RAF Uxbridge. This medium-sized base is home to the Queen's Colour Squadron, the Royal Air Force's premier continuity drill squadron, and here's a little guide for any spy planespotter who may want to have a look around.
In front of the gates is a 1/10th size replica of a Spitfire adorning a war memorial. Behind this is the large drill square and the Queen's Colour Squadron's building. Turning left you come to the checkpoint through which all personnel must pass to enter the base. Here is a board showing the current bikini alert state - this is usually 'Black Special' -the 'special' because of the ongoing troubles in Northern Ireland.
Past the checkpoint, you will see the barrack buildings - 6 in all. They are named after battle sites from the First World War and are built from red brick. In this area also is the headquarters, the Sergeant's Mess and the Officer's Mess. In my opinion, the sergeant's mess is more comfortable-looking than the officer's. Towards the Queen's Colour Squadron building is the Airmen's Mess and NAAFI - the forces' food store. They do a good line in hot dogs.
Behind these emporia of good food, you will find the officer's quarters and family accommodation. In this area also is the bunker from where Strike Command conducted air force operations during the Battle of Britain. If you know the right people, it is possible to get a tour around here. The bunker lies 100 feet below the ground though, so be prepared for a small walk.
The town itself is not very interesting, but is close to Heathrow and is where Coca-Cola and its family of products are distributed from.