Hillside – Hughenden’s Second World War Secret 2027

In 1941, during the Second World War, the Air Ministry requisitioned Hughenden Manor and transformed it into a secret centre of map making for RAF Bomber Command, codenamed 'Hillside'. Due to its secluded woodland setting and proximity to key RAF sites, and just four miles from Bomber Command HQ, and near RAF Benson, Medmenham, Hughenden played a vital role in producing accurate maps used in aerial reconnaissance and bombing missions across Europe.

Contacts

Operator: National Trust

Address: Hughenden Manor Nr High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP14 4LA

Telephone: 01494 755 565
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website: View website

Open Days & Times

Summer: 16 Feb-1 Nov 1100-1700. Winter: 2 Nov-15 Feb closes 1600. Visit website for more details.

Travel

By Bus: Redline 300
By Rail: High Wycombe / 2 miles

Facilities

Parking
Refreshments
Souvenir Shop
Part disabled access

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There were approximately 100 men and women based at Hughenden. 60% were RAF, and 40% civilian. The whole unit was commanded by an army officer and Royal Engineer, Major Quaife.

Civilian recruits included individuals who had been artists, cartoonists, architects, graphic designers, commercial mapmakers, or printers before the war. These pre-war careers had provided them with the artistic skills, including a meticulous attention to detail, which would be essential for making the maps. Some were as young as 18 years of age.

Many were brought to Hughenden not knowing where they were going, or the job that they would be doing. Sometimes new recruits arrived in the middle of the night; one of many efforts to keep Hillside top-secret.