The Foxy Cinema
Communal Site – Grafton Park Wood
A center of entertainment and community during World War II
The Heart of Entertainment
The airfield at Grafton Underwood was initially completed by George Wimpey & Co. Limited in late 1941. Initially used for training purposes by the Royal Air Force, the airfield underwent a process of improvement and expansion during early 1942 that added to the infrastructure of the site, and the lengthening of the runways. The first American units arrived in May 1942.
An aerial photograph in February 1942 shows the Communal Site complex in Grafton Park Wood to have not yet been started. The Foxy Cinema was to become a key site within the Communal Site during the operation of the airfield, and it was sited at the centre of the complex, next to the Sergeants Mess.
Timeline of the Foxy Cinema
Construction Begins
The airfield was completed by George Wimpey & Co. Limited. An aerial photograph from February 1942 shows the Communal Site complex in Grafton Park Wood had not yet been started.
The Cinema Opens
First photographs of the initial structure of the Foxy Cinema are dated as August 1943. Initially the Cinema was a simple Nissen Hut structure.
Expansion & Enhancement
By January 1944, an annex had been added to the front of the building that housed an entrance lobby, and also possibly an area that housed the film projectors.
A Community Gathering Place
The Cinema hosted many popular films of the time, and also live shows. In many of the photographs it is possible to see the film currently showing as it is posted above the entrance doorways. It is also possible in some images to appreciate the importance of this facility as a source of entertainment and offering a chance to relax, by the number of bicycles that are parked in front of the cinema building.
A Sweet Treat
Under the supervision of base Commanding Officer Dale O. Smith, at times the cinema was able to offer fresh ice cream to its visitors, no doubt a very welcome addition.
Upon taking over control of the unit and airfield, Col. Smith was a fierce critic of the food being offered to the personnel of the 384th Bomb Group. He set about making changes to improve the standards offered – some ice cream making machinery was discovered in Kettering and with funds from the Officers Club, the machinery was purchased and brought to the airfield.
Innovation in Action: By mixing a combination of the ample supplies of powdered egg and milk that were available with water, and utilising starter motors from the B-17 engines to drive the mixing equipment, soon delicious fresh ice cream became readily available.
Visual Journey Through Time
The Cinema Today
Today, the structure of the cinema has gone. But look closely and you will see the bicycle racks set into the concrete, and the step and footprint of the wall pillars that once stood at the front wall of the building.
Bicycle Racks
Still embedded in the concrete
Wall Pillars
Footprints remain visible
Visit the Site Today
When visiting the former site of the Foxy Cinema, look for the bicycle racks still embedded in the concrete and the remnants of the wall pillars – silent witnesses to the entertainment and camaraderie that once filled this space.
Part of the 384th Bombardment Group Museum Heritage Trail