RAF Broadwell is an abandoned World War II Airfield reclaimed by farmland.
The control tower at Shilton is completely visible from the road and is a good example of a World War II control tower.
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I would have liked to have placed the cache at the CT and seeked permission from the land owner.
But I was unfortunately declined due to troblesome ravers previously causing problems.
Park on the road that cuts through the main runway in front of the control tower. (refer to way point)
If you walk towards the control tower along the bridal path you will find an ROC bunker with the hatch sealed up.
This was a Cold War bunker and isn’t related to the air field.
RAF Broadwell opened in Nov 1943 and closed in Mar 1947 and was used by Transport Command 512 & 575 Squadron in the Second World War.
Horsa gliders were pulled by Douglas C-47 Dakotas. They were used in the operation 'Market Garden' and 'Overlord' on the D day landings. Illustrated brilliantly in ‘Band of Brothers’ Season 1, Ep 2: Day of Days.
Horsa gliders had a 2 man crew and up to 25 paratroopers. They were made entirely from wood and could glide at 100mph.
Overall the gliders were a success. But they dropped like stones and many paratroopers were killed on landing.
Follow the bridal path that leads you away from the tower and up the main runway.
The cache is hidden on the boundary of the air field and on the path. Please respect the land owner’s wishes and don’t deviate from the path.
RAF Brize Norton at Carterton is close by and if you’re lucky you might see a plane take off.
You’ll defiantly hear it and when the turbines are rumbling in the distance it makes it eerie when walking up the runway.
I’m fairly happy with the cache location as you’ll end up walking along the center of the runway.
If you imagine the airfield is an A frame shape, you’ll be walking in the center of the A.
FTF goes to Dilly the Dodo