I was in the village of Yatesbury today ( at a family funeral) and got talking to one of the life long locals about the history of the airfield of which i knew very little.I had not realised just how big it had been in its heyday, housing up to 6000 personnel.Most were training as Navs, radio ops etc with some pilot training as well.The village churchyard has a number of graves of RAF and some RFC men killed either in training or in battle during WW1.
What is sad though is the state of the large C.1916 hangar, its very unsafe and partially collapsed, despite having a listing order placed on it as far back as the 60’s. Surely this is significant enough to warrant some action. Does anyone know anything more about the site.
Phil
By: kev35 - 17th April 2002 at 21:05
RE: Former RAF /RFC Yatesbury Wiltshire
Philo,
First of all, sorry for your loss.
As for Yatesbury I probably know less than you. However, I was interested in the mention of the WW1 graves. I would imagine it unlikely that any of those buried there died in combat unless it took place locally. Government policy was not to bring home the bodies of those killed overseas but to commemorate them where they died. It would be interesting to know whether any of them were involved in combat over England and would likely be worthy of further research.
Regards,
kev35
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April 17, 2002 at 8:46 pm