Monument record 1296/2 - Chelveston Nuclear Bomb Stores

{1} Politically, atomic bomb stores represent the physical manifestation of a close relationship between the USA & UK in respect of nuclear weapons policy. In the early 1950's distinctive bomb stores constructed on US bases to support SAC & USAF aircraft stationed in the UK. Referred to at the time as Special Storage Areas, the individual mounded bomb stores within these areas being termed 'Igloos'. Nuclear Bomb stores at Chelveston are one of two suggested for Scheduling in Northants by MPP, the other being at Wittering. The Chelveston Nuclear Bomb Store at TL00976951 is described as a well-preserved & relativley unaltered example of a distinctive 1950's USAF munitions storage area. Squadrons based at the airfield during the 1950's and early 1960's were assigned to USAF's Strategic Air Command, carriers of the West's principal nuclear deterrent until the introduction of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. "The munitions storage area comprises characteristic storage bunkers or 'Igloos', inspection buildings, and perimeter fencing." Currently disused.
The MPP report list of principal US airfields 1950s/60s in England includes Chelveston occupied between 1955-62 by SAC; Igloos present; current use bomb stores and USAF communications. No other USAF airfields wholly within Northants.

<1> Cocroft W.D., 2001, Cold War Monuments: An Assessment by The MPP, (part checked) (Unpublished Report). SNN101963.

<2> Skinner C., 2005, Bomb Stores of Former RAF Chelveston, Northamptonshire: Letter and Attachments, Including Photos, (checked) (Correspondence). SNN105207.

Record last edited

May 7 2014 2:15PM