taken 4 years ago, near to Eaton Upon Tern, Shropshire, England
WWII Shropshire: RAF Peplow - AML Bombing Teacher (1)
Known as a synthetic trainer, it was a dedicated building housing sophisticated equipment used in the training of bomb aimers, and for the practice of aerial bombing. This particular example was a dual Air Ministry Laboratory Bombing Teacher that acquired a modern roof in 2007 along with a 2nd storey extension on top of the projection booth (on right). Link.
History:
Opened in 1941 as RAF Child's Ercall, it was initially an SLG for RAF Ternhill, but was used later by the Airspeed Oxfords of 11 SFTS at Shawbury. It was renamed RAF Peplow in 1943 to avoid confusion with the airfield at High Ercall. After being rebuilt with three concrete runways, the airfield was again used for training purposes serving as a Bomber OTU operating with Vickers Wellingtons. With D-Day approaching in 1944, the station became a glider towing airfield of No 23 Heavy Glider Conversion Unit with Albemarle tugs and Horsa gliders. At the end of the war the RAF left Peplow after which it was then transferred to the Royal Navy, who renamed it HMS Godwit II. The airfield finally closed in 1949.