Flak Houses: Then And Now

By Keith Thomas

‘Flak’ Houses were the rest homes set up in England during the Second World War by the American Red Cross to provide centers of rest and recuperation for combat-weary airmen. These were usually situated in large country houses where flyers were permitted to wear civilian clothes and partake in a variety of sporting and recreational activities. All told, some 87,000 men passed through the R&R system before it disbanded in 1945. Keith Thomas covers the history of more than 20 Flak Houses in Britain and, in keeping with the theme of After the Battle publications, all are illustrated with ‘then and now’ comparison photos.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pen and Sword
• Release date: Nov 30, 2006
• ISBN: 9781399076937

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Ayelsford House

STATION 556

A contemporary aeriel view of Aylesford House showing the rear terrace and the extensive lawns. It still remains much the same today.

Aylesford House at Alton in Hampshire was simply known as Aylesford before the war. Historical records show that a Mrs Bethell acquired the land in 1933, and it was first rated in 1939 (R.V. £300.) which indicated it took six years to build. The owner and occupier then was the Hon. R. Bethell.

Taken by Sergeant James Freiburg of HQ 7th Reinforcement Depot, this picture shows the entrance hall with Red Cross girls Lisa Spillman and Ann Holman together with two officers, unfortunately names unknown.

Aylesford House opened on March 15, 1944 as Army Air Force Station 556 and closed in May 1945. It was designed initially for 25 officers, the commanding officer being Captain Walter C. Leeker. The staff included 2nd Lieutenant Frederick A. Reel Jnr, together with American Red Cross girls Kay Dean, Mary Smith, Lisa Spillman, Hazel Tarbutton and Betty Goit. Later in the war, this Rest Home took non-commissioned officers as well.

After the war Aylesford House was owned by Sir Robin McAlpine who also owned the Dorchester Hotel in London. With the large gardens at Aylesford, he was able to supply fresh vegetables and flowers daily to this very prestigious London hotel. His daughter and her husband now own the house but the market garden side has been closed down. Over the post-war years Aylesford House has been extended with an indoor swimming pool, garage block and enlarged kitchen. As this is a private residence, it is not open to the public.