Base Information
Name |
Bylaugh Hall |
Runways |
1 x Grass |
Hangers |
None |
Location |
6 miles NE of Dereham |
OS Ref |
TF035158 |
Current Usage |
Country house - as of June 2016 the current owners of Bylaugh Hall are at present converting the 74-bedroom, 73-bathroom mansion into a training centre for household staff, including butlers, bodyguards, chauffeurs and chalet girls. |
Notes |
Bylaugh Hall is mainly a ruin (which is being restored), but during World War 2 it was the headquarters of 2 (Bomber) Group from July 1943 until January 1944 and then 100 (Bomber Support) Group from January 1944 to December 1945 when the group ceased to exist. Prior to this it was requisitioned as a base for the 18th Division between 1940 and 1941, and was used as crew accommodation for aircrew from Swanton Morley. The hall was a large Victorian mansion in quite large grounds. A small grass airfield was established about 1/2 mile from the hall and some light aircraft were kept there for the use of senior staff officers. These aircraft were mainly used for communications duties when visits to the 100 Groups other airfields was required. The aircraft came under the control of 100 Group Communications Flight at Swanton Morley. |
Links |
http://www.ukairfields.org.uk/bylaugh-hall.html http://www.ukairfieldguide.net/airfields/Bylaugh-Hall https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bylaugh_Hall https://www.thereevestale.co.uk/bylaugh/ http://www.geograph.org.uk/article/100-Group-RAF https://www.facebook.com/pg/DarrenSmithPhoto/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1253073141446775 |
More coming soon....
Full article coming soon
Images
Click to open
© BenBudworth, via Wikimedia Commons
Bylaugh Hall, built 1852. Norfolk, England. Designed by Charles Barry son of Downton (Highclere Castle) Architect Charles Barry
Click to open
© Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Bylaugh Hall, Norfolk, 1946
Click to open
© Evelyn Simak - geograph.org.uk/p/4279314
The Officers Mess - This building on the 100 Group RAF camp comprises two large interconnected Nissen huts arranged in an L-shape
Click to open
© Evelyn Simak - geograph.org.uk/p/4278926
WW2 Military Building - Communal building on one of the campsites associated with RAF 100 Group
Click to open
© Evelyn Simak - geograph.org.uk/p/4279398
Airmen's accommodation huts - The airmen on the RAF 100 Group camp were housed in Asbestos huts. Asbestos huts look similar to Nissen huts but have a flatter curve and use foundation walls. Unlike Nissen huts they needed no frame and were self supporting; their roofs were made of corrugated asbestos, not corrugated iron sheeting. Asbestos huts were first introduced in 1942 and manufactured by Turners Asbestos Co Ltd of Trafford Park, Manchester.
Click to open
© Darren Rose
Memorial Plaque at Bylaugh Hall
Squadron Information
100 Group Communications Flight
|
Dates |
Dec 1944 - July 1945 |
Planes |
Miles Magister Auster Mk III Avro Tutor Tiger Moth |
|
Information |
These old aircraft, all except the Auster having been built in the 1930's were used by senior officers for pleasure flights as well as communication. Few senior officers ever had the opportunity to fly operational aircraft so it would have been a joy for them to get airborne occasionally, event if in slow ancient machines! |
