Overnight Camp on an Abandoned World War Two Airfield. Air Raid Shelter. Canvas Swag. Honey Stove.
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- Опубликовано: 16 ноя 2021
- In this video, I head across the border into Suffolk to explore an abandoned World War Two airfield, one of so many left to decay in our countryside after the war. I spend a few hours exploring the crumbling shelters, buildings and concrete structures before setting up camp in one of the derelict blast shelters for the night - Aussi swag, tarp a delicious dinner cooked on the Honey Stove and a couple of good beers - perfect!
It was a privilege and very moving to spend some time amongst these old buildings that housed so many brave American airmen during the war years - many of whom did not survive the war. East Anglia doubled in population during the war due to the numbers of airmen and ground crew who were stationed here. These airfields were like towns - little Americas dotted about the countryside with their own theatres, chapels, mess halls, recreation areas, clubs, post offices and commissaries, not to mention the rows of barrack huts, roadways and of course the technical and admin areas, the hangers, the runways, taxiways, concrete hardstandings and dispersal loops of the airfield itself. There were a great many of these airfields across the East of England, often so close to each other that they almost merged into one another and it was often said that a stricken and damaged bomber returning from Germany had more chance of crash landing on an airfield than not!
I would like to thank the landowner hugely for the opportunity to explore this amazing historical site and spend some time amongst the ghosts of those brave servicemen.
I hope you enjoy the video.
Thanks for watching.
Links
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Vocation - Imperial Banana Stout
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Outhaus Rockhampton Swag
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Easthills Outdoors Blanket
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Honey Stove and Hive Extension
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TJM Metalworks Lightwight Camp Grill
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My father, Staff Sergeant John W Shepherd, was one of the American flyers stationed in southern England during WW2. He was a radio operator and waste gunner for a B24 Bomber named the Dazzling Duchess. He often spoke of one particular memory he had of his time there. As the radio operator, he was often asked to tune in to BBC radio as they were flying over England. This one particular time, he recalled, the song White Cliffs of Dover was playing on the radio as they were literally flying over the White Cliffs of Dover on their way to German occupied Romania. As you can imagine, it was quite an emotional moment for the entire crew.
I bet it was! A brave man - those gunners were exposed during those long missions - not only to enemy fighter fire, but also to the freezing cold biting into them from the open machine gun positions!
Wow, that gives me goose bumps. So glad he obviously survived his time.
I bet he had a few Vera Lynns when he got back to base. Cheers.
Sounds like a great man and a HERO to me!
Respect and thanks to your father and all those brave young Americans who came to our aid. We won't forget you.
It's nice to see remnants of the past that aren't covered in graffiti.
Definitely! 👍
Just imagine some our Grandfather's may have walked in the same place you camped. Some very brave Men and in those times. Love History and Historical places. Thanks for a great Video Simon.
I can certainly relate to your comment. Ten years (1 December ) living in the Philippines. This country is a historical goldmine. I have stood on the spot where General MacArthur had an office in the old Spanish city of Intramuros in Manila. Our family has made several trips out to Corregidor. There, you can walk the very same beach where the General went ashore, returning as he promised. This has become a never ending adventure fore us.
Hey Simon.. Im your suscriber from Malaysia.. I've bad anxiety and migraines with a hint of mild depression.. But everytime watching you and Maggie in ur video, really makes my mind rekax and helps me a lot to overcome my anxiety.. Thanks a million man. Greetings from Malaysia.. Love the enthusiasm the adventures and the scenery you show to the viewers.. Thank u again man.. Respect..
Hi Hermy!
Thank you man - I’m so glad the videos help!
That is the biggest encouragement I could receive - new video up soon! 😁👍
As schoolboys, we cleaned -up and built a den in one of those blast shelters on our local disused airbase (Bexwell). We had a couple of 'cook-outs' in it, but didn't get parents permission to do an overnighter.
Happy days! 😁
As kids we were always building “ dens “ in the local park, wood or in the garden. Think when we wild camp it brings out our inner child.
@@ianmunkyg1026 I was just thinking that very thing! Great to cook outdoors and be able to eat it, ie not mud pies!
I have (as ex army) visited many bases during my '70s service, and this brings back very strong and happy memories of old barracks. A beautifully shot video and clearly produced with respect in your heart. Well done indeed👌😎
Thank you Marty!
I'm an American. When cooking pancakes you must wait until bubbles form and break on the top. That's when you can flip them. Just don't cook them on too hot a flame.
Truly melancholy. What memories this place must have made in years gone by. Thank you Simon. (Martin)
There's just something about going to one of these old basses. Think of what these people had to live through, no wonder they call it the greatest generation!
We've had it so easy. My dad was a pow for 4 years and my mother saw shit in native land that nobody should.
