1990.
The residents of the estate have done a brilliant job of looking after them and keeping an eye on them, but they do still attract drinkers on a summer evening, which is a pity as they do leave a mess.
However it is felt that only the removal of the seats will change that and that is not wanted by anyone.
I understand there is a plan to build a community centre further into Blenheim Grange and it has been suggested that the memorials be moved there. Though that is nothing more than a suggestion at the moment, personally I think that is a good idea.
Not everyone agrees however.