Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Nuclear base consigned to history

Friday 02 October 1992 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The airfield that was once Europe's biggest atom bomb base, home to 10,000 men and many of their families, closed yesterday. There are already a few weeds growing through the concrete at Sculthorpe in north Norfolk, the American base where in 1962 airmen kissed their wives and children goodbye as they prepared for war at the height of the Cuban missile crisis. The airfield was built by the RAF in 1942, but was given over to the USAF's 47th Bombardment Wing 10 years later. As Britain suffered economic austerity, the Americans surrounded themselves with home comforts at the base, pictured in 1957. A bowling alley, golf range and gym all appeared behind the fence. But the servicemen's prosperity also filtered through to the pubs of neighbouring Fakenham. Young women went to dances at the base, and the USAF expected three out of five single servicemen there to return home with an East Anglian wife. The routine was interrupted in 1958, when the authorities were so horrifed by a security scare that it was covered up for four years. Master Sergeant Leander Cunningham, said to be under stress, threatened to fire his pistol inside a bomb store. He surrendered after an eight-hour siege.

(Photographs omitted)

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in