Sunday 23 January 2011

Holmsley BHQ

Set into Pigsty Hill, the highest part of Holmsley Airfield, are the remains of the stations Battlefield Head Quarters. Neglected, filled with debris and water, what would have been the focus of any fight back had the airfield been attacked by parachute or glider, now lays forgotten amongst a bramble and gorse thicket. The airfield became operational in 1942 and was used by both the RAF and USAAF. Bombers mainly flew from Holmsley, the earthen blast walls of the bomb store can be seen beyond Great Hat adjacent to Holmsley Enclosure; although during D-Day Typhoons and P51 Mustangs roared along the runways. The Battlefield Head Quarters would have looked similar to the Battlefield Head Quarters at Ibsley, although that site is unusual by having two cupolas; Holmsley is now missing its cupola, which was still present up until the early 1980's.

1 comment:

  1. I got up to the airfield a lot and never come across this could you be so kind to point out where this is

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