American Army Timeline

Army Base
1942
Nov 04

Construction begins on Camp Griffiss

Bushy Park becomes home to the US Eighth Air Force (8AF). On October 11, American and British soldiers at Bushy Park attend the first joint church service held in England. Later in the year USAF troops hold a Thanksgiving party for local school children.

1943
Jan 02

American boxer Joe Lewis visits

Professional boxer Joe Lewis visits Camp Griffiss, and takes part in an exhibition bout with Corporal Tommy Thompson. 8AF hosts a Christmas party for local school children.

1944
Jan 02

8AF moves to High Wycombe

Camp Griffiss now serves as base for USSTAF (US Strategic Air Forces in Europe) and SHAEF (Supreme HQ Allied Expeditionary Force). The Major Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band plays at Camp Griffiss. At Bushy Park, General Eisenhower leads planning for Operation Overlord (the codename for the D-Day landings in Normandy). USSTAF and SHAEF troops move to Portsmouth on June 2.

1945
Jan 02

RAF base

RAF base

Following successful liberation of Europe, Camp Griffiss is used as a base by the RAF.

1946
Jan 02

Temporary social housing

The buildings at Camp Griffiss act as temporary social housing for those left homeless by war.

1948
Jan 02

USAF returns

USAF returns to Bushy Park for the Berlin Airlift.

1949
Jan 02

USAF transfers to Ruislip

USAF holds a farewell dance before transferring to Ruislip. They leave behind a small group of troops, including USAF police and a weather squadron, for ongoing operations.

1952
Jan 02

Home to schools

The site becomes home to junior and high schools for US military dependents, most notably the London Central High School (LCHS).

1962
Jan 02

Leaving Bushy Park

LCHS leaves Bushy Park and demolition of the camp buildings begins.

1963
Jan 02

Camp closed

All buildings are pulled down. US flag lowered for the last time on October 1.

1994
Jan 02

Commemoration

Plaques celebrating Camp Griffiss are erected to commemorate 50th anniversary of D-Day.