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View Full Version : RAF Greenham Common GAMA Site, August 2012



True_British_Metal
13-09-2012, 12:47 PM
Hey guys, I would've posted an introduction but I'm pretty sure the vast majority are aware of me and what I do (I'm not new to this hobby) so I thought I'd go straight ahead to posting a report. Apologies for it being late.

Visited with Zotez and a mate of ours. I'd been wanting to go here for a while now, but put it a few times because a lot of it is actually sealed up tight. Then again, along with RAF Upper Heyford it's among the most potent reminders of the power of nuclear war so it's something every explorer should have on their list at some point. It was a good explore, but a shame we picked a day on which it rained quite heavily, so my photos weren't quite as good as they could've been. Though depending on your perspective, perhaps they give the photos a doom and gloom element? I thought access would be very difficult, but now that the razor wire has been removed climbing the fence would have been a lot easier. But then the other 2 didn't feel up for climbing it, so after much examination, we found ways through the first 2 fences which were pretty well hidden let me tell you. The other 2 fences were a doddle.

As we got in, we chose to check out the WW2 igloo shelters. Over the years they've been used as secure storage, but I doubt they still are (with the exception of one building).

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8442/7780331264_d78d8bcb87_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8440/7780333870_5ae04b9c58_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7106/7780335586_c079d880c8_z.jpg

And now, up to the main shelters. There were a few outbuildings, but most were welded shut and the one I did enter resulted in a storm of bats flying out in my face!
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7266/7780336632_b90f916dd2_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7131/7780338922_363b444d1b_z.jpg

The sheer size and proportion to you isn't done justice by the photos!
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7268/7780342740_1318c0fd5f_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/7780344176_f4589ed2be_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8287/7780347016_ee6c318611_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8284/7780348660_e4fa26d50b_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/7780350214_51a9bcd12c_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/7780354246_b9e6865921_z.jpg

Bear in mind, that steel is so thick it came up above my knees!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/7780355848_d16f6e1434_z.jpg

Having seen them in photos and videos, I went looking for access to the underground shelters. Unfortunately the access from the main shelters had been turfed over, and the access shown here had padlocked doors, and a shitload of concrete put in front of the door. Took the piss when we could see down them! I wouldn't do it myself, but if ever one of those vents came off (left) you'd be able to drop down! There were also ways from within the shelters themselves, but again they were padlocked with heavy duty locks.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8437/7780357412_321f7979b3_z.jpg

Making our way over to the gatehouse, again the doors were either welded shut or padlocked. We could JUST see through the bulletproof glass, and even though it looked empty I REALLY do wish I'd been able to get in!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7780360456_1eedf644d2_z.jpg

Luckily the pheasant scarer/exploding cartridge Mookie tripped here had been removed!
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/7780363742_4f656c0f45_z.jpg

One last view over the site.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8308/7780365348_b15aa2c16a_z.jpg

Expect a few more reports from me to come! With love,

TBM

Tankman
13-09-2012, 07:06 PM
Nice one TBM, having been to the GAMA myself, its a fantastic place!
And welcome to the forums.

GeoVDUB
16-09-2012, 01:47 PM
Nice stuff boss, seen a few reports on this place and like the look of it.

ERNIE99_UK
17-09-2012, 02:42 PM
Its a place id like to visit sometime. Amazing place with such a rich depth of history.

-Walsh-
17-09-2012, 07:46 PM
Nice that, wouldnt mind a mooch here myself.

Tankman
11-12-2012, 06:47 PM
The whole of the GAMA site, is now up for sale at two million pounds!:shocked