RAF Hednesford

[Drifter]

This RAF camp on Cannock Chase was constructed in 1938/1939.It was known as No6 School of Technical Training. In 1950 the camp became the No11 School of Recruit Training and approx 81,500 Regular and National Service troops recieved their 8 weeks basic training here.
It was a huge site with its own cinema, hospital, post office, 3 churches, 2 firing ranges and more..
The last passing out parade was in 1956 before closing. Just 10 days after closing , 800 refugees from Hungary . fleeing the uprising and conflicts against Communism, were housed here until permenant housing could be found. The camp was eventually demolished in the early `70`s




The Main Gates



Main road through camp, just north of Parade Ground


Parade Ground



Among the aicraft at the camp were 2 Spitfires, that were resident from 1950 to 1954, both fully operational and flying many sorties during WWII. One of which is still flying in New Zealand.


Preserved Hut

[Frothy]

Blimey, that brings back memories. I used to stay there for weekend camps with the Army Cadet Force in the mid 60s, probably only a fraction of the camp it was but I remember staying in huts like that one

[Drifter]

Originally Posted by Jolly Brewer

Blimey, that brings back memories. I used to stay there for weekend camps with the Army Cadet Force in the mid 60s, probably only a fraction of the camp it was but I remember staying in huts like that one

Glad you like it Jolly Brewer Nice to hear from somebody who actually stayed there

[Frothy]

Nice one Drifter, I may have a ride over at the weekend and have a look at that hut, oh happy days.

[yamahapaul]

Good stuff and great background info!

I'm thinking of changing your user title to 'military historian' or something along those lines......

[Drifter]

Theres a fair bit of history info at the visitors centre Jolly Brewer, i think you might be interested in aswell.

[Drifter]

Cheers YP ! Im not sure about the grand title though!!

[theStig]

Great pictures and an interesting subject and find

[Emmaj]

Originally Posted by Drifter

Cheers YP ! Im not sure about the grand title though!!

i'd go for it drifter hate to think what title i'd get

[Richie]

Special feature on Cannock Chase in the new (Jan.2009) edition of 'Geographical Magazine' which deals each month with the historical background of the terrain of whichever country/region is being featured.

Apart from its Area of Natural Beauty status, the magazine in this edition reports on the German Cemetary, and the WW2 aspect of the Chase being utilised as a training region.

No photographs however, but a Mr. Steve Dean who is the Senior Archaeologist of Staffordshire County Council appears to be doing a special project of his own-or on behalf of Staffordshire C.C -on this subject.