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Upottery Heritage Centre

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?


 

Upottery Heritage Centre,

Nissen Hut, Slough Lane,

Smeatharp, Honiton,

Devon, EX14 9RD

Tel: 07778 857722

Website

 



(click map for directions)

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.


Admission Prices:


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


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.


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.

Photos: (click to view larger files)