Here is a new set of RAF Welford photos dating from 1944 to present day. I confess I cannot recall the names of all of those who have sent me these great photos but am happy to add those names if you let me know what you emailed me. Please keep those photos coming in. I must give thanks for these photos to Jim Steffanic, Jim Wadell and his daughter Lara, Rich Ferranti, Doug Conrad, Steve Robinson, Neil Stevens, Sonty, Tim Teltow and especially to John Stephens at Welford.
A medal ceremony at Welford, October 1944. Thanks to Neil Stevens.
Same day, October 1944. Neil Stevens.
Welford is handed to the USAF by the RAF, September 1955.
The same day in 1955.
As covered by the Newbury Weekly News in 1955.
Welford Fire Fighters in 1956. Thanks to Reg Tarbox.
Airman "Buzz", early 1960s.
SSgt Howard Cary on left and his friend Jim, early 1960s
Gate post, mid-1960s Thanks to Rich Ferranti
Looking down at main gate, mid-1960s Rich Ferranti
Fire Station, mid-1960s Rich Ferranti
NCO Club Rich Ferranti
Commanding Officer's Office, mid-1960s Rich Ferranti
Dining Hall area, mid-1960s Rich Ferranti
The main area of the administrative side of Welford in around 1966. Rich Ferranti
World War Two barracks still in use in 1960s. Tennis courts still remain.
Closer up in the barrack area.
Rules to be obeyed; No cameras! Loading bombs.
Loading bombs onto an ammunition train
Bomb Loading
In 1968, Welford Priory had a very unusual visit from Yugoslavia-born singer
Guy Mitchell. One officer's daughter somehow knew him from visits to London
and invited him to the base. Apparently he liked a drink and ended up wearing out his welcome.
An article on the base from Newbury Weekly News in July 1973
Santiago Olmeda-Pinero (Sonty) of Fire Dept with SPS Commander, 1975.
Thanks to Sonty
A baptism at Welford chapel in 1978. Thanks to Sonty.
SSgt Bob Yorke in 1977. Thanks to Doug Conrad
Lt. Col. Jim Wadell, CO 1978-1981 & WO Grant
December 1980; the launch of the Bomb Renovation Plant.
Outside the Bomb Renovation Plant, December 1980.
The BRP painted bombs en masse.
Crew of the quarter Jan-Mar 1980.
Standing: SSgt Barclay, SRA Thompson, A1C Rizzo,
A1C Talbot. Sat: A1C Bob Kaznica, A1C Disch
A security hut on the DA
Gary Roush at Welford, circa 1981
D-Flight, 1981. Thanks to Gary Roush
Officers and Senior NCOs of Greenham & Welford in 1980.
Tim Teltow (above) ....and reenlisting (right)
Suzi Hughes, Firefighter, 1981
Suzi on leaving Welford, 1981.
May 29 1981; Lt. Col. Jim Wadell steps down as 7551st ASUPS CO
Officers at Change of Command ceremony, May 29 1981.
RAF Liaison officer Sqn Ldr Ron Meredith is nearest camera.
Lt. Col. Wadell receives Meritous Service Medal from Gen. Bazley
Maj. Daugherty takes command of 7551st ASUPS, May 29 1981
Airmen from Greenham & Welford march along Northbrook St, Newbury at Remembrance Sunday, November 1981.
From the Star & Stripes, January 20, 1982.
The Priory was home to the Commanding Officer until 1995
Parts of the Priory are very old.
Team 2, March 1984.
A victim is dumped in an EWS tank!
The old dining hall, now demolished.
Base bookstore on left.
A new entry post was built in 1986. Thanks to Steve Robinson
By Steve Robinson
A storm did heavy damage in southern England in Oct 1987.
The Greenham/Welford Pirates in 1987.
Steve Robinson on guard.
Maj. Van Duyne became CO of the 850 MMS (T) in 1987
Inside the BRP, 1988.
The 1988 Sure Fire Team.
Maj Nancy Van Duyne was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1989.
A base building just prior to its demolition in January 1989.
In fact, base fetes began before 1979, some were held from early 1960s.
850 MMS Retreat 1989.
850 MMS Retreat 1989.
850 MMS Retreat 1989.
Bikers at Welford in 1990.
A new fire station was built in the early 1990s.
In 1990, Maj Susan Kaufman took command of the 850 MMS (T)
The annual Remembrance parade to Chaddleworth, November 1990.
Outside in Chaddleworth, Nov 1990
The same day, November 1990
November 1991
Chaddleworth, November 1992
A parade on base.
1995 marked 50 years since World War Two. Maj. Kaufman holds flag with John Stephens.
In 1995, the USAF cut back its presence at Welford. A ceremony was held.
The drawdown ceremony, 1995
The DA seen in 2000.
July 2005; an event held is marking 50 years of the ammo mission at RAF Welford.
Lt. Col Wadell and Col. Jim Salminen returned and unveiled a memorial to the base.
A little piece of America in the heart of England.
PLEASE: Keep sending me all your photos.