RAF Alconbury

RAF Alconbury opened as satellite to RAF Upwood with Battles of 63 Sqn, becoming satellite to RAF Wyton In September 1939. It was then used by 15, 40 and 156 Sqns operational bomber Sqns. It was transferred to 8th USAAF control in August 1942. From September to November of that year, the 93rd BG - the 'Travelling Circus' - operated with B-24's. From December 1942 to to September 1943, the 92nd BG - 'Fames Favored Few' - moved here from Bovingdon with B-17's as a CCRU. Reformed in 1943 as a combat group, the first operational missions were flown in May 1943 and then moved to Podington. From April 15th to June 1943, the 95th BG were here with B-17's. Then from September 1943 to June 1945, 482nd BG - a Pathfinder unit with B-17 and B-24's operated from here and from March 1944 became operational radar development unit. From November 26th 1945 264 MU were here until closure 30/9/48.

From August 24th 1951, RAF Alconbury became a USAF Primary Installation, upgraded and modernised, USAF units arriving from June 1st 1953. Alconbury closed as a USAF air base from September 1st 1994 to April 15th 1995. Just the small 423rd Air Base Squadron remains from the US military as the base prepares for redevelopment and a civilian future.