Greenham Common memories
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Greenham Common memories
After working in Thatcham today, I took the opportunity to visit the nearby former RAF Greenham Common.
The boarded up and rather dilapidated Tower is one of the few surviving buildings.
Such a change from the bustling hive of activity when I was last there - for RIAT 1983, IAT in those days.
I trundled along with the team kit in the OFMC Broussard at a sedate 120 mph, but there was no shortage of fast jets and other interesting aircraft to see that weekend.
The visit of the SR-71 was marred by the so-called 'Peace Campaigners' who obviously thought it was clever to throw paint on it. Perhaps they thought it was a bomber?
When the Blackbird left Greenham a few days later, the crew had some fun:
About 30 Phantoms from various air forces attended the ‘Phantom 25th Anniversary Meet’.
Mark Hanna, who would otherwise have been displaying an OFMC aircraft, brought one of the Treble One pair from Leuchars and the Boscombe aircraft was in special livery to celebrate the occasion.
IAT 1983 also saw one of the last RAF Vulcan displays:
1983 was, I think, the last IAT held at Greenham before the move to Fairford.
Happy memories of a great weekend.
Coincidentally, Thornford Park where I spent the day working was originally a school for children of American personnel stationed at Greenham.
FL
The boarded up and rather dilapidated Tower is one of the few surviving buildings.
Such a change from the bustling hive of activity when I was last there - for RIAT 1983, IAT in those days.
I trundled along with the team kit in the OFMC Broussard at a sedate 120 mph, but there was no shortage of fast jets and other interesting aircraft to see that weekend.
The visit of the SR-71 was marred by the so-called 'Peace Campaigners' who obviously thought it was clever to throw paint on it. Perhaps they thought it was a bomber?
When the Blackbird left Greenham a few days later, the crew had some fun:
I was the pilot in this video, but did not fly the SR-71 out of RAF Greenham Common. I was the "mobile control" officer when the aircraft departed and the pilot was Maj Jim Jiggens, a USAF Thunderbird pilot and formally a US Army helicopter combat pilot in Vietnam.
On the evening of the air show featured in this video, women, who were protesting President Reagan's decision to station intermediate nuclear missiles in England, broke into the security cordon around the air show aircraft and threw paint on several, including this SR-71.
Owing to the unique metals associated with the SR-71, the removing of the paint required special maintenance procedures to assure that no "hot spot" would develop on subsequent flights. It was quite a hassle and we were not amused over this incident.
Jim and I planned a farewell departure for the protesters who were encamped in a squalor of tents just outside the main gate. Jim obtained clearance for a "closed pattern" and turned to a downwind leg, descended to about 100 feet above the ground, and flew directly over the protestors' encampment. It was early and probably most were asleep, but not for long.
Jim was flying about 250 knots and selected afterburner in both engines as he was approaching the tents. As the SR-71 accelerated to 350-400 knots, he pulled up and focused the plume (and noise) directly on the protesters. It was a magnificent sight.
I also had the honor to prefer charges against the women, but the British government later declined to prosecute.
BC Thomas
On the evening of the air show featured in this video, women, who were protesting President Reagan's decision to station intermediate nuclear missiles in England, broke into the security cordon around the air show aircraft and threw paint on several, including this SR-71.
Owing to the unique metals associated with the SR-71, the removing of the paint required special maintenance procedures to assure that no "hot spot" would develop on subsequent flights. It was quite a hassle and we were not amused over this incident.
Jim and I planned a farewell departure for the protesters who were encamped in a squalor of tents just outside the main gate. Jim obtained clearance for a "closed pattern" and turned to a downwind leg, descended to about 100 feet above the ground, and flew directly over the protestors' encampment. It was early and probably most were asleep, but not for long.
Jim was flying about 250 knots and selected afterburner in both engines as he was approaching the tents. As the SR-71 accelerated to 350-400 knots, he pulled up and focused the plume (and noise) directly on the protesters. It was a magnificent sight.
I also had the honor to prefer charges against the women, but the British government later declined to prosecute.
BC Thomas
About 30 Phantoms from various air forces attended the ‘Phantom 25th Anniversary Meet’.
Mark Hanna, who would otherwise have been displaying an OFMC aircraft, brought one of the Treble One pair from Leuchars and the Boscombe aircraft was in special livery to celebrate the occasion.
IAT 1983 also saw one of the last RAF Vulcan displays:
1983 was, I think, the last IAT held at Greenham before the move to Fairford.
Happy memories of a great weekend.
Coincidentally, Thornford Park where I spent the day working was originally a school for children of American personnel stationed at Greenham.
FL
Last edited by Flying Lawyer; 19th Oct 2011 at 23:15.
