Bradwell started off as a small grass aerodrome serving the firing range on the Dengie Peninsula, in the late 1930’s. In 1942 the aerodrome was expanded and became a large bases for 2,500 personnel who were to fly intruder missions to the continent and provide refuge for bombers returning with damage, casualties and short of fuel.To enable this level of activity there were many career opportunities for both men and women. This included aircraft maintenance, radio control, catering, motor transport and may more. Women were to fill all roles, apart from combat. Today the RAF is fully inclusive. RAF Bradwell Bay was host to many different squadrons up to the end of the war, with a variety of aircraft types including Boston Havocs’, Mosquito’s, Spitfire’s, Tempest’s, Blenheim’s and Beaufighter’s. Other aircraft were based there for training and administrative purposes such as Miles Magisters, De-Havilland Dominies, Tiger Moths. At sometimes Bradwell Bay would have been an aeroplane spotter’s paradise. Stationed at RAF Bradwell Bay, at different times, during WW2 were 418, 23, 29, 157, 247, 310, 312, 313, 56, 198, 488, 605, 219, 278, 126, 124, 501, 151, 287, 3, 64, 309, 611, 456, 125, 85, 25 and 19 squadrons.. Some parts of the airfield survive including the runways and control tower. However, the site is under threat of being demolished to make way for a second nuclear power station.As a group we are working to preserve as much as is possible, including building an archive to preserve memories and stories. We are currently fundraising to build a museum close to the unusual memorial and have an exhibition in the, nearby, Othona Centre. We are open summer weekends.Some parts of the airfield survive including the runways and control tower. However, the site is under threat of being demolished to make way for a second nuclear power station. As a group we are working to preserve as much as is possible, including building an archive to preserve memories and stories.Currently, we have an exhibition about the RAF at Bradwell Bay at The Othona Community, East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7PNOpen most weekends but best to phone 07842 713051.Park at St Peter's Chapel (worth visiting) and walk along the sea wall.Disabled visitors call us and we can arrange parking nearby.…Read more
Address: 9 Trusses Rd, Bradwell-on-Sea, Southminster, Essex, CM0 7QF.
Phone: 07842 713051
Email: info@rafbradwellbay.co.uk
www.rafbradwellbay.co.uk