RAF Ibsley Watch Office once played a crucial part in Britain’s fight against the dark forces of Hitler’s planned invasion. The building at the former Second World War airfield in the New Forest now stands derelict and in peril.

 

Historic building conservation charity the Landmark Trust is developing plans to save the derelict Watch Office (or control tower) at the former RAF Ibsley, near Ringwood in Hampshire. One of twelve Second World War airfields in the New Forest, Ibsley saw active service between 1941 and 1944 for both the RAF and the USAAF.

 

With 74% of the funding for the project already secured, the Landmark Trust hopes to begin restoration work next year. In the meantime, the charity is researching the history of RAF Ibsley, and would be delighted to hear from RAF Club members who may have memories and personal connections to the airfield and the squadrons based there.

 

Considered by the Airfield Research Group as one of the most important at-risk buildings of its type, the Watch Office at RAF Ibsley is a rare survivor of the Air Ministry’s 518/40 design, unique in still having its concrete viewing balcony. The airfield was used as a filming location for The First of the Few, starring Leslie Howard as R J Mitchell, and David Niven, featuring serving airmen from 118 Squadron in both flying sequences and minor speaking roles. Yet today, after decades of neglect and vandalism, the Watch Office stands derelict and on the brink of collapse.

 

Established in 1965, the Landmark Trust has been rescuing at-risk historic buildings for nearly 60 years. The charity’s Director, Dr Anna Keay OBE, said ‘RAF Ibsley Watch Office is a wartime monument to human courage and rescue by the Landmark Trust is its last hope. With help, we can save this fragment of history, remember the brave people who once worked here, and ensure it stands proud for years to come.’  

 

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston commented, ‘It will be so exciting to see the derelict RAF Ibsley Watch Office rescued, restored and looked after by the Landmark Trust…Landmark’s tremendous track record in saving historic buildings means I have no doubt the future of RAF Ibsley will be safe in their hands.’

 

The charity hopes to restore RAF Ibsley Watch Office to its 1940s appearance while adapting it for up to eight holidaying guests, enabling public access while protecting the building and its significance in perpetuity. The restoration will combine environmental sustainability and accessibility, honour wartime aesthetics yet introduce modern comforts. The former Control Room will become a kitchen, dining and living area with sweeping views, the former offices, rest rooms and stores will become bedrooms and bathrooms. The balcony and roof terrace will be restored, and rare bats will be protected. A programme of regular free public open days will welcome everyone, and all visitors will be able to experience the thought-provoking site and surrounding nature reserve that the former airfield has become. 

 

Further information on the project can be found on the charity’s website RAF Ibsley Watch Office Appeal | The Landmark Trust and anyone with links to RAF Ibsley is encouraged to get in touch by emailing ibsley@landmarktrust.org.uk.

 

Photographs of RAF Ibsley Watch Office in its current state of advanced dilapidation are available from here.