Group    From 1942  To 1965

Camp Griffiss / Widewing

Categories: Armed Forces

WW2 US military base in Bushy Park named after the first American aviator killed in Europe in WW2.

Four blocks of temporary buildings were constructed in 60 acres in the north-east section of Bushy Park, blocks A, B, C, and D. It’s said that their original purpose was to house businesses escaping from the London Blitz but when the US 8th Air Force, a strategic bombing force, arrived in February 1942 these blocks were reallocated to the Yanks.

The camp went on to serve as the European Headquarters for USAAF July 1942 - December 1944, and as Eisenhower's SHAEF January 1944 - c.April 1944. Camp Griffiss was housed in numerous permanent and temporary buildings and under canvas.

There was also an air-strip in Bushy Park, further south near the Royal Paddocks. At its peak some 4000 personnel were working, and some of them also living, in the Park. The picture source gives more details. All demolished in the 1960’s.

The command of WW2 was, as one might expect, complicated. Our researches into how this camp was used led us into a morass of dates and acronyms, confusing and contradictory. Suffice it to say Camp Griffiss was an important site for the Americans and the overall command.

The picture source also has a photo of some US graffiti cut into a brick at the nearby "ice house in Home Park, next to Hampton Court and near to the Kingston gate".

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Camp Griffiss / Widewing

Commemorated ati

Camp Griffiss, Block A, NE corner

{On the left side:} This is the site of the north east corner of "A" block, C...

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Camp Griffiss, Block A, NW corner

{On the left side:} This is the site of the north west corner of “A” block, C...

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Camp Griffiss, Block A, SE corner

{On the left side:} This is the site of the south east corner of “A” block, C...

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Camp Griffiss, Block A, SW corner

{On the left side:} This is the site of the south west corner of “A” block, C...

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Camp Griffiss, Block B, NE corner

{On the left side:} This is the site of the north east corner of "B" block, C...

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Show all 18

Other Subjects

Wm. J. George

Wm. J. George

Resident of the Central Ward, Hendon who served and died in WW1.

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R. L. Westcott

R. L. Westcott

Resident of Hendon who served and died in WW2.

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Frank Potter

Frank Potter

Resident of the Central Ward, Hendon who served and died in WW1.

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1 memorial
R. Perrett

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J. Lyons & Co. Ltd. staff member who died in WW2.

Person, Armed Forces

War dead, WW2
1 memorial
Frank A. Smith

Frank A. Smith

Resident of the Central Ward, Hendon who served and died in WW1.

Person, Armed Forces

War dead, WW1
1 memorial

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J. Northam

Parishioner of St John Horsleydown killed in WW1.

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Norwegian ice business

Norwegian ice business

Ice was cut in Norway, transported by ship to London, stored and then distributed by cart to restaurants and homes. See the picture source website for a very well told story.

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Ladywell Assembly

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