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Ah, Greenham Common, happy days! I went to '76, '79, '80, '81 and '83. It was usually biennial on odd years, but '76 must have been Bi-Centennial; not sure what '80 was.
1976 was my first proper airshow, somehow persuaded my mum to take me. Hunter 25th with 25 lined up including prototype WB188, now at Tangmere. F-111s were temporary residents while they resurfaced UH. As a 12 year old I didn't know much about military aircraft (not much has changed!) but there were plenty there that I had only seen in my old Observers books! KC-97, ah... New acquaintances which became firm friends, Rothmans, BBMF, Mossie, Sally B, RNHF, Vintage Pair - some sadly no longer with us, some of the pilots too... A US carrier was around and pairs of its aircraft were present. The F-14 has been a big buzz at school that past summer term - I think Airfix has released their swing-wing kit - and now I has actually seen two, and one even flew; I was going to be a hero back at school in September!
1979, 25th anniversary of the Herc, what a line up, yet now quite a feature I think.
Just before the 1980 event, a very low Bronco circled our school near Godalming - I helpfully waved and pointed the rough direction to Newbury, whereupon it straightened up and flew off that way - Good old USAF, lost again, I like to think I helped!
Yep, moved to Fairford for 1985 (Dak's 50th - sadly only a dozen or so!) - I made it there each year until 1994, but it wasn't the same, too big, too crowded.
1976 was my first proper airshow, somehow persuaded my mum to take me. Hunter 25th with 25 lined up including prototype WB188, now at Tangmere. F-111s were temporary residents while they resurfaced UH. As a 12 year old I didn't know much about military aircraft (not much has changed!) but there were plenty there that I had only seen in my old Observers books! KC-97, ah... New acquaintances which became firm friends, Rothmans, BBMF, Mossie, Sally B, RNHF, Vintage Pair - some sadly no longer with us, some of the pilots too... A US carrier was around and pairs of its aircraft were present. The F-14 has been a big buzz at school that past summer term - I think Airfix has released their swing-wing kit - and now I has actually seen two, and one even flew; I was going to be a hero back at school in September!
1979, 25th anniversary of the Herc, what a line up, yet now quite a feature I think.
Just before the 1980 event, a very low Bronco circled our school near Godalming - I helpfully waved and pointed the rough direction to Newbury, whereupon it straightened up and flew off that way - Good old USAF, lost again, I like to think I helped!
Yep, moved to Fairford for 1985 (Dak's 50th - sadly only a dozen or so!) - I made it there each year until 1994, but it wasn't the same, too big, too crowded.
Happy memories indeed, I made it many of the late 70s and early 80s shows and was also involved in the inter-service gliding championships that were held there in - I think - 1979.
One notable participant at those IATs was Major 'Boy' Soons in the RNLAF F-27, whose display was quite incredible.
In its latter years it was starting to get unwieldy and wasn't spectator friendly, with large marquees and flagpoles littering the crowd line.
This is the last time I saw Greenham, just as they started to dig up the runway.
One notable participant at those IATs was Major 'Boy' Soons in the RNLAF F-27, whose display was quite incredible.
In its latter years it was starting to get unwieldy and wasn't spectator friendly, with large marquees and flagpoles littering the crowd line.
This is the last time I saw Greenham, just as they started to dig up the runway.
Unfortunately I never attended IAT at Greenham Common - my only contact with the aerodrome had been in September 1971 during IF training. We requested a GCA, but it was refused on the grounds of 'noise abatement'.....
Presumably the Yanks didn't know what a Chipmunk was...
So we went to RAF Andover instead.
Flatiron, who occasionally peruses PPRuNe, was once the RAF Stn Cdr at Greenham Common - he used to be very courteous towards 'his ladies' as he termed the smellies - and they really didn't know how to take that!
I think that RIAT is really rather on borrowed time. Too much corporate schmoozing and loss of focus towards its heyday attributes. If you're invited to a corporate 'do', never say you're available on the Friday - that's the 'also rans' day. Only agree to a Saturday or Sunday invite!!
Presumably the Yanks didn't know what a Chipmunk was...
So we went to RAF Andover instead.
Flatiron, who occasionally peruses PPRuNe, was once the RAF Stn Cdr at Greenham Common - he used to be very courteous towards 'his ladies' as he termed the smellies - and they really didn't know how to take that!
I think that RIAT is really rather on borrowed time. Too much corporate schmoozing and loss of focus towards its heyday attributes. If you're invited to a corporate 'do', never say you're available on the Friday - that's the 'also rans' day. Only agree to a Saturday or Sunday invite!!
