RAF Welford

RAF Welford is an active Royal Air Force station located in Berkshire, England, approximately 6 miles northwest of Newbury. The base was constructed in 1943 and initially operated by both the Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces during the Second World War, primarily serving as a transport airfield. During its USAAF control, it was known as USAAF Station AAF-474. Units such as the 315th Troop Carrier Group and the 435th Troop Carrier Group were stationed there, operating C-47s and C-53s.

After the war, RAF Welford was closed in 1946 and placed in reserve status. It was subsequently reopened in 1955 as a munitions depot by the United States Air Force, becoming one of the largest ammunition compounds for the USAF in Western Europe for heavy munitions. Although ownership was briefly transferred back to the RAF in April 1995, it was soon returned to USAF control. The base's function is closely tied to supporting bomber deployments, including B-1, B-2, and B-52 aircraft, to RAF Fairford.

Currently, RAF Welford is under the command of the 420th Munitions Squadron, which is part of the 501st Combat Support Wing. The base has an elevation of 147 meters and features three asphalt runways, all designated 00/00. A notable historical event includes the crash of a Lancaster DV290 on the airfield on March 31, 1944, which resulted in the loss of all eight occupants.