RAF Shepherds Grove - Urban Exploration in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
RAF Shepherds Grove
Where - Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.
Visited - May 2006.
RAF Shepherds Grove is located on the outskirts of the sleepy Suffolk village of Stanton. It was built during WW2 as an airfield for bombers. During the Cold War in the 1950's the USAF took over and based jet fighters there. When the jet fighters left, part of the base was used as a launch site for Thor nuclear missles.
The site closed in 1966 and some of the base is now an industrial estate.
April 2007 update - The control tower, fire station and industrial units have now been flattened.
Control Tower
So, here's the control tower. It was in a bit of a state when I visited. It had a mini-refurbishment in the 1990's when Redland Tiles used it as an office - they covered it in tiles. Most of them have been smashed up since Redland's departure.
The control tower was demolished in June 2006 to make way for an Ikea distribution centre. Which is a great shame 
Fire Station
I think this was a fire station (or if not, some sort of vehicle servicing building). This has probably been demolished too.
Weapons Store
Across a field is an old weapons store used for the Thor missle site. There are three "igloo" buildings - two used for normal bombs and one for nuclear warheads. The latter has a huge concrete safe inside.
There are also two observation points - these are seriously cool and I want one!
A maintenance building is also there, but in a pretty bad state. It has a chimney.
Thor Launch Pads
There used to be three of these, but nothing now remains other than a few small piles of rubble and a concrete floor. The most interesting piece of rubble had some words printed on it in reverse - odd.
Industrial Units
There were a few of these located near the control tower. I imagine they've been demolished too.
Your Comments
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Posted 25 September 2006, 18:50 From Curt Marsh
Anyone know when these photos were taken? I live about a mile from here now and would like to explore the old facilities!
Posted 25 September 2006, 19:20 From DAB @ derelicte
I know - they were taken at the beginning of May, 2006. I haven't been back since, but I know the control tower has been demolished
Posted 30 September 2006, 20:50 From Curt Marsh
Took some recent photos...the old bomb storage site is now being used by a company and the runway is almost totally destroyed.
Posted 2 October 2006, 22:00 From smiffy
yer right....those towers are cool. One in my back garden could piss the neighbours off nicely.
Posted 3 October 2006, 12:40 From DAB @ derelicte
Thanks Curt - you have some interesting pics you have on your site (but no link back to me
!).
I know the control tower has gone - any sign of the fire station etc?
Posted 22 November 2006, 09:30 From Danny Downes
These are not original Air Force buildings. I think they were built by or for Redland Roof Tiles who used to occupy this site.
Posted 22 November 2006, 09:30 From Danny Downes
Notice the control tower was covered in tiles. Bloody Redlands - what were they doing?
Posted 22 November 2006, 09:40 From Danny Downes
Nice site with some great photos. I've got some pictures of Shepherds Grove while the Americans were there if you would like to see them. Also, 2 years ago I went to America to a reunion of USAF personnel who served there in the 1950s. They're a great bunch of blokes who will never forget their time spent in sleepy Suffolk. The reunion was arranged by the guy who runds this website:
http://shepherdsgrove.com/grover.html
Posted 26 January 2007, 22:10 From salem
it is a firestation, and i have been to couple of raves there.....
Posted 1 April 2007, 00:10 From Jack Nixon
It really makes me sad to see the state of my old base. Was stationed there from 1955 to 1958 with the 78th FBS. We have a reunion every year now and talk about all the good times we had at The Grove!
Posted 7 April 2007, 01:50 From Rob
Where are the observation towers and the iglos?
I took a trip there yesterday but didn't see these bits.
Thanks.
Posted 19 April 2007, 13:50 From C See
Does anyone know who currently owns the nuclear compound?. Or the name of the company using it?.
Posted 21 April 2007, 18:10 From DAB @ derelicte
Just a quick update to this - I visited today and it was rather depressing.
The control tower, fire station and industrial units have gone. By gone I mean totally flattened with virtually no trace of anything. Nature is coming back nicely.
The bomb storage and towers are still there.
Posted 28 May 2007, 19:30 From Stephen Bruce
Lived in Walsham as a kid and used to play in and around the igloos. Was run down then in late 70's early 80's. A nostalgic look back on my youth. Pity they are knocking the rest of it down. They should be kept as a reminder of what happened.
Posted 10 June 2007, 00:50 From D Reid
This was a fire station, my father was stationed there in the late 50,s and as a retained fireman I attended a fire there in 2003
Posted 12 June 2007, 21:40 From Neil
I don't think the bomb stores will be demolished anytime soon. A nice badge is still visible in the concrete near the squadron headquarters dating from 2 october 1951. It's the badge of the 92nd fighter interceptor squadron. There are names and dates in the concrete inside at least one of the buildings at the grove. Also seen 1943 written in the concrete outside the building near the badge. And remember the bomb stores are very much private property.
Posted 28 June 2007, 12:20 From Mike
In the 1960s this area was used as the day/recreation room. It had a snooker table and TV, chairs, an electric stove and a sink bench. Through the doorway at the back of the room was an ablution block and living quarters for about 20 personnel. The front part of the building housed the fire tender and equipment.
