RAF Ibsley Battle Headquarters

​​Access to the woods where the Battle HQ is located can be gained via the public footpath trail on the main road. As you enter the edge of the woodland the remains of concrete ammunition storage areas that have since been destroyed start to be visible. 

​Following the main trail that leads up and to the side of the wood, at the top is a clearing where the HQ is located on the left side. Caution should be taken when exploring the HQ remains due to uneven floors and darkness. A torch is recommended, the entrance into the main bunker is gated. 

​In the early years of the war, this position would have been used if the UK had been invaded and an attack made on RAF Ibsley. The main command bunker had several rooms for offices and communication. Steps lead from these areas into two separate cupola/observation areas. Back in the 1940’s the woods were not present so from this high ground position it offered expansive views across the airfields but also around the surrounding countryside. 

​There were two anti-aircraft positions around the HQ, which would have contained two Vickers machine guns. One concrete circle can still be seen and several slit trench positions can also still be located with corrugated metal revetments still in place. 

​The position was never needed to defend the airfield from ground attack by an invading army but would have been utilised during any air attacks on the airfield.