We had a trip to Cambridge and decided whilst up there we would look at a few memorials at wartime airfields remembering those who never returned. they ranged from the modest to the grand, to be fair Steeple Morden needed to be big as the losses on the roll of honour at each side were substantial. it's Mustang propeller, btw.
All rather nice, and still some remnants of the airfields visible.
Couldn't find one, as it is now inside and army barracks. So, on way home we stopped at RAF Debden, which is now a part of Carver barracks. It's by the road so we got out and took some pics, looked at the runway behind the memorial, and suddenly we were surrounded by Military Police. It turns out that they have several instances of graffiti and vandalism on the memorial, plus someone using it as a picnic site so they had set up cameras and come down when people hove to.
They soon decided we were harmless, and OH went on a charm offensive and said we had been going around the memorials, and her dad was on Lancaster's etc, and sorry we worried them. Next thing
"Would you like a tour of the RAF side of the base"
We had a nice tour round, including the radar tower which is still in use by the military. Eerie feeling standing in the middle of the runway imagining those that flew out never to return. We asked about Bassinbourn memorial which has a propeller from the Memphis Belle. it was as we thought since it became an army barracks the memorial is inside the grounds now. Oh well not to worry.
Then as we went to leave one of the police came up and said " I have spoken to my boss, and he has spoken to Bassingbourn commander, and if you give us some details, they will contact you regarding a visit.
We came out somewhat happy, and had a good look outside, we couldn't see the cameras, talk about well hidden. But at least we can say we were nearly arrested by the Military Police