Follow key events in the history of the US Military base, Camp Griffiss, and the Decca Records plant.
1914
A portable gramophone company uses the Decca trade name for the first time.
1929
Edward Lewis founds Decca Records, taking over the Decca Gramophone Company and Lewis purchases the Duophone Record Company factory in New Malden, creating the Decca Record pressing plant.
1934
Lewis forms American branch of Decca with Jack Knapp.
1937
Lewis sells off American Decca in 1937, wary of increasing Nazi aggression in Europe.
1942
Construction Begins On Camp Griffiss. Bushy Park becomes home to the US Eighth Air Force (8AF). On October 11, American and British soldiers at Bushy Park attend the first joint church service held in England. Later in the year USAF troops hold a Thanksgiving party for local school children.
1943
Professional boxer Joe Lewis visits Camp Griffiss, and takes part in an exhibition bout with Corporal Tommy Thompson. 8AF hosts a Christmas party for local school children.
Decca develops Decca Radar as part of British war effort.
1944
8AF Moves To High Wycombe – Camp Griffiss now serves as base for USSTAF (US Strategic Air Forces in Europe) and SHAEF (Supreme HQ Allied Expeditionary Force). The Major Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band plays at Camp Griffiss. At Bushy Park, General Eisenhower leads planning for Operation Overlord (the codename for the D-Day landings in Normandy). USSTAF and SHAEF troops move to Portsmouth on June 2.
1945
1946
The buildings at Camp Griffiss act as temporary social housing for those left homeless by war.
1948
USAF returns to Bushy Park for the Berlin Airlift.
1949
USAF holds a farewell dance before transferring from Bushey Park to Ruislip. They leave behind a small group of troops, including USAF police and a weather squadron, for ongoing operations.
Decca plant begins manufacturing long-playing records, otherwise known as LPs.
1952
The Camp Griffiss site becomes home to junior and high schools for US military dependents, most notably the London Central High School (LCHS).
1954
Roy Wallace, Arthur Haddy and Kenneth Wilkinson develop the Decca Tree – a pioneering means of recording audio – for commercial use.
1957
Prince Philip visits the New Malden Decca factory.
1958
Decca launch the stereo LP.
1960
Decca stop selling 78s.
1962
LCHS leaves Bushy Park and demolition of the camp buildings begins.
Decca reject the Beatles after an audition.
1963
All Camp Griffiss buildings are pulled down. US flag lowered for the last time on October 1.
Decca sign the Rolling Stones.
1979
Decca is sold to Polygram.
1980
The New Malden Decca plant closes.
1994
Plaques celebrating Camp Griffiss are erected to commemorate 50th anniversary of D-Day.