The Upottery Airfield Nissen Hut Heritage Centre, located in Upottery, Devon, is dedicated to preserving the history of Upottery Airfield, which was an important site during World War II. The centre focuses on the airfield’s role during the war, specifically as a base for the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) and the British RAF. The museum is housed in a historic Nissen hut, a distinctive structure used during the war for various military purposes.
The Upottery Airfield Nissen Hut Heritage Centre
Slough Lane
Smeatharpe
Honiton
Devon, EX14 9RD
Good Friday – last Sunday of October (unless otherwise stated)
- Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays 11:00 – 16:00
Entrance Heritage centres is by donation.
Collection
The Upottery Airfield Nissen Hut Heritage Centre‘s unique Original Photographic Archive Documenting the major role this historic airfield played during the night of June 5th and the D-Day operation on June 6th 1944 and the Bravery of the men who flew from here.
- Film of the D day Landings
- The Uniforms they Wore
- The Weapons they used
- The conditions they Lived in
- Dioramas & Models
- Local WW2 Memorabilia
Key Highlights
- History of Upottery Airfield:
- The airfield was constructed in 1943 and played an essential role in the D-Day operations, with aircraft flying from Upottery to support the Normandy invasion.
- The centre offers an in-depth look at the airfield’s history, from its construction and operational years to its later use by other military units.
- Nissen Hut Exhibits:
- The Nissen hut itself is a historic structure that provides a glimpse into the wartime atmosphere. These huts were used as barracks, storage, and operational bases during WWII.
- Inside the hut, visitors can explore displays showcasing the daily lives of the men and women who worked at Upottery, including artifacts such as uniforms, photographs, and personal items.
- Aircraft and Military Displays:
- Although the museum does not house complete aircraft, it features several aircraft parts, models, and artifacts related to planes that operated from Upottery, such as B-24 Liberators and B-17 Flying Fortresses.
- There are also displays on aviation technology, aircraft engines, and the equipment used during WWII missions.
- The Role of the USAAF:
- Upottery was a key base for the USAAF 440th Bomb Group, and the museum features detailed exhibits about the group’s missions, including aircraft operations and combat sorties.
- Personal stories of the airmen who served at Upottery are also part of the exhibit, highlighting their contributions to the war effort.
- Memorial and Commemoration:
- A memorial area is dedicated to those who served at Upottery Airfield and the men and women who lost their lives in combat.
- The The Upottery Airfield Nissen Hut Heritage Centre honors the legacy of the “D-Day” operation and features a Roll of Honour for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Photos Mark Griffiths