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Upottery Airfield was built between 1943 & 1944 by George Wimpey
and Co and following its completion, it was initially occupied by
the 439th Troop Carrier group of the 50th Troop Carrier Wing who
then transported elements of the 101st Airborne including Easy
Company of Band of Brothers fame. In early 1945 the US Navy
arrived and 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 200 photographs. Mostly
professionally taken, 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?
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Upottery Heritage Centre,
Nissen Hut, Slough Lane,
Smeatharp, Honiton,
Devon, EX14 9RD
Tel: 07778 857722
Website
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(click map for directions) |
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Opening times: |
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.
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Admission Prices: |
Entrance to our Heritage centres is
by donation and visitor discretion. Private tours are also by pre
agreed donation.
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Amenities: |
Disability Access - Other than one room with a small step all
areas are accessible by Wheel Chair.
Free Parking
Toilets - The Heritage Centre has a public disabled toilet.
Catering - There are no catering facitlies. However there are
Two great pubs within 2 miles of the centre The Sidmouth Arms at
Upottery and the York inn at Churchinford.
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Aircraft exhibits: |
We have a number of Aircraft
Components and replicas of Ordinance Including a Mk 11 and an
American Mk 24 Zombie, Depth Charges, and recovered propeller
blades and models together with unique photographs – we do not
have any aircraft. |
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Photos:
(click to view larger files) |
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