I visited the Cricklade museum and found a wealth of information on RAF Blakehill Farm there. It was built in 1943/44 by the Air Ministry Works Directorate, civillian manned and known as 'Works & Bricks'! Around 300 construction labourers were involved, mainly Irishmen. A total of 386 building were constructed some of which remain to this day and some roads and taxi-tracks are also still in existance, but the bulk of the airfield has reverted to farmland.
Three days ago on Remembrance Sunday I was there at the two memorial cairns with a maple tree in the background, to remember the British, Canadian and US servicemen who gave their lives on sorties from this base in 1944 & 1945.
I have attached one further casevac photo showing how cramped the interior of a Dakota was when used to bring the wounded back to the UK!
Colin.
