RAF Oakington closed many years ago – in 1999 to be precise. A year later the domestic areas were turned into a high security immigration reception centre.
The good news is that technical buildings such as boiler-rooms and hangars aren’t on the IRC site. The even better news is that there’s a car boot sale on this part of the site every weekend, making access really easy.
But now for some bad news. The whole site is to go to make way for a new Cambridge commuter town…
Hangars
There are four hangars on site – two J-types with curved rooves, and two T2 metal hangars.
I managed to get inside one of them. Despite being really empty, I was awestruck by it’s size. Things banging on the roof made it ever-so-slightly scary in there (pigeons? expanding metal in the heat?).
Water Tower / Boilers
There was a delightful brick water tower attatched to a boiler house. As with most places, the ladder had been cut off 
Inside the boiler house were, er, boilers…
A metal water tower was also there.
An office
A lot of the buildings were sealed up, but I managed to get into a few. The first seemed to be some sort of office/records building.
A stores building
The other seemed to be a stores building. It had ramps & bays for (un)loading vans
Other buildings etc
All locked up.
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crackin. I love dis-used air fields I reckon they’ve got an incredible atmosphere abosolutely unique. good site too by the way!
this was once my home shall we say, i lived in Longstanton, Dad was in Minden Band so i’ve been around but never seen the hangars before…good to see..love longstanton a village to remember
Great site, Love RAF Oakington. I was stationed there 1959-60
I have some great photos as it was then. sorry can’t figure your email.
i was based at oakington during the mid 90s and would love to see the old place again first hand if possible
Did National Service there 1959/60. Your picture of the building like a store is in fact the stores where I worked as a S A C with a host of others both Regulars and NS. Great to see the photo’s
Dear Friends,
On 15th June 1944, Lancaster JB 455 ( MG-N) of 7 Squadron took of to bomb France from airfield Oakington. During the night they were shot down and crashed in Anzegem, Flanders. In June 2004 a commemoration plaque was erected in Anzegem to commemorate the aircraft and its crew. With the help of the family of the crew we were able to write down the whole story of the aircraft and its crew. Only one important thing is missing: a photograph of Lancaster JB 455. Is there anyone out there who is able to help me, or who can tell me where I do have to look.
With kind regards from Flanders,
Jef
I was based here with the AAC between 1988 and 1990. Me and my mate were the last Air Corps lads to leave the site when our squadron moved to Dishforth. I used to work in the Control Tower, is it still standing or has it been knocked down yet?
OK .RAF LINTON ON OUSE ,
I think its important to remember these old sites! Is it me, or is it sad to see a an old airfield. Fill them full of RAF aircraft and personnel, come the revolution…..
I remember these building very well I was a young 18 year old when I arrived at RAF Oakington in the summer of 1972 fresh from my basic training and trade training . Wearing my best blue uniform with just sown on two bladed propellers of a LAC. The building as stated as a office in your photos is station workshops where I was a general mechanic. There was a great crowd of blokes all of different trades trades there. ground equipment fitters,electricians,carpenters,painters.I also remember the hangers full of Varsities a twin engine aircraft and later the Jetstream aircraft which was use to train aircrew .
My father was stationed at Oakington in 7 squadron RAF in 1940/41 during WW11. They flew Stirling bonbers from Oakington around that time (pre-Lancasters). He was shot down on one night mission and spent the remainder of the war in Stalag Luft 3 in Sagan, Poland. Looking forward to having a look at Oakington (or what’s left of it) when my son and I visit (from Australia) in April ’08. I understand that the control tower is being left in situ as an historic site.
Thanks for all of your comments. It’s always fascinating to read memories from people who were based at the places I visit.
For the guys asking about the control tower – I’m sorry to say that this was demolished some time before my visit. There was no trace of it at all…
I was stationed at OAK in 1954-6 as an Operations Clerk in the Control Tower which has been demolished(pity). The hangars bought back many memories.Does anyone out there remember Sq.Ldr Tunstall of Colditz fame? A real character!
Longstanton & District Heritage Society needs your help!
This Society has been set up by the communities of Longstanton & Oakington to record the history of the villages and RAF Oakington before they disappear under 10,000 new houses (Northstowe). We are currently working to establish a Heritage Centre located if possible within the RAF Oakington Officers Mess. If you have stories or photos we can use for this heritage project please e mail the Society on ldhs@btconnect.com. Any contribution large small will be much appreciated. We are interested in photos of the villages; people; RAF days; Army etc.. In fact anything to do with our villages or the airfield. The name of the contributor will be acknowledged when any contribution is used. Spread the word! – we are trying to ensure the airfield is remembered on the site that it stood. If you want to join the Society e mail for an application form. Finally we have a 2008 Souvenir Ltd Edition Calendar featuring 2007 images of RAF Oakington. Only 50 produced. Cost including postage £ 25.00 E mail on above address for more details.
Longstanton and District Heritage Society needs your support. Please send any information, or copies of photos which you may have to our secretary, Hilary Stroude. We are a small but enthusiastic group seeking funding and a building to call our own.Please use ldhs@btconnect.com.
Many thanks, William Sellwood, Trustee