Langeleben Site

kerby · Langeleben Site

Here is a question for all, Having viewed the latest pictures of the old camp, it has crossed my mind that after 15 years, there are still derelict buildings on site. This then leads me onto the question, should not the site have been returned to its natural state after we left? I await the replies with interest 23010244 Ex Signalman Kerby

Ernie Callaghan · Langeleben

Yes Keith, the site should have dismantled by the MOD and left as found, it was requesitioned by the occupying forces in 1946 and used as a base during the Berlin airlift. After we left in 1992 the local authorities did a search for the legal owners and to this day no claiments have come forward. The Landkreis Helmstedt on surveying the site found oil and asbestos contamination which they cleared as well as dismantling the three aeriel towers. A statute of limitation was declared on rightful ownership and is soon to run out. A decision has already been made for the site to return to its original state as part of the Elm even though ownership is still unknown.

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David Thomas

Hi Tom, thanks for putting in the link to our previous comments on the state of the camp, on re reading them, I find there were some very valid points being made. The subject certaily came up at Chester over the weekend, saying even now there are still buildings standing. People who went there in June will have seen that much of the centre of the camp had been cleared, and althought the hardstandings were still there, most had holes driven into them, and vegitation was beging to reclaim the site. I doubt that the three remaining accommodation blocks will last very long, nature has a way of deciding these things. The garages and stores at the top of the site being of concrete construction will take a little longer. Thanks to Stuart for organising a great weekend, and as always it was marvelous to see friends again. All the best, Dave T.