RAF Fauld

RAF Fauld
Located near Hanbury in Staffordshire
Site information
TypeBomb Store
OwnerMinistry of Defence
Controlled byRoyal Air Force
Open to
the public		no
ConditionSealed
Location
RAF Fauld is located in Staffordshire
RAF Fauld
RAF Fauld
Shown within Staffordshire
Coordinates52°50′50″N 1°43′50″W / 52.8471°N 1.7306°W / 52.8471; -1.7306
Site history
Built1939 (1939)
In useRoyal Air Force 1939-1966
United States Army 1967-1973
Battles/warsSecond World War

Royal Air Force Fauld is a former Royal Air Force underground munitions storage depot located 2 miles (3.2 km) south west of Tutbury, Staffordshire and 10.4 miles (16.7 km) north east of Rugeley, Staffordshire, England.

The site was controlled by No. 21 Maintenance Unit RAF which stored munitions underground.

The site was connected to the Stoke - Derby Railway Line and had a number of standard gauge sidings to allow for shipment of materials and munitions. These sidings closed in 1966. A 2ft 0in gauge railway network was also present, both above and below ground. This was in use between 1939 and 1980.[1]

250 lb MC bombs being stacked in one of Fauld's tunnels
250 lb MC bombs transported by narrow gauge railway at RAF Fauld

The explosion

Main article: RAF Fauld explosion

At 11:11 am on Monday, 27 November 1944 an explosion destroyed a large part of the site and killed about 70 people.

Post 1944

The depot was used until 1966 when the site was closed. However, in late 1966 when France withdrew from NATO's integrated military structure the site was briefly used between 1967 and 1973.[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ Baker, Allan C (1997). Industrial Locomotives of North Staffordshire. Oakham, Rutland: Industrial Railway Society. pp. 122–126. ISBN 0-901096-97-0.
  2. ^ Reed, John, (1977). "Largest Wartime Explosions: 21 Maintenance Unit, RAF Fauld, Staff. November 27, 1944", After the Battle, 18, Pp 35 - 40. ISSN 0306-154X.
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