Last edited by BEagle; 20th Oct 2011 at 16:27.
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If I remember correctly 1983 was the year of the tribute to Sir Douglas Bader and Lady Bader paid the objects at the "Peace" Camp a visit asking them if they would not disrupt the show as her late husband had fought for people like them to be able to have their protests. However as seen by the paint attack they did not have the decency to keep their word. The SR-71 stayed a couple of days after the show departing on the tuesday or wednesday although I did have the pleasure of seeing it heading over my garden after take-off.
It's a sad place these days Greenham (from an aviation perspective) although very popular as a place for a wander, bike ride, dog walk or horse ride these days.
If you had taken a wander around FL you would have found that the Cruise Missile site on the SW corner of the airfield is still pretty much intact (and is likely to stay that way, as far as I know) although a bit dilapidated, and the centre intersection of the runway has been retained.
Not so long ago on a ride around the site, I easily found the former location of the PAPI's at the eastern end of the runway, 4 sets of thick black cables sticking out of the ground, looking like the units they used to feed had only just been ripped out.
Thought-provoking to think that the place could have been the answer to the much talked about shortage of runway capacity in the SE of England (with a motorway, trunk roads and a main line railway all within fairly close proximity).
If you had taken a wander around FL you would have found that the Cruise Missile site on the SW corner of the airfield is still pretty much intact (and is likely to stay that way, as far as I know) although a bit dilapidated, and the centre intersection of the runway has been retained.
Not so long ago on a ride around the site, I easily found the former location of the PAPI's at the eastern end of the runway, 4 sets of thick black cables sticking out of the ground, looking like the units they used to feed had only just been ripped out.
Thought-provoking to think that the place could have been the answer to the much talked about shortage of runway capacity in the SE of England (with a motorway, trunk roads and a main line railway all within fairly close proximity).
My only visit to Greenham was the 1981 IAT "Sea Search" which I attended with my girlfriend at the time (now my wife of 25 years).
Fond memories of the RCAF Starfighter "Sound of Freedom" team and a special display by a USAF F15.
Sad to see the place in disrepair
Fond memories of the RCAF Starfighter "Sound of Freedom" team and a special display by a USAF F15.
Sad to see the place in disrepair
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I’ve lived in the Newbury area for many years and can document the saga from the time U.S. airmen in uniform were a very common sight in the town, through the moronic ‘women’ and their Peace Camp, to the industrial mess, Greenham is now.
As someone has already said, but for the shortsightedness of Newbury District Council, Greenham could now be a major international airport for the south of England. What was the longest runway in the south (possibly in Britain) and with space to extend with very little disruption, 3 miles from the M4 motorway (but now linked by the Newbury By-Pass), one mile from Newbury mainline railway station (45 minutes to Paddington) etc., etc. The word ‘jobsworths’ comes to mind!
As someone has already said, but for the shortsightedness of Newbury District Council, Greenham could now be a major international airport for the south of England. What was the longest runway in the south (possibly in Britain) and with space to extend with very little disruption, 3 miles from the M4 motorway (but now linked by the Newbury By-Pass), one mile from Newbury mainline railway station (45 minutes to Paddington) etc., etc. The word ‘jobsworths’ comes to mind!
It was a 'standard NATO' 10,000ft (3048m) runway same as Brize, Fairford and Boscombe and a few more up north. Both Heathrow and Gatwick are longer.
I agree it would make a superb civil airport had the runway not been dug up.
I agree it would make a superb civil airport had the runway not been dug up.
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1983 the year before University - fond memories of Ruth 
I was at this airshow with my older brother and his new wife.
I recall the SR71 but without the grafiti so it must have been on the Saturday.
Does anyone remember the TR-1 (U2) that was also displayed?
I recall a very loud take-off, somewhat unexpectedly, which is probably why I remember it.
Found a youtoob clip of the event - hopefully the mods won't remove it.
Great day.
I was at this airshow with my older brother and his new wife.
I recall the SR71 but without the grafiti so it must have been on the Saturday.
Does anyone remember the TR-1 (U2) that was also displayed?
I recall a very loud take-off, somewhat unexpectedly, which is probably why I remember it.
Found a youtoob clip of the event - hopefully the mods won't remove it.
Great day.
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I have lived in the newbury area for 41 years it was a great shame that Greenham was turned back to common land this airfield was one of the reasons for my intrest in aviation i can remember sitting watching the USAF replacing a engine on a C5A Galaxy through the fence must have been about 1984 happy days
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Lightming Mate, if it will stop next door's **** of a dog yapping, I'll believe anything...
Tabs please !
I landed at Greenham a few years ago on the remains of the Southerly runway in a balloon which was able to pull up in the short distance available. While the runway was short etc. etc. etc. 
Bimbling around the area in a balloon is rather fun and a number of hard stands in the surrounding woods remind you of the purpose of the site.
The outline of the old runway does make a fantastic line feature for aeros while flying something rather more sporty.
Bimbling around the area in a balloon is rather fun and a number of hard stands in the surrounding woods remind you of the purpose of the site.The outline of the old runway does make a fantastic line feature for aeros while flying something rather more sporty.
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hi all.i was at the IAT83 as a bus driver on the open top buses that toured the display area for photographers.i was with a mate when his bus was hit by the wing of a german navel aircraft which damaged the fuel pod on the a/c and the railings on the bus.it was a great tattoo with fond memories.my mate who drove that bus a couple of weeks earlier had been sat at traffic lights when a large transporter with a boat on it had collided with his bus as it made a turn so in the space off a couple of weeks his bus had collided with an aircraft and a boat not bad and at no fault of his own.
....so in the space off a couple of weeks his bus had collided with an aircraft and a boat not bad and at no fault of his own.
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Greenham Common '83 - great memories !
Drove down on the saturday evening in my jade green mk 2 escort with my best mate (Still is) drinking Woodpecker cider and smoking stuff. Stopped on the M4 hardshoulder for a p, started walking down the grass a slipped in something someone had left before me ! Threw the shoes away and went round in my socks rest of the weekend.
Pitched tent very near the protesters. Only had 1 of the end poles for the tent, so it looked a bit strange ! The protesters were ok in fairness, a bit mis-guided maybe.
Following morning, parked the car almost on the viewing line. (Remember those days ?)
Toilets were trenches dug for the purpose. Imagine the outcry that such a potential environmental catastrophe would cause now. No queues though.
So many Phantoms ! Probably more than our entire "Air Force" now. One name I remember in particular was Phil Dwyer posing in front of his F4 with his very 80's moustache ! Wonder what he's up to now ?
I vaguely remember some Dutch starfighters, some with lady pilots in orange flying suits. (Might have got this one a bit confused)
Seem to remember the show coming to an end with a display by the latest Qantas 747, flown by Chris someone, straight out of LHR and heading back far east afterwards. What a treat for the pax.
Great days !
Drove down on the saturday evening in my jade green mk 2 escort with my best mate (Still is) drinking Woodpecker cider and smoking stuff. Stopped on the M4 hardshoulder for a p, started walking down the grass a slipped in something someone had left before me ! Threw the shoes away and went round in my socks rest of the weekend.
Pitched tent very near the protesters. Only had 1 of the end poles for the tent, so it looked a bit strange ! The protesters were ok in fairness, a bit mis-guided maybe.
Following morning, parked the car almost on the viewing line. (Remember those days ?)
Toilets were trenches dug for the purpose. Imagine the outcry that such a potential environmental catastrophe would cause now. No queues though.
So many Phantoms ! Probably more than our entire "Air Force" now. One name I remember in particular was Phil Dwyer posing in front of his F4 with his very 80's moustache ! Wonder what he's up to now ?
I vaguely remember some Dutch starfighters, some with lady pilots in orange flying suits. (Might have got this one a bit confused)
Seem to remember the show coming to an end with a display by the latest Qantas 747, flown by Chris someone, straight out of LHR and heading back far east afterwards. What a treat for the pax.
Great days !
Ahhhhh, Greenham!
I did my first Greenham show in 1976, driving there and back in a day. Twenty fifth anniversary of the Hunter, all those 1776-1976 painted US aircraft.....
I've been back to every show since, both there and now at Fairford. Nowadays, my wife and I enjoy a couple of days in the Cotwolds as a bit of a bonus.
I agree with other posters that the early magic has gone. Then again, with the huge reduction in military aircraft in Europe anyway, the rot was bound to set in. If any of the IAT team are on site, thank you for the sheer magic you laid on in the early days. We'll never see the like of that again.
One of the advantages of being an old spotter is that we can bore the young spotters with 'I remember seeing.....' Enjoy it all whilst you can folks, it may not be around for much longer.
I've been back to every show since, both there and now at Fairford. Nowadays, my wife and I enjoy a couple of days in the Cotwolds as a bit of a bonus.
I agree with other posters that the early magic has gone. Then again, with the huge reduction in military aircraft in Europe anyway, the rot was bound to set in. If any of the IAT team are on site, thank you for the sheer magic you laid on in the early days. We'll never see the like of that again.
One of the advantages of being an old spotter is that we can bore the young spotters with 'I remember seeing.....' Enjoy it all whilst you can folks, it may not be around for much longer.