The former Waterbeach Barracks has a long and important history dating from the Second 
World War, through the post war years as an RAF base and then as home to the Engineer Regiment from 1966 to 2013.
Today was the annual 514 Squadron reunion, held at the Waterbeach Military Heritage Museum. To be able to talk to the former servicemen was a humbling experience.
The 514 Squadron was based at Waterbeach Barracks from November 1943 through to August 1945. There motto was ‘Nil Obstare Potest’ – nothing can withstand.
During that time they flew 3675 sorties on 218 bombing raids, dropped 14,650 tons of bombs. They played an active role in supporting the D-Day operations and thereafter, in October 1944 saw a peak of 386 sorties. The losses encountered were high with 426 aircrew and nine ground crew losing their lives whilst serving with the squadron. Especially when you consider that in April 1944 there were a total of 373 ground crew personnel and 291 aircrew personnel.
When operations were completed in August 1945, it is sad to note that there was no formal recognition or events at the time to mark the disbanding of the Squadron.
As many of you know, the Waterbeach Barracks closed a few years ago. With Urban and Civic now managing the site some facilities are coming back into use. This includes the Museum (with about 5-10% of it collection on display). Since then a Trustee group has been working hard to fully re-open the Museum. The good
news is that this is coming to fruition with the Museum expected to be back in full operation later in the year.
The 514 Squadron website is certainly worth viewing to fully understand their contribution during the Second World War.
