Comments on: RAF Wyton Photographic Factory

By: Malcolm Evans

Malcolm Evans — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:36:58 +0000

I was RAF Police stationed at Wyton from 59 to 61 – On one occasion whilst on patrol I found ‘Photographic Block’ insecure – builders had been working there around the main door and had ‘propped’ timbers against the door to make it secure. A couple of hard shoves and the ‘security’ fell apart. I entered with my colleague and seized 32 photographs marked ‘secret’ as proof of my visit leaving a receipt for these on the OIC desk. – All hell broke forth the following morning when the OIC went to work, and my report landed on the Provost Officer’s desk.
Wyton – a fantastic station – even for Snowdrops.
I have recently paid a vist to the area – and was most surprised as to how Photo Block had fallen into disrepair – Of course the Dog Section was on this side of the roaf as well.

By: Eric Dobson

Eric Dobson — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 23:13:57 +0000

I was at Wyton from 1957 to 1959. I was a Photo GS but we often worked on the film magazines from 543Sqd. I must have worked in the ‘factory’ but I don’t remember if it was called that. I remember the fire was quite an event at the time.

By: Tom Bletsoe

Tom Bletsoe — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:28:21 +0000

It’s not been demolished, I was there this morning (24th October 2011). Me and three friends drove down the new junction and decided to have a look around, it’s tricky to get in, but when you’re in there its amazing.
There is a lot of interior damage, and graffiti everywhere – some quite sick stuff – but I was considering contacting the MoD to see if they (a) still own the site, and (b) if I could have permission to take groups of people around on hallowe’en tours.
It’s great to know what it was actually used for, and such a shame that it’s all run down.

By: Mike Windle

Mike Windle — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 17:04:07 +0000

Irene Phillips worked in control and used to keep the workflow board detailing sorties in and out.
I remember the name Sue Lovejoy, didn’t she marry Danny McVicar?

Yvonne, I haven’t seen Jim Masters since 1969 when I was on my PPA course (No 3). He was working as an instructor on the Air Photography Operator courses, as were Rick Guttery and Dave Edwards.

Mike

By: Tom O'Byrne

Tom O'Byrne — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 04:33:08 +0000

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.

By: Dave Derrick

Dave Derrick — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:15:16 +0000

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.

By: Robert Pilcher

Robert Pilcher — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 03:43:46 +0000

Thanks Yvonne,
My email is robbie007@adam.com.au
Robert Pilcher

By: Yvonne (Riley)

Yvonne (Riley) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 18:44:13 +0000

Hi Bob,

Greetings from England (from Devon)!! It’s been a beautiful day here – hope all is well in Oz!!

As far as the Factory is concerned, I have no idea where I worked – CPU? Do you have any photos? Irene Phillips was in charge of the WRAF’s so I’m not sure that she “worked” at all!! I was posted to RAF Akrotiri in October 1962 and didn’t keep in touch with any RAF Wyton pals.

Are you a member of RAFPA?

Best wishes, Yvonne

By: Robert Pilcher

Robert Pilcher — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 09:31:21 +0000

Hi Yvonne,
Thanks for your reply. I am not sure if I remember Cpl Phillips, where did she work in The Factory. Also where did you work. I left there in Jan 1963 to commence my 6 month Photo 2 course at Wellesbourne Mountford. I was on the very last course and had a wonderful time there. After passing the course I was posted to West Raynham in Norfolk where I remained until my discharge in Dec 1966. I got married in Cambridge Oct 1972 and have lived in Australia since Dec 1972. 543 Squadron was detatched to Townsville Queensland Australia in 1962.
Kind regards,
Robert Pilcher
Adelaide

By: John Lloyd-Hughes

John Lloyd-Hughes — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 10:41:18 +0000

Yvonne,
Greetings!
I was at Wyton at the same time as you, and recall quite a few names above. Have you any photos? Lost all mine moving!
Please feel free to e-mail at beezageeza at btopenworld.com
Jim Masters and I were going to build a sailing dinghy when we were at 1MFPU project drowned in a sea of Amstel!!!
John