Domestic and Communal Sites

The domestic and communal sites were mainly located in this small field and hidden by trees. They were positioned on the opposite side of the airfield from the bomb dump (for obvious reasons) and well away from the runways. The huts were also dispersed to provide some protection from any visiting German bombers.

When the V‑weapon onslaught began in June 1944, the men often saw V‑1s zip across the sites, sometimes closely followed by Allied fighters such as the Spitfire. A blow‑by‑blow account was usually given over the base loudspeaker system — two of which are on display in the museum today. Several V‑1s landed uncomfortably close to the airfield, including one that exploded at Birdbrook on 1 October 1944 and another in Little Yeldham six days later.