Life on the airfield was busy and intense, with aircraft taking off and landing at all hours of the day and night. The airfield was home to thousands of personnel, including aircrew, groundcrew, and administrative staff. The airfield’s facilities included a range of amenities, including a cinema, a gym, and a chapel.

Engineers play a ball game

Despite the demands of wartime operations, the personnel at RAF Eye found time to relax and enjoy themselves. The airfield’s social calendar was filled with events, including concerts, dances, and sporting competitions. The airfield’s personnel also participated in local events, including the annual Eye village fete, however due to segregation at the time the black engineers were allowed in the local town during specific times of the day only. They instead would stay on the base and pass time by playing games and completing errands.