Eynsham Hall, Oxfordshire

Description:Run by the American Red Cross, Eynsham Hall was one of 16 country houses or 'flak homes' which housed airmen for rest and recuperation away from the stress of flying missions. Each serviceman was entitled to at least one rest period during their 25-30 mission tour. Eynsham Hall is near Witney, Oxfordshire.

This image is from the 'Yarnfield Yank', a booklet published in 1945 to commemorate the presence of US Army personnel at transit camps in Yarnfield, near Stone during World War II.

Located about 3 miles north east of Witney in Oxfordshire, the large, Jacobean-style mansion called Eynsham Hall was only completed in 1908, although there had been important buildings on the site for 300 years prior to that. With extensive grounds and gardens, it was well suited to becoming a USAAF Rest Home. Of all the country houses in the programme, Eynsham Hall had the greatest capacity. It could accommodate 65 officers and was allocated to the 3rd Bomb Division.
After the war, it became a Police Training Centre, remaining in that role until 1981. Thereafter it has been used as a conference centre.