Information on the Glenn Miller musuem, festival and
other events at Twin Woods

More information on the life of Glenn Miller


The Glenn Miller Orchestra website

HISTORY

Narly Oak Lodge is now a modern Bed and Breakfast just outside Bedford, but during World War II it was an Officers' Mess serving the Twinwoods Airfield, which is located a quarter of a mile further up the lane. Behind Narly Oak stand a number of WWII huts which were used as barracks for crewmen and officers. During the later stages of the war the camp was used to house Prisoners of War.

Twinwoods Airfield served as a base for the RAF during the war, mainly night fighters, especially the famous mosquito’s, (A much larger airbase at Thurleigh - 2 miles away - was home to the American 8th Air Force). It is from Twinwoods Airfield that Glenn Miller took off on December 15 1944, never to return. Many of the original buildings from that time are still standing, including a mushroom pillbox, the original aircraft tower, air raid shelters, a hangar, administration buildings (including the band room in which Glenn Miller practiced) and numerous ancillary buildings such as airmen's quarters. You can find a fascinating reconstruction of how the airfield looked and events that unfolded there at this site.

The control tower, along with numerous other WWII buildings, have been faithfully restored by local groups and there is an extensive and fascinating museum now housed in the control tower. The site also an entertainment arena and spectacular events are hosted on the airfield in celebration of its history, including the annual, ever-popular Glenn Miller festival.