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RAF Wyton dates back to the first world war, where from 1916 on the present site, but from a selection of small wooden buildings, men of the RFC (Royal Flying Corps) emerged to train for their new role. The present airfield dates from 1935, when during the expansion of the RAF, a number of modern airfields were built to high standards and this is reflected in the pleasing designs of the period. Many well known types of aircraft have operated from Wyton, including the Bristol Blenheim which was even faster than the fighters of the period when it was first used. Indeed Blenheim N6125 was the first aircraft to make a sortie in WW2, when it set out to photograph some of the German fleet to prepare for later bombing. In 1942, Mosquito's of 109 squadron used Oboe from here. In March 1943 they marked the Krupp works for bombers. Wyton came under 3 Group from 1940 and its Wellingtons eventually moved away to Feltwell, Alconbury and Graveley. Stirlings operated from Wyton into 1942. The Pathfinder force was established within 3 Group in August 1942 and Lancaster's of 83 Squadron moved in as the Stirlings moved on to Bourn. They stayed until April 1944. From September 1942, Mosquitoes were flying from here. Pathfinders operated from here with remarkable success, and this is remembered in the Pathfinder museum and the superb new stained glass window in the chapel. This brief commentary cannot hope to show all the history of this station, but it gives a flavour. After the war, Lancasters were still here, also Lincolns until 1951. In the early 1950,s the main runway was lengthened and strengthened, and became the home of the Strategic Reconnaissance Force. This used Lancasters, Mosquitoes, and numerous types of Canberra. Other types were used for training, like Meteors and Provosts. In November 1955 Valiant B(PR) 1's of 543 Squadron arrived. Victor B(SR)2's replaced the Valiants at the end of September 1964. Comet 2's and later Nimrods also operated from here, when Wattisham closed. Apart from the good work done as Photo Reconnaissance planes the V bombers also had a strategic role and there was provision made for nuclear weapons at Wyton.The old WW2 weapons store was modified for the nuclear weapons, but a "proper" weapon store was not built here. This was not one of the main nuclear bases but it had the facility. Wyton now houses only the trainers of the Cambridge University Air Squadron and some club flying. No RAF Flying takes place here now. The main purpose of the surviving buildings and the new buildings put up in recent years, is the Logistic supply of the RAF . Not quite so glamorous as the V bombers or the Pathfinders, but essential work all the same.

The natives are friendly, but just be careful!

One building you cannot miss is the control tower. A bit brighter now than in Cold War days!

A look from the Control tower out to the runway.

1930's hangers still in good order.

A few of the more temporary structures still survive too.

A rare survivor, the WW2 gunnery trainer building. Some people still refer to this dome trainer as an "Astro-dome" which is not correct.

The Guard room still working for its living.

Typical expansion period officers mess.

Superb new Pathfinder stained glass memorial window.

Two views in the excellent Pathfinder museum.

Picture taken from a model on site. Bomb stores, 12 o'clock, across road from the airfield. Bloodhound missile site 3 o'clock. Operational readiness platforms from V bomber days at end of runway, below Bloodhound sites. This shows the airfield as it was at the end of flying days. Not too much has changed yet, but things will alter with time.

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