RAF Kingston Bagpuize

[Cluny]

Opened 26th December 1941 despite being incomplete [the runways were made from Pierced Steel Planking] , KB was used as a relief landing ground by Hotspurs from 1 GTS Thame [later to be redesignated 4 GTS] and Oxfords from 20 AFU Kidlington . It was however used by a flight of USAAF IXth Airforce P-47 Thunderbolts to test a new Mesh like runway surface [placed directly over the existing PSP Runways] for use on Forward Operating Bases post D-Day . Frequent repairs were found to be required but was deemed a success . Also at least 1 battle damaged B-17 made an emergency landing here during this time . It closed in June 1954 , still unfinished .

Watch Office .








That won't stop me lol




























Romney Huts in what was the Technical Site , now a business park .


Surviving Perimeter Track , now an access road and car park for the local Cricket Club .

[Hihonyr8811]

Love the tower and love the original features!!

Love the other two places too And the histories, fascinating
Were they quite accessible then? (other than the shoot at the other one).

[Cluny]

The remains at Middle Farm are just off public footpaths , Slade Farms remains are just by the business parks Car Park and the farmer who uses them doesn't seem to mind as long as you stay out of them . Bagpuss is slightly different , the tower and technical site form part of a business park although your not supposed to go to the tower let alone in [I took the chance as no one was around] . The Peri track by the cricket club is fine but the rest of the Airfield is strictly off limits with cameras by every field entrance , which is a shame as a lot more remains but just can't get to them .

[Hihonyr8811]

So not too bad then, as long as you don't go on a busy day and it's always handy when a public footpath runs near by.
It is a shame about the off limits bits, I know how it feels to know there's "stuff" there but not able to explore it, I have a similar problem up here with Faldingworth half of it is in use with CCTV and guard dogs and the rest is all private farm land. Even the memorial is on the runway which is off limits With no way of access unless you trespass, which I try to avoid , I make a useless urban explorer

[Mayfly]

Love the tower and love the original features!!

Love the other two places too And the histories, fascinating
Were they quite accessible then? (other than the shoot at the other one).

Agreed!! Very atmospheric.

Cluny the Watch Tower looks to me very much like the design of the one at Metheringham - may I send a copy on to Tim Taylor to ask him please?

[Aceyone]

Fascinating stuff,thanks for posting

[Cluny]

Cluny the Watch Tower looks to me very much like the design of the one at Metheringham - may I send a copy on to Tim Taylor to ask him please?

Your more than welcome Mayfly
I have the answer already though *dons geek hat * , KB's tower is built to specification 343/43 whilst Metheringham's is built to specification 12779/41 which is the same but with smaller windows [the same as East Kirkby's]

Edit
Scrap that they are the same spec , KB's was modified to 12779/41 in 1944 .
Hence the lighter concrete on the outside of the ground floor .

[Mayfly]

Ah thanks - it's just that Tim has written an article for me and I have some pics but would like a before an now. So thought it would be a good comparison, may see about EK then if I get to bonfire night tho' thinking about it I may have a photo somewhere.