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RAF Greenham Common was an RAF and US Air Force base south of Newbury & Thatcham in Berkshire. This was once an airfield that operated through World War Two, the Cold War (with USAF Strategic Air Command and B-47s) and later with the US Air Force 501st Tactical Missile Wing with 96 Ground Launched Cruise Missiles (GLCM). Despite protests and controversy, the mission was achieved and the Cold War was won. Greenham Common closed in September 1992 but the base lives on in our memories as a victory for freedom and a validation of a strong defense.
Explore the site by the menu at the top and bottom of the page. You'll find a big range of material of Greenham Common and RAF Welford history. You may also like to know that a book is now available on the history of Greenham Common and Welford. Details at the foot of the page.
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Greenham Common map (click to expand)
NEWS:​
Dec 12 2025: B-17/Horsa crash remembrance event:
The Royal British Legion and Greenham Common Control Tower join together to hold a Memorial Service for U.S. Servicemen at 12:00 noon. This annual service honours the lives lost in two tragic incidents at Greenham Common during December 1944. On 12 December 1944, a Horsa glider crashed at Greenham Common, resulting in the deaths of 31 troops and two pilots. Just three days later, on 15 December 1944, two B-17 Flying Fortresses returning from a raid over Germany collided in poor weather above Greenham. Of the 18 airmen on board, only two survived.
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A revised version of In Defense of Freedom; a History of RAF Greenham Common is now available.​
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Since May 7 2018
