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Joined: 21 Aug 2003 Posts: 120 Location: warrington

We are a group of local residents who are researching RAF Padgate.
Is there anyone out there who can supply us with information regarding RAF Padgate? We are particuarly interested in how the camp was set out and its boundaries. It is difficult to obtain any kind of map or ground plan of the camp.
Is there anyone out there with a good memory who can sketch a plan ? we would be most gratefull. Any information , stories, photos relating to RAF Padgate will be most welcome.
Thank You.
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non

Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Posts: 240 Location: Rhode Island

I'm surprised you can't locate an original map at the library. I could draw a boundary map, getting it up on the computer would be the challenge. The camp was split into two sections, one on the Padgate side and the other on the Orford side. The map would be rather large, I'll work on it, maybe someone else will come up with one in the meantime.

Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 5908 Location: Stockton Heath

As Dem says Warrington Library reserach/archives room should have more details than your local library. Failing that Chester Archives may have what you are looking for and more info.

Not sure myself where it was but I am told it became a large housing estate and high school ? My source has now fallen asleep so I'll ask again tomorow Rolling Eyes

Good luck and happy searching.

Joined: 09 May 2005 Posts: 6504 Location: Glazebury

http://www.rafweb.org/Stations/Stations-P.htm
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I distrust camels and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.

Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Posts: 240 Location: Rhode Island

Joined: 21 Aug 2003 Posts: 120 Location: warrington

Thank You one and all for your information .

The only photo we can locate of the whole of RAF Padgate was taken during the war by a German aircraft.
We have a boundary map of both Padgate and Houghton Green camp and its interesting to see what now stands on the old camp grounds.
At that time all information such as maps and photos was strictly controled. So maps and photos are as rare as hens teeth.
Although there does not seem to have been much control over photos of groups of airmen on the camp.
We assume that the prohibition on maps and photos continued after the end of the war due to the begining of the cold war etc
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non

Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Posts: 240 Location: Rhode Island

This is the boundary as I remember it before the new roads and the old road extensions, although the Padgate side was equal in size to the Orford side if not larger. I can only remember that one road for sure on the Orford side too, (there was quite a few of them) About a dozen air raid shelters in each camp also, maybe Bill can pinpoint those, apparently he went fishing for tiddlers and tadpoles down inside them.

Maybe you can post the maps you have found.

Joined: 21 Aug 2003 Posts: 120 Location: warrington

Thank you Deme

I shall compare that to the sketches we already have

Does anyone remember the Spitfire that guarded the main gates in Station Rd.

It is a Spitfire AR614 Mk Vc

I say " it is " because it is still in the UK and in excellent flying condition

After seeing plenty of action during the war it was sold to the Air Museum in Calgary , Canada in 1963. It has since been returned to England

See www.hawker-restorations-ltd.co.uk/ar614
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non

Joined: 17 Nov 2002 Posts: 948 Location: Grappenhall

Is that the same Padgate camp?

Joined: 22 Jul 2008 Posts: 4

The Geographia street maps of Warrington published in the 50s and early 60s had plans of the camp, showing all the roads, positions of buildings, etc. I have one of 1962. Not in great detail of course. Like most kids who lived in the area when the camp was abandoned and part demolished we used it as a great adventure playground. Shockingly dangerous, by today's standards.

Joined: 21 Aug 2003 Posts: 120 Location: warrington

Byrdy,
Yes , its the same one

That is a missprint

It should read " RAF Padgate and RAF Kirby"

Two seperate camps that shared the aircraft.

I have also found a reference to a Lancaster Bomber that used to stand on the parade ground at Padgate although i cannot find any other info concerning that.

Sorry about the link . Im not the best in the world with a PC ! Very Happy

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non

Joined: 21 Aug 2003 Posts: 120 Location: warrington

Thanks Steel

I shall look for those publications.

I to played on the deserted camp as a kid, Your right it was a great adventure playground , Down in the shelters catching frogs or King of the fireing range, Dareing to walk across the dividing wall ! Watching Pete with his drag motorcycles on the long straight road.
Happy days long gone Sad

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non

Joined: 09 May 2005 Posts: 6504 Location: Glazebury

I have Padgate (& the war) to thank for me being here. My dad came down from Scotland to Padgate in 1941, was billetted three doors away from my mother, the rest as they say is history. Smile

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I distrust camels and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.

Joined: 03 Nov 2004 Posts: 25720 Location: Warrington

Think you'll discover that RAF Padgate was opened in the Spring of 1941 to provide basic training for airforce recruits. It's team of PTIs included such famous boxers of the time, as Jack London and Benny Lynch. It continued to train National Servicemen after the War, including Bob Monkhouse. Wink

Joined: 21 Aug 2003 Posts: 120 Location: warrington

The mis-fortunes of war hey Eagle !

I suppose you could be termed as collateral damage !

or a booby trap even lol Wink

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non