So true
Simon, another typical great video. Thank you for paying tribute to the American GI’s. I even like the shout out to the pancakes. One thing I like about your video’s, is that you continue to use the same kit. You aren’t pushing merchandise, you use the same Billy, skillet and Olive drab folding cup. Brilliant. Cheers from the States. Skillet.
Thanks matey!
well that music was a refreshing change haha, great trip mate.. appropriate time of year too :)
Just watched your latest video Andy those fajitas look absolutely yummy, looking forward to your next vid 👍
Love you both very much it brings me peace I live in the states in concrete jungle of Los Angeles you both should do a video in the air raid shelter clean it out together and stay a couple days
Great vid as always Simon…I was born in 1945 just at the end of the WWll so many died on all sides and it is so sad to how many more WARS have been fought since! THANK YOUR RETELLING THE STORY…WE NEED TO BE REMINDED OF ALL OF THE SACRIFICES THAT WERE MADE BY SO MANY! 🙏❤️🙏👍
My older brothers in the early 50's made a canoe out of one of those " drop tanks " I can't say much more about them as is was before I was born.
Im looking back on your videos Simon and enjoying them again Immensely. Great spot you are in on this one .That said . Concrete and all, Mother Nature soon claims back that which belongs to her . Great video Simon . Really enjoying revisiting in Jan 2024.
Great respectful video + its also nice to see nature reclaiming the site back for herself :)
Lovely video Simon♥️
I enjoyed how you played WW2 era music to begin and end it too. My dad was in the Navy during WW2. Love the history, thankyou🙏
I love your choice of music! It was absolutely perfect for the content of the video and the history lesson. Well done as always!
Very uplifting, and yet such an incredible sacrifice, by those men that fought,for our freedom, thanks for sharing Simon. 👍
Interesting. Several of my Uncle's and family served in the 84 and 101st Airborne Army Corps. around your homeland. They made D-day in gliders. Survived to fight another day. The Outhaus seems great tough kit, big pack but dry and warm.
THAT MUSIC is more boogie-woogie TRAIN than one bloke hiking!😊 I LISTENED to the end!
I’m very late to your party, however this means I have hours of your content to binge watch. Always great videos.
The survival challenges are my faves. Simon has a lot to answer my bank manager for. I am dying to use my Honey Stove I imported to Australia. Damn fire bans and Covid. Soon, I can take it and use it soon. And my Hexpeak tent. And my lapland saw. I blame both him and Andy. And I wouldn't have it any other way. ROFL
Thank you and welcome to the party! 😁
Highly recommend watching through all Simon's videos starting at the bottom. Your winter evenings will fly by!!
@@simonablokeinthewoods Tom used to say "my dads a RUclipsr" and I never put two and two together.
Me too ,love how Simon looks and explores info on places he visits and lets us know about them ,very interesting 🙂
Yep Dad said he was in tents before being loaded on ship then dumped short on beach on first wave on Normandy. From cowboy on ranch in central Texas to sea sick on the beach. While in England he struck up a friendship with English pilot the swapped side arms his 45 automatic for a SW 38Sp revolver witch I now have. He was a Recon Sargent
Years ago we made camp in the mnts around Budapest. Trenches that were used to defend the city from the Russians in WWII. It was a foggy, damp creepy October trip in those mountains.. Best time of my life..
I used to work at an old BCATP airfield in Canada in the 1980’s. I loved meeting some of the guys who learned to fly there. The only remaining building was an old hangar. You could see the bits and bobs of a few buildings. The original well still supplied water to us, even if the old water pump was long since gone. Being that it was a training base and it was far from the threats of Luftwaffe bombs, there were no air raid shelters. The hangar still had the names of the RAF or RCAF personnel who occupied the offices. Cool place, but when things got real quiet there you couldn’t help but think of the boys who left there and never returned.
Thank you , Simon .
🐺 Loupis Canis .
Its hard to imagine the amount of work that went on in those times,cool
Wow! What a place and how fortunate you are to be given access. A great little insight to a magnificent place. Great that you included some pictures of how it looked back in the day. Thank you for sharing. Atb Paul.
I used live near old 2nd ww airfield in Northumberland used be interesting as was born on RAF camp so grew up with my dad telling about things to do with airfields etc so realy enjoyed this one Simon
Really enjoyed this one. My old man was stationed at one of those bases during WWll flying C-47s ( cargo/airborne troops) great pitch!
Simon, on one a my wilderness pack ins (25) mi. My friend brought a couple bags of dried apricots. I had never had them before...well, a bag of them eaten and 2 miles later on the trail...I couldn't get the 65 pack off soon enough! Lol..goes easy on those things!
