Bedford Airfield, Bedfordshire. Thurleigh Airbase hosted the 8th US Airforce during the Second World War and was known as station 111. Shortly after the War, Thurleigh was developed as a testing facility (and became known as the Royal Aerospace Establishment Bedford) that included wind tunnels and a proposed five mile long runway (never completed). The base, of which this turning apron is part, was closed in 1993. Photographed in September 2000