Online Encyclopedia
Greenham Common
Greenham Common is a piece of land in the south of England near the town of Newbury, Berkshire. During World War II it was taken over by the military to be an airbase, serving as a base for airborne troops. Subsequently the airbase was best known both for the International Air Tattoo held there, and for the long-term protests held outside its gates. It was returned to civilian use in 1997.
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Pre-military history
Greenham Common was a piece of common land. It was used for troops movements during the English Civil War and in the nineteenth century.
World War II
The common was taken over by the military and converted to an airbase, called RAF Greenham Common during World War II. It was used for glider assembly and as a base by the US 101st Airborne Division, and airborne elements of the Battle of Normandy were launched from there.
The Cold War
During the Cold War RAF Greenham Common became the home of the US 501st Tactical Missile Wing, deploying cruise missiles. A "Women's Peace Camp" was established in protest and drew worldwide attention. The base also became the home of the International Air Tattoo, a large scale international military Airshow.
Return to Civilian Use
In 1992 RAF Greenham Common was declared redundant for military purposes. On 24 March 1997 the land was purchased by the Greenham Common Trust and returned to a variety of civilian uses.
External Links
- http://www.greenham-common.org.uk/