Telling the story of RAF Watton and Bodney from 1939 to today.
Gallery: The Officers Mess – beginning to end
The Officers Mess at Watton stood until January 2002 when the powers that be decided it should be demolished as the place was proving attractive local children. Such an ignominious end for a building whose fabric has had been witness to such extreme events over the years.
Officers of 21 Squadron relaxing outside the Officers Mess at Watton. This is probably September 1939 and comes from the personal album of Hugh Dunford-Wood who was killed on ops over DunkirkOfficers of 21 Squadron relaxing outside the Officers Mess at Watton. This is probably September 1939 and comes from the personal album of Hugh Dunford-Wood who was killed on ops over Dunkirk
This water colour painting of the Officers’ Mess probably dates from the late 1970’s. I believed the artist was one Colin Rutters – Eric Webster (and others) have confirmed this to be the case. Colin was a Controller at Eastern Radar and, according to Eric, a talented artist.
My late uncle Alf Wilson was a rear gunner first class stationed here-he was killed in May 1940 aged just 21 .
Hello Hilary, Alf’s picture is on my list of things to post – but finding it hard to get the time at the minute. Julian
Whoever gave the order/granted permission for this beautiful Mess to be destroyed, should be shot at dawn !