A ‘secret’ M4 junction that thousands of motorists pass every day goes unnoticed by many, as reported by Wales Online. The access road, marked “works unit only,” leads to RAF Welford, one of the largest US Air Force ammunition dumps in Western Europe. Despite the gate at the end of the road being firmly locked and signs indicating it’s not part of the public road network, the site has been used by the American Air Force since World War II for secure storage of explosives.
The base, located in Berkshire, sees heightened activity when the US deploys bombers like the B-52 to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. While the base may appear mysterious, it is not entirely concealed, with clear signposts from a nearby road leading to the main entrance. Easily accessible information reveals its history from WWII, as evidenced by landmarks such as Eisenhower Avenue, named after the esteemed WWII commander and President.
Contrary to the secrecy surrounding sites like Area 51, RAF Welford’s presence is known, with the RAF Welford snack bar even garnering Google reviews. The nature of the base, its operations, and the byelaws enforced by the Ministry of Defence can be intriguing for those who venture beyond the locked gate. Through these revelations, the once obscure location gains a touch of familiarity for passing motorists, who can now connect the dots between the unassuming junction and its significant military purpose.