Back in 2019, site clearance by the Boughton Estate uncovered two long forgotten about structures on the Headquarters Site of the old airfield at RAF Grafton Underwood. On the edges of Grafton Park Wood, many of the basic buildings on the site had succumbed to years of neglect and weather damage, with the might of nature lending a hand in their final demise. With the site now thick in undergrowth and scrub, and buried below years of fallen debris, only the Operations Block and Norden Bomb Sight Store remained standing. This was as a testimony to their construction – they were key buildings and designed to be survivable in the instance the airfield came under attack, their substantial structures had just about been able to withstand over 75 years of decline.

Once uncovered, a decision was needed on their future. For the Estate, their purpose was limited. For a group of local enthusiasts who had an avid interest in the airfield, headed by Neill Howarth (384th Bombardment Group Museum Chairman), their historical value was very much appreciated. In 2019, the first meeting of what was to become the 384th Bombardment Group Museum was held in the Village Hall at Grafton Underwood, to discuss the feasibility and interest of creating a Museum on site, with potentially the two remaining buildings as focal points of such a project.

At this point, there were many obstacles to overcome. Negotiations & discussions would be needed with Boughton Estate, the owners of the buildings and the land they sat on. Was there support of a group of volunteers to take such a project on? Would there be interest in such a project from the wider community?

Discussions Start…and stop
Discussions began during the latter part of 2019 with Boughton Estate, before a halt was forced in Jan 2020 as the full effect of Covid-19 fell across the UK. The project remained on hold for the rest of the year, with the lock down rendering further progress at this point impossible.

First Workday
By early 2021, with the country returning to some kind of normality, the project was able to recommence. Whilst discussions were underway with the Estate regarding building purchase and land lease, work was allowed to commence on the site with regards to clearing the substantial amounts of undergrowth that now choked the area – the first workday being held on April 10th 2021 with a fledgling Volunteer work force.

Work continued regularly with Volunteer teams clearing the site. It was a mammoth undertaking, but gradually the site started to clear and take shape. Hidden elements were uncovered – hut bases, bicycle racks, pathways etc – and the buildings cleared of debris.

Buildings Purchased and Lease Agreed
After much work to ensure the requirements of both the Estate and the Museum were covered, an agreement was finally agreed for the Museum to take ownership of the buildings and to lease the area of land that was to become the Museum site. This was completed & signed on 30th October 2023.

The Future
Work continues on the site to return it to something comparable to its wartime condition.

The Operations Block and Norden Bomb Site Store will continue to be worked on to preserve their character, and to return them to 1940’s condition both inside and out, giving visitors the opportunity to step back in time.

The construction of the Visitor Centre on the original site of the Station Headquarters Offices will give visitors an opportunity to step inside and learn the history of the airfield, the 384th Bomb Group and the many people whose stories helped build the legacy of the unit. In time, as resources allow, there are the options to add the Finance Offices, and Briefing Rooms also back onto their original bases. The project will continue to evolve as time passes, we’re all excited to see what the future holds.

The Museum project is indebted to Boughton Estate for their assistance in helping to turn this dream into a reality.