Ex-RAF and ex-USAF base which retains most of its buildings, hangars, etc and even has some aeroplanes and helicopters remaining on site.
History of RAF Bentwaters
RAF Bentwaters is a former Royal Air Force station in Suffolk, named after Bentwater Cottages, two small houses that stood on the site of the main runway prior to its construction. Construction of the base began in 1942 for use by RAF Bomber Command and opened for operational use in April 1944. In December that year it was transferred to No. 11 Group, RAF Fighter Command. The runways were constructed in the typical RAF layout of one main runway diagonally intersected by two secondary runways, forming a triangle.
The base was used by the RAF during the Second World War, and then used by the United States Air Force from 1951 until 1993, primarily for efforts during the Cold War. Bentwaters was to play a key role in the defence of Western Europe during the Cold War when large numbers of USAF aircraft were assigned as part of the air arm of NATO.
Current Uses
Bentwaters was handed back to the UK Ministry of Defence in 1993 and was subsequently closed. Now known as Bentwaters Parks, the site is used as a business park and filming location. Owners are constantly developing the filming and production facilities available at the site. Movies and TV programmes filmed there include Derren Brown’s Apocalypse, movies The Numbers Station and Fast & Furious 6, along with some Top Gear stunts, amongst others.
In 2007 the Bentwaters Cold War Museum opened, including tours of the fully restored “War Operations Room” and “Battle Cabin”.
Star Wars Building
The so-called “Star Wars Building” is surrounded by concrete blast walls and contains some interesting spaces including a medical room.
Bomb Stores
Built during the Cold War to securely store nuclear and conventional weapons, the bomb store was heavily fortified with three layers of fencing, razor wire, a swing-arm vehicle barrier, two gates, pressure pads, armoured guard house and guard tower.
We didn’t get passed the gate!
One of the store buildings had a couple of old fire engines parked up behind it….
Planes and Helicopters
There are all sorts of jet aeroplanes and helicopters parked up around the site, in varying states of decay and dismantlement.
K-9 Building
The K-9 building contains spacious dog kennels.
Hangars
The site has a lot of hardened aircraft shelters, or hangars, spread out across a vast area. Several are in use by private companies, and others are empty. A common feature of the hangars is the huge sliding doors that form the entire hangar’s frontage – these slide to the side on rails to open up fully allowing access for aeroplanes.
Deputy Commander Operations
This building had been out of use for quite some time and is suffering a lot of decay. The moisture and condensation cause constant rainfall inside the building, which was ideal for plant growth.
Runway, Control Tower and Maintenance Vehicles
We didn’t make it over to the control tower, which is situated within the live business park area of the site. The runway still has some of the maintenance and de-icing vehicles parked up.
The Hush House
Originally built as a jet engine testing facility with an exhaust tunnel, the Hush House was a soundproofed hangar where fighter jet engines could be tested without annoying the neighbours.
thanks for sharing this !
I was stationed there from 83-85. lot’s of fond memories. any plans to do a piece on Woodbridge?
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. 1986 to 1990. 2164th Comm Squadron.
I loved Bentwaters. Was sad when it closed. Thank you for brining back fond memories. 81st CRS 82-84. I also went back as a dependent wife 87-91.
Thank you. I was in the 2164th Comm Sq. Worked in the comm center next to the command post. 1968-1971.
The wires over the bomb stores facility were not to ward of helicopters they were for lightening protection…that facility was the missile maintenance facility…I worked the 85-89
I was stationed there, Fire Dept. 1978-80
WOW, super pics, thank you so much. Aug ’85-’87, 2164th Comm Sq., Telecomm Maint
Thanks for sharing. A lot of great memories, 81 FMS Sheet Metal 74 to 77 and FTD 920 83 to 86.
I was there 1973 thru 1976. Worked in Base Operations, in the control tower. I was the voice on the “Crash Phone”. Very fond memories of Bentwaters and Ipswich.
I was a local, living at Hatcheston, that worked at Bentwaters1969/71 at 81st Transportation Squadron. My husband worked in the motor pool. I also worked in the offices Club. It is such a shame that it and RAF Woodbridge closed down. They were known as the twin bases.
Great story, I spent 2 years here. Aug 85-87.
Nice one. Glad to see you got on well!
Thanks for the info, really appreciate it
Behind Closed Doors Anytime!
Bravo !!!!!! From Marseille with love
Thanks for the info, I have updated the descriptions accordingly.
Brings back lots of memories!!! Msgt Ortlinghaus Ret USAF
I remember seeing some of these buildings when I was stationed there from Feb. ’63 til May ’65. Sure did bring back a lot of memories. RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge was such a good place to be stationed at. Jerry L. Epley
My dad was in the Air Force and we were stationed at Bentwaters/ Woodbridge from 1967 to 1970. I left there half way through my freshman year. I cut my knee open playing on one of the bomb shelters. Some great memories. Was sorry to see the bases are shut down.
I remembered living on base 1972 my father was senior air man Michael Giulian may he rip 1948-2022. We later was transferred to Castle Air Force Base in Atwater California. Sad to see the base in some parts fall apart through the years.
I remember having to stop, before crossing the main runway, on the way to see where the UFO landed. We had to stop because A10’s were doing touch n go’s
Nice pics. I was stationed there 1968_71. 81st Supply Sqd. Delivered supplies to a lot of those locations.