American Army Timeline


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.
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.
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.
Temporary social housing
The buildings at Camp Griffiss act as temporary social housing for those left homeless by war.
USAF returns
USAF returns to Bushy Park for the Berlin Airlift.
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.
Home to schools
The site becomes home to junior and high schools for US military dependents, most notably the London Central High School (LCHS).
Leaving Bushy Park
LCHS leaves Bushy Park and demolition of the camp buildings begins.
Camp closed
All buildings are pulled down. US flag lowered for the last time on October 1.
Commemoration
Plaques celebrating Camp Griffiss are erected to commemorate 50th anniversary of D-Day.