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Former RAF Tangmere

United Kingdom / England / Tangmere-Boxgrove /
 military airbase, military, historical layer / disappeared object

Important fighter base in WW II. Also airfield from which most SOE flights went out in support of the Resistance. Most flights went from just one field because there were special procedures and considerations to be applied, such as making sure that an agent didn't go off to Belgium in 1942 with a "London" tag in his jacket.

Not much to see on ground, today. Being absorbed into "modern" world....

... but for the dedicated WW II buff, the largely as-it-was control tower holds some ghosts.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   50°50'46"N   -0°42'26"E

Comments

  • tourist (guest)
    Control tower is just inside box, north (top) side, 1/3rd from west (left)
  • www.therecordalbum.com (guest)
    I was stationed at RAF Tangmere from 1949-1952.I was an Air Traffic Control assistant.Nos 1 & 43 Squadrons occupied the base,and air activity was quite frantic and at times very hair raising. I well remember one very quiet night when we received a very faint 'Mayday' call. Apparently a flight of three Wellingtons based at Swinderby were on a training flight to France,when one aircraft developed engine trouble.We gave a homing bearing; two of the aircraft landed safely,but the third crashed on the grass.The crew managed to escape before the aircaft was consumed by fire.They reported to the control tower;and were all understandably very shaken by the experience.The following morning the blackened remains resembled a prehistoric monster,with the geodetic construction quite complete-Bravo!Barnes Wallis. I liberated the trailing aerial and it adorned my radio at home for a number of years-perfect reception. The condition of the tower today is quite sad;surely the Museum could undertake its reconstruction and preservation. I have photographs of the tower in its heyday,and would be quite happy to provide copies for a very small fee. George Ginn (22nd.March 2009)
  • battyrobertgmail.com (guest)
    I was the Assistant Equipment officer at Tangmere 1949-1951. No 43 squadron was relocated at Leuchars. Shortly after relocation some of the pilots returned to Tangmere for a weekend in an Anson, belly landing it just short of the runway. They all escaped with cuts and bruises and we never saw them again!
  • Terry Morland (guest)
    I was stationed at RAF Tangmere in the early 1970's in Air Traffic Control. At the time an active airfield although in support of Thorney Island. Great time & a great station. (June 2012)
  • Wm (guest)
    Anyone know in exactly which building the pub was in Bosham that the RAF pilots frequented?
  • John Phillips (guest)
    I was posted To Tangmere from Aldergrove NI. on 1 March 1950 Equivalent of Coming from Hell to Heaven 8 GCA were there, then. I thought everyone from that era must me dead. Thank God for the internet. Flt Lt Alex Ingle was our Adj, and he ended his days very much involved with Arundel.. Squadron Leader Thomas O Prickett was our C.O, Later to be come Sir Thomas/ A perfect posting, as far as I was concerned.. Have virtually not photograph of my time there, which is a great pity..
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This article was last modified 13 years ago