SEMPER FI! ~ DUCTUS EXEMPLO!! ~ Valor, Integrity, Duty, Honor, Country -- OORAH!!! ______Thanx very much my good friend Simon. -- DAV-USMC
I wonder if you have ever worn a fit-bit to read the calories you burn and the steps you take on your outings. You are so reverent toward this site and indeed to every site you visit. Thank you for your information, your genuine interest and concern for history. Your videos give us a real lift, every time.
Brings back memories of RAF West Malling. I bought a house back in 2002 in the newly developed Kingshill. Although the weapon bunkers were blasted at the very back in the woodline were old ops rooms. Some still had the flight staff names painted on the wall and allocated weapons which showed
.303 Lewis .303 Lee Enfield assume it dated back to WW2. The local Gypsies were bedding down their horses. They might even still be there but now I'm in Tennessee it would be a long trek to check. Nice one Simon! From Simon a Brit over the pond! 🇬🇧🇺🇸
Wooohoooo!!!! If there’s not a new one, I watch your previous videos before going to 😴 in my opinion the best bushcraft channel!!! Period
Thank you! 😁
That's a good place to camp! Looked quite cosy in there.
Second time I’m watching this one Simon.I always thought it was one of your best👍🥾⛺️
Thanķ you i have love the vidéo and the camp abandonned in the forest
So many ghost of so many young men ... They laughed cried ate slept ... Never could they imagine it all overgrown ....
Sadly, so very few are left (buildings and airmen!)
@@simonablokeinthewoods indeed there are... It's lovely that the physical memories of those times can still be found in trees n bushes
My Grandfather was a tail gunner in a B-17 bomber stationed over there. Thank God he made it home. Somber thoughts indeed.
Great place, nice set up and a good bit of history.
Great job the bushboxes gives you small relaxing fire n cooking when bigger fires are no go quite relaxing popping few small sticks on just chilling on evening
Congratulations to Rob Marlow! Great spot for a quick one nighter. Really interesting to see both the old photos and how well it has all held up. My dad was in Southampton area & never returned to England or Europe at all. Didn't even travel much in the US post war. So it was cool to see a hint of how he lived then. Thanks Simon.
Thanks for that Simon. My Dad served in the RAF as a navigator and like so many suffered the effects of war until he passed. Videos of the old airfields evoke a lot of emotion for me and many others I'm sure, even though this was at a US base - a nice bit of respect to those who came from afar to help. I really have to get back to the UK and visit relatives and some of these locations when all this covid stuff is done. The swing music was a nice touch. Well done
Thanks Simon for improving my knowledge of history, It was sobering to think what those men endured. I hope this generation has equal value in courage.
Well sorry they don't!!🙄
Rewatching all of your videos. Loved the history in this & especially loved the music. Thank you 😊
Thank you the bit of history Simon. My Father was RCAF and stationed in England from 1941 until the close of the war, although this was an American field I’m guessing Dad was at a similar field. God bless and stay well
The airfields all had certain similarities in their construction, so yes - he would have been all to familiar with the Nissan huts and shelters. I took part in a renovation of a property recently that used to be a Canadian military hospital during the war - we found letters and cigarette packets under the floorboards - fascinating to see and read!
@@simonablokeinthewoods what a glimpse into the lives of those people that would have been! One day I hope to travel to England and possibly visit some of these sites myself. Thank you for the tour and if you have any other opportunities that you can visit one of these old fields that would be fantastic to see. Take care and stay well
@@simonablokeinthewoods Is there video or footage of this to share? :D
Good to see the Brits getting into the swags. Far from ultralight, But it's dead set the Cadillac of sleeping systems. Cracking vid. Love your work.🇦🇺
Dearest Old Chap! I love all of your videos but this one is particularly stunning and close to my heart. What an absolute tribute to our brave veterans 🙏 thanks and Tally-Ho Old Chap!
I used to play in abandoned air raid shelters when I was a nipper.
Lots of these memories of the war around here near Lincoln too Simon, sadly taken for granted and ignored by many.
Glad to hear you talk if not I wouldn't keep watching you makes me feel like I'm there
Lest we forget. From Australia. We are grateful. Thank you.
Simon, thanks for the reflection on the service men and women that came to the aide of Great Britain during WWII and especially for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice....
2 strong beers that’s all you need to end the evening 👍. Lovely stuff !!
Thanks again simon ,
I can’t be the only person who, when you say goodnight, I find myself saying “goodnight Simon”. Even though I know I’m watching a video and there’s no way you could hear me saying that 😂
Lovely video and poignant to be in a place where vital people operated in a time of need.
We will never forget them
Excellent Simon - even if you were haverin’ before you turned in for the night. 😆
That I was!! 😜
Love the music in this video. That you for remembering the united state air forces and all the men that served during world war II makes me proud of my country and thank you for remembering them
Some of the thoughts you expressed about the Airmen, I've so often pondered. God bless them my man. thanks again, ... M.
