High Wycombe, Wycombe Abbey School c.1955

Photo ref: H84302

More about this scene

During the Second World War the town was declared safe for both industry and people. A lot of London companies relocated, such as Cossor's - they made cathode ray tubes and radar screens, essential elements in the war effort. Indeed, the author's uncle, an electronics engineer, arrived in High Wycombe in 1942 to work at Cossor's relocated factory. Wycombe also became an important aircraft parts manufacturing centre, notably for the De Havilland Mosquito and the Wellington bomber. In the 1930s, Dancer & Hearn of The American Army at Wycombe Abbey In 1942, during the Second World War, the girls were evacuated from Wycombe Abbey School - they were given thirteen days notice. The school had been requisitioned for 8th Bomber Command. Later the US 8th Army Air Force headquarters moved in from the end of 1943 until 1946, when the girls returned. Numerous huts once stood on the present lacrosse pitches. During the war the Glenn Miller Orchestra played at Wycombe Abbey (on 29 July 1944), and the splendidly named General James H Dolittle (1896–1993) commanded the 8th USAAF here from May 1944 to July 1945. The school receives many American visitors, but a decreasing number of 8th USAAF veterans.