The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is calling on local residents, veterans, families and anyone with memories of RAF Flowerdown or Sir John Moore Barracks to come forward and share their stories.

Whether in the form of letters, photographs, maps or memorabilia, the DIO is looking to collate a rich tapestry of the former military site’s backstory, particularly stories which pre-date 1980, to paint a vivid picture of its varied history.

The stories and insight gathered could be brought to life as part of a planned heritage trail and could even inspire the naming of roads in the proposed new development.

RAF Flowerdown played a vital and often secret role in the 20th century, especially during the Second World War when it served as a listening station. Its staff, many of them women, worked long shifts intercepting enemy communications and feeding crucial Enigma messages to codebreakers at Bletchley Park.

In later years, the site continued its signals intelligence role under GCHQ, before it became home to the Light Division depot and the Royal Green Jackets Regiment basic training, later formed into the Army Training Regiment, at Sir John Moore Barracks.

As the site is due to close in 2026, and with plans to transform it into a sustainable new neighbourhood underway, the DIO is calling on residents to come forward to help capture and celebrate its rich military heritage.

Robert Smith, Head of Major Disposals at DIO, said: “For over a century, thousands of men and women have served their country at Flowerdown. We want to hear their stories, because we believe the best way to honour a site’s legacy is to involve the people who know it best.

“The site has a varied and often, secretive history. For example, during the Second World War, it played a critical role in the Allied codebreaking effort, with its towering aerials intercepting top-secret enemy radio signals; messages that were shared with Bletchley Park to help crack the Enigma code.

“By sharing your personal memories of Flowerdown, local people can help us to shape a development that truly reflects the heritage of this extraordinary place. We want to create a community that celebrates that rich history, from its secret wartime service to the everyday lives of those who were stationed here.”

The planned redevelopment of the barracks includes up to 900 high-quality, energy-efficient homes, with 60% of the site remaining green open space. The design will incorporate key heritage features such as the trail, repurposed historic buildings and possibly new street names inspired by notable figures from the site’s past.

The DIO is particularly eager to hear from women who served at RAF Flowerdown, or their families, to help ensure that their vital and often untold contributions are captured for posterity. Voices and stories from those stationed on or living near the base before 1980 are especially welcome.

Initial insights have been provided by the local parish council and Brian Middleton a knowledgeable local historian, whom DIO would like to thank for his valuable support. The organisation now hopes the wider public will come forward to help tell their own stories, for the future generations.

To share your family’s story and help to bring RAF Flowerdown’s past to life, please email info@sirjohnmoorewinchester.co.uk. Or call 0808 143 4781.