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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Oxfordshire => Topic started by: eial on Monday 13 March 23 11:56 GMT (UK)

Title: Grove Camp/Hostel, Grove, Wantage.
Post by: eial on Monday 13 March 23 11:56 GMT (UK)

I am seeking information on Grove Camp/Hostel during the late 1940s/early 1950s.     I had a relative living there for a few years.    Was it a work camp or accommodation place after the war? Any information would be appreciated.    Thanks.

Title: Re: Grove Camp/Hostel, Grove, Wantage.
Post by: nanny jan on Monday 13 March 23 14:46 GMT (UK)

The county archives might be able to help:

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/leisure-and-culture/history/oxfordshire-history-centre

Title: Re: Grove Camp/Hostel, Grove, Wantage.
Post by: youngtug on Monday 13 March 23 15:55 GMT (UK)

https://www.grove-oxon.org.uk/the-history-of-grove/

Title: Re: Grove Camp/Hostel, Grove, Wantage.
Post by: hanes teulu on Monday 13 March 23 19:37 GMT (UK)

I googled "Iver grove camp" which delivered a few hits (some come up under "Ivor").

Title: Re: Grove Camp/Hostel, Grove, Wantage.
Post by: eial on Tuesday 14 March 23 05:41 GMT (UK)

Thank you for suggestion but that is a different place at Iver, Bucks.  This place is Grove, near Wantage.

Title: Re: Grove Camp/Hostel, Grove, Wantage.
Post by: eial on Tuesday 14 March 23 05:49 GMT (UK)

Thank you Nanny Jan and Youngtug for your suggestions.  I’ll probably try the Oxfordshire county archives.   I now know that in 1946 the base was returned  by USAAF to the RAF, and transferred in 1955 to UK Atomic Energy Authority.  Several relatives are listed on electoral rolls for late 40s/early 50s as living at the camp - I wanted to know what it was used for then.   
Thanks for your help.

Title: Re: Grove Camp/Hostel, Grove, Wantage.
Post by: HarryW on Wednesday 15 March 23 10:09 GMT (UK)

Quote from: eial on Tuesday 14 March 23 05:49 GMT (UK)

Thank you Nanny Jan and Youngtug for your suggestions.  I’ll probably try the Oxfordshire county archives.   I now know that in 1946 the base was returned  by USAAF to the RAF, and transferred in 1955 to UK Atomic Energy Authority.  Several relatives are listed on electoral rolls for late 40s/early 50s as living at the camp - I wanted to know what it was used for then.   
Thanks for your help.

From Wikipedia:

RAF Grove was returned to the RAF in 1946. After the war, the airfield was used for surplus aircraft disposal. In 1953, the RAF 431 Equipment Depot serving the 2nd Tactical air force in Germany was transferred from Hamburg to Grove.