While it is now the site of HM Prison Kirkham, a category D men’s prison, it was once used as an RAF base. It was built by George Wimpey and construction on the site began in 1939 before the 1940 opening date. It was primarily used as a training camp for tens of thousands of RAF tradesmen and women. In November 1941 Kirkham became the main armament training centre for the RAF, with different trades and courses on equipment and weapons. From May to December 1945 Kirkham became a demobilisation centre and trained RAF boy entrants until December 1957 when it closed as an RAF base.
While it is now the site of HM Prison Kirkham, a category D men’s prison, it was once used as an RAF base. It was built by George Wimpey and construction on the site began in 1939 before the 1940 opening date. It was primarily used as a training camp for tens of thousands of RAF tradesmen and women. In November 1941 Kirkham became the main armament training centre for the RAF, with different trades and courses on equipment and weapons. From May to December 1945 Kirkham became a demobilisation centre and trained RAF boy entrants until December 1957 when it closed as an RAF base.
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