Greenham Common – RAF Base History 1941–1992 & Legacy

​Greenham Common was a pivotal RAF and US Air Force base located south of Newbury and Thatcham in Berkshire. Active from World War II through the Cold War and later home to the 501st Tactical Missile Wing equipped with Ground Launched Cruise Missiles (GLCM), the base played a key role in 20th-century defence and geopolitics. Though the airfield closed in September 1992, Greenham Common’s history lives on through this digital archive — a tribute to its past and a resource for historians, veterans, and the public.

Discover the Rich History of RAF Greenham Common

Explore detailed sections covering:

• World War II operations and the role of Greenham Common during global conflict.

• Cold War era: the arrival of USAF Strategic Air Command and B-47s, followed by the 501st Tactical Missile Wing.

• The Cruise Missile period: deployment, protests, and base closure.

• Post-closure legacy: how Greenham Common is remembered today through archives, photos, films, and community memory.

Browse Our Archives — Photos, Documents & Personal Stories

We host an extensive collection of materials, including:

• Vintage photographs of the base, personnel, and aircraft

• Historic maps (e.g. 1957 airfield map below)

• Personal accounts, guestbook entries, and forum discussions

• Rare film footage and documented testimonies

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