SNN117056 - HISTORIC BUILDING RECORDING OF FORMER WORLD WAR TWO RAF HUSBANDS, BOSWORTH OPERATIONS BLOCK AND CREW BRIEFING ROOM, AIRFIELD FARM, SULBY, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE NN6 6EZ

This report presents the results of historic building recording carried out by Pre-Construct Archaeology Limited on outbuildings at Airfield Farm, Sulby, Northamptonshire in advance of proposed redevelopment. The report was commissioned by Marrons Planning on behalf of Mark and Emma Sandall. The outbuildings are non-designated heritage assets which were originally part of the former RAF Husbands Bosworth, a Second World War bomber airfield. The structures were previously identified as an Operations Block and a Crew Briefing Room, both built to Air Ministry specification 228/43. The buildings were recorded to Historic England Level 2 (Crew Briefing Room) and Level 3 (Operations Block). The report provides a comprehensive photographic record of the structures prior to conversion and a review of their local, regional and national historical context. In addition, the architectural and historical development of Second World War Bomber Command Operations Blocks and Crew Briefing Rooms is discussed. Supported by documentary research, the recording survey identified the functions of the various offices and rooms within the buildings and explored the relationships between them. Surviving original fixtures and fittings were recorded in detail. Because the Operations Block served as the airfield’s command and communications hub, the telecommunications infrastructure of the building was investigated. The survey also enabled the original configuration of the air-conditioning system to be reconstructed.