Posted 6 November 2007, 10:50 From Mike Brazier
I was at SG 1963-65 on Thor missiles. Those were busy days during the Cold War esp during Cuban missile crisis. Haven't been back since.
Posted 19 January 2008, 18:20 From Jim Thorndyke
I was at Feltwell from 1959 to 1964, Feltwell was main base for the SG Thor missiles and I was frequently at SG. Also Mepal, Tuddenham and North Pickenham. For the past thirty years I have lived in the not so sleepy village of Stanton.
IKEA who had intended to build a huge distribution depot (640x190 metre building) pulled out last August, currently that part of the airfield, some 95 acres, is for sale for development at about £10 mill. That part of the airfield has been cleared of all buildings, runway and dispersals.
Many original buildings still exist on what remains of the airfield including the old BX, I do not think the old weapons store (now demolished) was used for Thor warheads, I believe they were stored at a base near Thetford, I seem to remember the escorted convoys that got a lot of attention. Will try and get some new pics when/if the sun shines!
Posted 3 February 2008, 07:30 From john drury
i remember going to an air display in the 50s the year the lightning showed the amerisans up
Posted 9 February 2008, 20:40 From daryl
the nuclear compound is own now by a company called r d ground works i think now they is only two big bunkers now. the industrial units were for red land roof tiles my dad and grandad work there. the site was owned by racam. retec engening use to store all there skips on the site.
Posted 26 February 2008, 13:40 From Ed Burns
..Hello, my mom served there during WW II. I wonder if there is anyone around who may have any recollections or photos of those amazing times. I have a group shot of the women she worked with I could share. Best regards,...
Posted 14 March 2008, 04:20 From Matt Robinett
Brings back a lot of memories
Posted 20 March 2008, 17:10 From Dawn
I am very interested in getting / seeing any photos of the Old Bomb Stores from during the period of the cold war when the Thor missiles where there can anyone help ?
Posted 29 March 2008, 09:00 From ian nicoll
was great to see photos of the base where my father was stationed after his move from rivenhall with 295 squadorn
Posted 3 May 2008, 09:30 From Lee
I think the reverse writing is the result of a magazine or advert board being used in the shuttering when the concrete was poured. The ink transfers to the wet concrete, shuttering removed, hey presto! reverse writing. Terrific site, by the way!
Posted 5 June 2008, 21:00 From Rod Spiller
I was a young Guidance & Control (Thor) technician
in the early 1960's & remember well the Cuban Missile crisis & all our "Birds" (Thor) were ready to go. We wanted to see them "fly" !!!! I visited Shepherds Grove as we used to remove the bulky & heavy guidance system for periodic maintenance for servicing at main base Feltwell.
Thanks for the memories & photos
Posted 5 June 2008, 21:10 From Rod Spiller
I do not think Thor warheads were stored here.
The warheads were owned by the Americans & therefore probably stored at a USAF bases like Lakenheath /Mildenhall/Weatherfield.
The warhead was activated by the turning of the War/Peace key by a fully weaponed USAF officer.
The Brits did not have any control of that only the firing.
Posted 5 June 2008, 21:20 From Rod Spiller
I used to work inches away from the warhead. This was a "NO LONE ZONE" as this prevented tampering as you were never alone !
Posted 13 July 2008, 19:30 From Howard Wade
Great pics but how sad to see yet another piece of history gone forever.
Posted 19 August 2008, 12:00 From Peter Hawkes
Stationed at Shepherds Grove 1949 to 1950, I have some pics taken there back in 1988, will forward them
if you are interested.
Posted 26 December 2008, 14:20 From Dan E. Scott
Brings back a lot of fond memories. I served in the 92nd as Crew Chief on F-86, # 209 with Maj. Jack B. Owens as my pilot. Left GB in Nov. 53 to go to school, reenlisted in 1955 and retired in Jan. 68.
Posted 17 January 2009, 11:50 From Robin Knowles
In 1960 I was a young 18year old Royal Airforce Police Dog Handler stationed at Feltwell but sent to Shepherds Grove on a 6 month detachment.We lived in the empty Control Tower Which had very scant facilities. Had to go over to main compound for our meals and got quite friendly with a couple of you Yanks. Our dogs were kenneld to the side of the bomb stores so we had to have a vehicle to ferry us about the base. The RAF Snowdrops (so called because of their white caps) manned the Thor enclosure 24 hrs a day with us Dog Handlers working in two shifts from 1800hrs to 2359hrs and 0001hrs to 0600hrs. Have lost touch with everyone now but I still have very fond memories. Would love to hear from past comrades
Posted 19 January 2009, 04:30 From James Freer
I live in Walsham and walk the dog up there. I'd be interested if someone could say where the "bomb storage and towers still there" are. I can take any photos anyone wants if you like and forward.
