RAF Wyton was home to the Strategic Reconnaissance Force after WW2. More information about the base’s history can be found on Wikipedia
The recon role of the base wound down in the 1990s and is now used for logistic purposes. This change in purpose meant that the photographic facilites were no longer needed.
The “photographic factory” now lies derelict outside of the base. It was sold in 2002 for redevelopment, but nothing seems to have happened since then.
Externals
The photographic factory at Wyton is a relatively simple one storey building. I say “one storey” – it is built on a slope so it’s about 1.5 stories. It is nearly the shape of a T, but a huge boiler/plant room adorns the west wing.
Internals
The last 10 years have not been kind on the building’s interior. The paint on the walls is peeling. The floors are sketchy in places. Ceilings are collapsing. Windows & toilets smashed. This amount of destruction is quite surprising considering the remote location!
Development areas
The main development room is, as per the rest of the building, pretty smashed up. There was evidence that sinks used to grace this room, but they’ve long-since gone. Six processing rooms were attached to the main room, each via a small blacked-out corridor (the doors have been smashed off – they now lie on the floor of the main room).
Random signage
A few signs remain, one would imply that the building was used for the last time during 1995. I’m not sure why there was a mattress store there either.
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I am sure I spent some time working in this building when i served at RAF Wyton between 1984 and 1987. I was a Cpl supplier attached to the Air Movs Section which was “transferred” across the road and into the “Old Photo Factory”
Does anyone know if this building was used during the War??
I went up there in January 2008 and took a few pictures, great site!
Sad to see the place looking so run down
Ah, the factory! Hundreds of photographers slaved over hot developer and cooled their drinks in cold fixer. We marched from the airmens mess after breakfast, in column of threes, and halted outside the ‘servants’ entrance for a roll call and inspection. We worked feverishly in darkrooms – the lucky ones had little red safelights the others in panchormatic green or….utter darkness….then the blessed Sally van arrived and the factory emptied for tea and marmite buns. Eyes squinting the moleys sat on the grass supped tea and smoked fags for fifteen minutes then back into processing or printing or chemy mix or polishing the corridors. GS and BP’s under the gentle hand of Chiefy Snow or the glare of Flight ‘Bag’o buns’ Buckley. Then detatchments to the four corners of the globe with 58 squadron – Kenya, Cyprus, Lybia, Australia, Canada, Singapore. I’ve been everywhere, man. Air surveys, secret missions, maps, new air forces, whingeing national servicemen, institutionalised long term regulars. We were the best and saw it all.
They probably can’t redevelop the site because the ground is saturated with sodium hypochlorite and blue-grey ghosts. Walk away from it. Let it tumble. It is holy ground.
Hi Jim,
if you are still on this email address, please contact me at “airman16@sky.com”, been searching for you for ages,
best wishes,
Dave Derrick.
I worked in this building in 1979. About half of it was given over to the RAF (UK) Mapstore, supplying maps and charts. Although there was some photo processing equipment in the building, it was no longer in used. Over on the other side of the building was the Ground Photo Section and the Police Dog Section was in the same compound. The RAF (UK) Mapstore closed in 1981
This looks a very interesting location for a shoot. Like Will asked in his post of 1 April, I would be most grateful if you could let me have via email more information on access and exact location relative to the airfield. Thanks
I was stationed at RAF Wyton from Arpil 1962 to Jan 1963 and worked in the Photographic Processing Building. I worked in the film developtment room as part of a 3 person team on a CPU, Continuous Processing Unit. Processing aerial films of over 250 feet long, each negative 8.5x7inch. A most important period of this year was during the Cuban missile crisis in October when we all were put on x3 shifts in a 24 hour period. The aircraft at the time were 543 Squadron Valiants and 58 Squadron Canberras I am not sure when the building was built and opened.
Regards,
Rob Pilcher
South Australia
I’m from the local town of st ives and back in the early 80′s i attended a evening at the local air cadets which was held at the old Photographic Processing Building. Back in the 60′s my father was an air force fireman on the base. I have cycled past there a lot of late and they have built a new junction for the Photographic Processing Building area as though they are going to do something with it but nothing has happened as yet.
Regards
In reply to Sean Edwards question posted on 09 Feb 08. The Photo Factory was not used during the war (I’m assuming you meant WW II). I am looking at two WW II aerial photographs of Wyton. One was taken in October 1942 and the area where the Photo Factory stands is a field. However, ground scarring was noticed and an access road was under construction. The second image taken in March 1944 shows an area containing a number of accommodation type Nissen huts and larger group of huts which may be a dining facility or canteen/NAAFI. Sean, this should answer your question.
Regards.
great photos, is there any one who can advise me on the location of this as i live about 5 mile away from wyton and would love to have a look around without going to the wrong place and end up with a bullet in my ass
I Worked in the Photo Factory in 1961/62 and was i/c of the discip office,Flt lt Grimshaw and W/O Ball were there at this time. Also Bill Taylor (we are still in touch)was in the Film Library. Does anyone remember our two civilian cleaners one was called Eb? Does anyone remember me or Bill?
Hello, Bob [Jock] Webb.
Please check out my post 24 June 2008 I was in the Photo Factory from April 1962 to Jan 1963. I remember Flt lt Grimshaw and P/O Butler-Davis. I think I remember a W/O Ball. Some names when I was there.
John Plimmer, Alan Bryant, Taff Povey, C/T Rocket,
Dave Gorman, Reg Poore, Pete Cook and Jock Ross.
I am not sure if I remember you.
Regards,
Rob Pilcher
South Australia
Hi! I was stationed at RAF Wyton Photographic Unit from February to October 1962. I have a couple of photos of everyone sitting out on the grass enjoying snacks from the Sally Ann van! Do you remember Sue Lovejoy? I would love to hear from her.
Yvonne
Bob, I was at the factory from 60-61. The factory was built in the early 50′s just in time for the PR Mosquitos to do an aerial survey of the UK. The two civvy cleaners were there in 1939 and saw the first recce plane take off at mid-day on 3 Sep 39. I met John Plimmer a few times in Rheindahlen and he was at my wedding in June 64. Also worked with C/T Rocket at RAE Farnborough on the Type 12. Kept involved with photography when I left the RAF and did aerial survey. Still keep in touch with a few mates.
Hi Rob Pilcher,
Your name rings a bell but can’t put a face to it. Thanks for the names,I remember P/O Butler-Davis also Reg Poore who was billeted with me in what I remember as A block,Allan Bryant also rings a bell. The other civilian cleaner was called Jim. I can’t believe it is almost 50 years ago, thanks Rob you have brought back some memories.Bob.
Dear Bob,
Thanks for your reply. At the time I was there I was called Bob, a photographic assistant AC2, until I left to complete my Photo 2 Course at Wellesbourne Mountford. I was on the very last course there. After graduating I was posted to West Raynham. I was also in A block, opposite the NAAFI and Corporals Club. Yes 48 years ago. I had a good time there, The Three Jolly Butchers in Houghton, Brampton, St Ives etc. Some more names. Wally Stevens, Walter McGrath and Brenton Horst. Do you remember Sqn Ldr Follis. I think he was i/c of all the Photographic areas/sections at Wyton.
Regards,
Rob
I was there from 1972 to 1976 when I went to Cosford on my PPA Course (PPA 39).It looks really sad now, especially when I remember the cleaning effort that i put into the place.