RAF Tilstock, Near Whitchurch
 

First a bit of history: Opened in 1915 as a training base for the British Army, it had a capacity for 30,000 men for training in trench warfare. It additionally acted later as a store for supplies, with its own railway depot feed by a 1 mile (1.6 km) branch line from the LNWR's Crewe and Shrewsbury Railway. As casualties mounted, it became a hospital with a fully fledged barracks. The scale and size of the camp brought about the appointment of the first female police officers in the Shropshire Constabulary, to manage and restrain local women from heading to the camp. After the war ended, the facilities were downgraded, with the British Government keeping ownership of the site for Army training purposes.

This is my second trip to this place. The first time was a couple of years ago. I stumbled across it coming back from filming the cooling towers at Ironbridge. Armed with just my phone and a tripod, the first visit was brief, as I was on my own and got a little spooked. You can see the results of the film here.

A second visit this week with a non member armed with my trusty 550D. This trip we had much more time to explore. Looking at another post I think we missed a chunk of buildings. Next time maybe?

Anyway, on to the pics. Some of the rooms were pretty dark, but I resisted flash, just relying on the glow of our head torches. Enjoy.



Wires in the darkness
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5529/9...5fdc7654_b.jpg

The exchange
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/9...edbd64b9_b.jpg

Ventilation
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2806/9...1241804c_b.jpg

Switch
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7353/9...cbd749d3_b.jpg

Fallen
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5480/9...b78d8cd9_b.jpg

I couldn't resist a self portrait
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3747/9...f0ea597e_b.jpg

Approaching the hut
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/9...66e720e1_b.jpg

Inside
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/9...4e93773c_b.jpg

Natural lighting
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/9...67ace1bc_b.jpg

Belts
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/9...b67e2b9e_b.jpg

Overturned
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/9...7a742b82_b.jpg

Watch this space
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2824/9...698493c8_b.jpg

The door
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3770/9...6cf4d3f5_b.jpg

The view from the other side
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3779/9...1679a315_b.jpg

The car
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7447/9...a56d839b_b.jpg

Fuel intake
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/9...359b0f16_b.jpg

Trashed
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/9...02212e11_b.jpg

Doors
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/9...260814a2_b.jpg

Wheel and boot
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2823/9...7274868b_b.jpg

Double entry
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7389/9...38529e24_b.jpg

The corridoor
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/9...f3a45ce4_b.jpg

Enquiries
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/9...5a10b94f_b.jpg

More enquiries
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/9...04749722_b.jpg

Leaving
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/9...49f98196_b.jpg

Somebody's bra collection
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5503/9...c9658e94_b.jpg

I think you've got some great pictures from a place that probably wouldn't appear too exciting on the surface. Nicely lit too

Nicely photographed!

Thanks. Avoided using flash, so it was down to focusing with a Maglite and then exposing for up to 30 seconds. You're right, RAF Tilston isn't that exciting, but that's the challenge! :)

Visited this site a couple years ago with a couple of my Cadets. I beleive the land is now up for sale, though this needs confirming. For anyone that is interested, the car is a 1949 Talbot Sunbeam, apparently owned by Furbers of Whitchurch.

There is now a 'sold' sign at the entrance.

Edit: Planning permission granted for clearance and housing.