Dunkeswell Airfield was built between 1942 & 1943 by George Wimpey and Co and following its completion it was initially occupied by the USAAF 479th Anti Submarine Squadron and then by the US Navy and was the only US Naval Airbase in Europe. who undertook U boat hunting in the Bay of Biscay.

Our substantial Photographic Archive provides a unique insight to life on the base. Unlike the British, the Americans had access to film and faced very little restriction on what they photographed.

As a result we have been able to collect over many years, what we think is a fantastic selection of over 400 photographs. Mostly professionally taken, including some taken by the Germans, that provide a story-line and window in time that allows us to see what life was actually like and what took place at the Airfield during the second world war.

We have now combined this with official film taken at the time, an historical narrative, uniforms and WW2 artefacts that together, tell the story of the Men and Women who served here. Whether you are a military history enthusiast or just curious ?

How coastal command went about hunting the U-boats down including film taken at Dunkeswell showing the Aircraft and the briefings.

Good Friday - last Sunday in October

11am - 4pm (Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun)

*Private tours and tours of the Airfield are available by arrangement. GROUPS are very welcome and guided tours are available by prior arrangement. Please call us on 07778 857722.

Entrance to our Heritage centres is by donation and visitor discretion. Private tours are also by pre agreed donation.