You live such a life of luxury and have everything one needs! Superb explore the meal looked very nice (reminded me of much nicer 'compo rashions' we had in the RAF - Im now veggy and anti plastic and aiming for a zero carbon life one day!. The beer looked amazing. I love the quiet places you find I work in 100dB every day and I think Im 'allergic' to noise and people I RELISH silence and only nature. I lived in a tiny caravan and awning for ten years in a friends forest and I can only sleep with the sound of rain! Now Im back in a house i had to buy an app that MAKES rain and cicada sounds or I dont sleep. Hell of a Life! As an ex airman my respects to all who served!
Congratulations to the hot-tent winner!👍🥳
Simon we would not mind one but if you revisit old camp spots like this one . For it’s the time with you we cherish
No ordinary camping video, all of yours are good but particularly enjoyed this one in that setting thinking what went in there many years ago.
Brother you play goooooood musica lol love it
Excellent as ever Simon!
Terrible times, but people were so much nicer and good back then. An awful lot of wonderful people died then, shouldn't have though. Makes me so sad to think of their suffering and sacrifice. Poor buggers. Anyway, lovely vid as usual. I know I'm not a camper or do anything like you and your mates but I just love watching these . Just chills me out and its so relaxing. Thanks a bunch. !!!!😊😊
Thanks Simone ! I enjoy watching your relaxed and systematic way of setting up camp !
Thanks for sharing some of the history. Love the adventure aspects too! The music as you would say was spot on! what fun
The canteen cup & the plate were perfect match to the campsite. 👍
Thank you for this great video. I'm an American follower and love your videos. So awesome to see you, Dustin from Bushcraft Tools and Mike Pullen from TA Outdoors doing this great historical interpretation around Remembrance Day! Thanks!!!
Another good adventure as always.
My Heart Surgeon Dr.Madgerov in 2009 literally helped save my life, He was from Romania.
Loving that dehydrated meal! I'll be keeping an eye on them for when they become available! Great vid as always simon 👍
Watch this space - I think Ben is on the case!
Great video Simon! Truly having an enjoyable experience in a place with such history must have been awesome.
Thank you for posting this, especially so close to Remembrance Day. I also love the way that nature is reclaiming this area. We have a base very near us with lots of the same type of things you discovered and in woods too. The area it covered was huge
When I was a teen I used to work part time on another American airfield and the shelters there had roofs covered with soil, most were flooded sadly. I used to stand and wonder at what might have happened there at the time I had no idea about the young guys not much older than me coming home ( those who did ) injured. Oh the innocence of youth.
Another great video Simon thanks mate.
Messing about on disused airfields and aerodromes takes me back to my youth. I grew up on the south coast and they were everywhere. My mates and I had various camps in old air raid shelters. Loads of fun. We used to cycle the five miles or so to Tangmere and challenge each other to climb the rickety ladder in the tower to touch the underside of the hatch. About fifty or sixty feet at a guess. We all learnt to drive on these airfields. All housing estates now.
Manned by Canadians, Poles and Czechs in large part on the small satellite stations of Fighter Command. Being in those places, you definitely didn't feel alone!
Nice one!
Al
..Loving the Jittery-bug intro.....✊🏻
What an amazing place to camp. Good choice of music for the video too. Well done Rob for winning the tent.
Congratulations Rob 🙂
Thanks Simon. So much time/work goes into shooting these ... much appreciated !
Brilliant,,,, 👍
What a amazing place to explore let alone camp.It's good on ya to pay hommage to those brave souls,not a lot of them around anymore.It's crazy to see how fast nature takes over.It reminds me of a show called Life After People.Thanks for taking us along and congrats to the winner.👍
Really cool! Would love to see more WW2 themed overnighters :)
Great video. Wonderful history. Thank you.
It seems like this area should be restored and turned into a historical area for visitors.
❤️ a nostalgic slightly melancholy setting. Lovely video as usual, and the music was a nice contrast!
Thank you Simon - I was a bit bummed tonite and your video cheered me up!
That was great. Thanks for sharing these videos, Simon. It's much appreciated. 👍🙂
Great video and very apt with it being remembrance week. Congrats to Rob!!
As relaxing as a warm bath. Enjoyed that so much, thank you pal.
Very appropriate and historical correct choice of music!
Very cool., a old World War II airfield., nice.
Yet another fantastic video.
Ace! Loved the whole vid an the boogie, woogie jazz!
You should check out grafton underwood airfield. Lots of explore there. It’s really cool! Have the cinema, shower blocks, even the odd the toilet.
Amazing!
What a lovely relaxing video. Thanks very much Simon.
This was fun. Thanks
Good stuff, congrats to Rob!