Type Barracks In use 1984-Present Owner Ministry of Defence | Operator British Army Year built 1984 | |
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Occupants 12th Regiment Royal Artillery, 47th Regiment Royal Artillery | ||
Baker Barracks is a British Army barracks located on Thorney Island around 6.58 miles (10.59 km) east from Portsmouth, Hampshire.
History
The barracks were established, on the site of the former RAF Thorney Island airbase, in 1986, when 26th Regiment Royal Artillery moved on site. Named after Field Marshal Sir Geoffrey Baker, a former Royal Artillery officer, they have been home to 47th Regiment Royal Artillery, armed with the Starstreak missile, since 1989. In January 2008, 12th Regiment Royal Artillery moved to the island upon their return from Germany.
A public footpath circles the site. However, to access this area visitors are required to show identity details (e.g. a passport) to the army, who control access because live firing exercises take place on/near the site.
In 2009, the airfield was used as a test track for a British-built steam car hoping to smash the longest standing land speed record. The British Steam Car Challenge team included test driver Don Wales, nephew of the late Donald Campbell and grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell.