RAF Tangmere Control Tower 09

A video showing the control tower on the disused RAF airfield at Tangmere in West Sussex. The airfield opened in 1916 and closed in 1970. It was one of Britain's front line fighter bases during WW2 and later became home to the world speed record breaking aircraft of the High Speed Flight in the post war years. Tangmere has a fantastic museum which contains countless exhibits. Here you can see priceless historic aircraft such as Neville Duke's world record breaking Hawker Hunter, actual equipment used by the brave SOE agents who were carried into occupied France on 'black Lysander' flights from Tangmere, flight simulators where you can try your hand at flying, a full sized replica of the very first Spitfire prototype and much more. Visit http://www.tangmere-museum.org.uk/ for more information. Parts of the airfield could be developed further as West Sussex County Council, which owns two areas of land at the ex-RAF airfield, has agreed to sell 2.25 hectares (5.5 acres) to housing developers pending a successful planning application. Lets hope the remaining airfield buildings are spared from demolition!

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• raf
• tangmere
• disused
• airfield
• aerodrome
• military
• aviation
• museum
• control
• tower
• runway
• hangars
• west
• sussex

[mmadmann71]

I used to play on the old airfield at tangmere with my cousin as a lad in the early 1980's when there wasd still lots of old buildings unlike now a large area totally gone to housing!! That Control Tower is Haunted and other area's as well shame it was Torched! Love to know if any one has any Photo's of Tangmere during the Battle of Britain era.

[UKWMO]

You say that you would "Love to know if any one has any photo's of Tangmere during the Battle of Britain era." Surely Tangmere Military Aviation Museum could help you out there? Give them a call on 01243 790090.

[BuddyFantastic]

Visited the museum back in i think 2001 or 02. Lovely place, almost emotional. Pity i didn't stay long enough to find out where that tower was, or have a drink in the Bader Arms.

[SR71ABCD]

I've been to RAF Davidstow and Broadwell ATCT's and they look the same.

[stanbillgray]

I was stationed at Tangmere early 1951, aged 19 , until October 1953. I have been in the tower many times, as I belonged to No8 GCA Unit which was administered by the Tower. That was the Ground Controlled Approach radar system which inhabited a "circus" of vehicles on the airfield itself. A Diamond T pulled the radar truck, a Ford 2 tonner pulled the crew rest caravan. Additionally there was a Fordson truck equipped as a travelling workshop. I was known as Bill, Lofty or Ginge.

[JNL19901]

Its a crying shame that places like this go to ruin considering the history attached to them.

[jamie1440]

I used to visit Tangmere in the early 70's. It still had the Spitfire gate guardian then. My Dad was involved with the ATC and it was used for glider air experience flights at this time. I used to explore around the old buildings, and air raid shelters aged about 10 or 12. The mess was still open then, I think it was on Care & Maintenance under Thorney Island. The hangars were full of army vehicles ready for deployment in the event of an emergency. Happy days!.

[houdy]

thanks 4 posting :)

[traceynorthernstar]

Excellent Video x