Posted 22 January 2009, 18:40 From Charles Lee
In 1954 I and others were cleared for Top Secret and the runway was lengthened by a construction company from Scotland to accommodate F84 aircraft. In either late 1954 or early 1955 and an Air Policeman I was the first security squad to go on duty at the lower bomb dump as we called it. I saw the bomb units come into the building. It was not 56 or 57 when we went nuke but 1954 pr 1955
Posted 5 February 2009, 13:30 From Mp3_Music_AssulpBal
Hello to all
I can’t understand how to add your site in my rss reader. Help me, please
Posted 1 March 2009, 09:10 From Mark Farley
Great site such a shame that things like this are not preserved for future generations . Keep up the good work
Posted 8 March 2009, 07:40 From Tim
Great to find this site! We bought the farmhouse next to the airfield 8 years ago and I spent several years exploring this airfield whilst walking our dogs. I knew it like the back of my hand - until 2 years ago when the owner started demolishing it ready for Ikea (who pulled out and are no longer coming). It is now 90 acres of mud. There is nothing left any more including the surrounding woodland.
Thanks for the photos. Very interesting, and quite sad.
Posted 27 March 2009, 10:10 From Bertram Barker (just say \'Bert\')
Was stationed at Shepherds Grove in 1948/49. Our transport around the site was provided by free bicycles. You picked one up outside any building and dropped it off at your destination. We had Lancasters and Ansons. One Lanc ran a shuttle to Kinloss (Scotland) to pick up lads on weekend leave. Great place, fantastic team spirit.
Posted 12 May 2009, 12:00 From John Plumridge
Ah! Memories! I spent 2 yeas of my national service on this station -1946 to 1948 lancs and mosquitoes were the order of the day flying here and there on Signal checking ops. I scrounged various flights around the country and over to Ireland as a merely a passcenger in Lancs - happy memories. Spent winters in nissen huts freezing with our breaths forming ice on the inside walls by our beds by the morning.not so happy memories! So many years ago.
Posted 16 May 2009, 00:20 From mike
anyone remember when the american super sabres came to the airbase in 1951/52 ? it was coverd by Pathe news.if you do how can i get a copy of the film clip.cheers.
Posted 21 May 2009, 17:00 From dave
i hear there is an underground bunker round the old base i wonderd is it actualy true?
Posted 1 August 2009, 18:30 From John Boyes
Very interested in the bits relating to Thor. I am currently writing a follow-up to my book on Thor 'Project Emily: Thor IRBM and the RAF' and would be very interested to hear from any former Thor personnel who would like to contribute their memories
Posted 5 August 2009, 18:40 From gus gavrielides \"Gus the Greek\"
Hi, as far as an underground bunker on the base, I don't think so. I was stationed there from 1952 untill 1955, I was one of the original "Ramp Rats" spent many hours on guard duty, walkin the entire area at one time or another. Never heard of this underground bunker.
Posted 2 September 2009, 18:20 From Ed Burns
Hi all, anyone have any memories or info going back to 1943, 44, 45 ? My mom served there with the WAAF and I could share some pic's of the Equip. Staff.
Posted 9 September 2009, 05:20 From Roel (roy) Ramirez
I was station at RAF Feltwell from 1961 63 .Married my wife J. Gooderham, whom her dad had purchase the land in and around (Hall Farm) Shepherds Grove about 1949.I was with Det 7 MMS
Posted 14 September 2009, 15:30 From John Boyes
Hi Roel. Interested to see that you were at RAF Feltwell with Det 7 MMS. Would be very interested in your memories of that time for my book. (See posted on 1 August 2009). Hope you are willing to help.
Posted 23 September 2009, 02:40 From Roel (roy) Ramirez
Hi John Boyes Please email me at roynjosie @aol.com
thanks
Roy
Posted 17 October 2009, 22:00 From Tamara Baker
Looking for anyone with pictures or info on SG back during the Korean War, when the F-86E jets were kept there. I have a dear friend who was in the control tower during that time and though he's lost much of his memory due to a stroke, he still remembers SG.
Posted 27 December 2009, 16:10 From Martin Brown
Hi, I'm a local photogrpaher and was wanting to so model shoots in derelict buildings and these are the nearest to me about 2 miles away.Just wondering did you ask anyone before you went to Shepherds Grove or did you just go ? Martin
Posted 11 February 2010, 21:30 From Vinny Simpson
Hi all
My dad Vincent Simpson (Vince) served at Shepherds Grove Dec 1944 to Feb 1946 in the RAF as a flight engineer. I have a couple of photos of him sat with aircrew on a Lancaster bomber. I wish I had visited the site when the buildings were still standing! He always had very interesting recollections of the Americans! My dad was a Jamaican who signed up in 1943 and came over to England (the Motherland as he used to say) to fight the war. He stayed in England and died 3 years ago.
Posted 10 March 2010, 14:20 From Abe
Sadly all gone now. The whole site was flattened last year.
Posted 10 March 2010, 14:50 From DAB @ derelicte
Abe - the control tower & fire station area was demolished in/before 2007... are you talking about something else, like the weapon igloos?
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