2023
January 2023
Methwold man, Tim Flatman RN, Officer Commanding 207 sqn at Marham, very kindly offered his time to present a talk about the revered American F-35 Lightning which is a single-seat, single-engined, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft; often visiting Mundford airspace. After coming into service in 2006 it has evolved into three different variants, A, B and C; less difficult to understand than some of the tech-speak in Tim’s repertoire. This data however, was limited to an unclassified selection.
He explained that the variants could be tailored to suit different requirements: speed, take-off and landing times, vertical take-off, ceiling, aircraft carrier stowage and maneuverability; the best of all these necessities is not available in one aircraft. To demonstrate the popularity of the machine he also gave details of the distribution of end users: 1300 in America, 138 in Britain, some in Canada, Australia and quite a few in a number of European countries; he didn't say whether Lockheed Martin had a contract with Russia; perhaps that information comes under 'classified'.
Tim described the qualifications necessary to produce a modern generation pilot: he or she no longer needed muscle, a seat-of-the pants approach or inertia conscious intuition, but, it is preferable to possess iPhone finger-tip coordination. A pilot can no longer do or go where he/she pleases; the movements are monitored and recorded by base control and, the aeroplane will not allow the pilot to make commands beyond the aircraft's capability. The modern fighter pilot uses avionic technology which allows visual data to be retrieved through monitors in the helmet; information from the ground below can 'come through the floor'.
Combined British and American training exercises take place over the North Sea but much of the expertise is achieved using simulators; about 50% .
It seems this well-composed and imposing matter-of-fact young man (say, 43) was responsible for the record turn-out (37 present, six of whom were ladies; very encouraging) or maybe it was the result of additional website data; maybe a bit of both. There was a barrage of questions at the end of the evening and one in particular asked by a lady who was alarmed by the F35’s fuel consumption: “Was the aircraft ‘green’”? At this point Tim lost a little of his composure and could have said, “No, it’s silver” or, as a politician might say, “It’s thirsty but for the greater good”. Instead he savoured the moment of being part of a comedy double act.
March 2023
Andy Moore's talk last September portraying wartime events at RAF Bexwell was such a success that he was invited back to present part 2 of the Bexwell story: a catalogue of events, mementos and first-hand accounts which he has researched over a period of four decades. He began with a brief résumé of part 1 which is available on our website: www.westnorfolkaviationsociety.org.uk
Although many references were made to the diversity of wartime technology (much of which is available on the internet), Andy's contribution this time had the human touch: hisown personal accounts of individuals who made such a difference to the war effort. The air force itself at Bexwell had a multinational flavour with input from many European countries: Australia, New Zealand, India and even Sierra Leone in Africa; it also boasts 3 posthumouslyawarded Victoria Crosses.
The Irish and the Welsh built the runways with help from the local women who also provided much of the accommodation. (Aren't we blessed as a nation that our racial tolerance should have been rewarded by so much support?). The effort stretched across the whole spectrum of social class, from the humblest labourer to royalty. Andy cited an instance when the King and Queen visited the Bexwell Hall mess and their schedule was inconvenienced by a WAF who was unable to convey a royal flight plan by telephone because she had broken her teeth; apparently women’s voices are better suited to relaying information by wire.
One particular character who has become a friend of Andy’s since 2017 is the 102 year old Flt/Lt Colin Bell who often drives up from Kent to visit his young friend. Douglas Bader, Guy Gibson and Bomber Harris are famous names synonymous with WW2 heroism and glory; Colin Bell should be among them. http://www.militaryspeakers.co.uk/speakers/colin-bell-dfc/
Andy learnt from Colin that motivation and moral boosting among the young pilots was an ambivalent process: on the one hand moderate drinking, good food and chasing women was available and encouraged. Low moral fibre, fear and cowardice were punishable offences.
Another dilemma a pilot faced was the choice of whether he should equip himself with a side arm; it was not obligatory. Some thought they would be safer with a gun after they had crash landed or baled out, others thought that having a gun was a temptation for the enemy to shoot before capturing. Whoops, I’m using too many words!
February 2023
It was about ten years ago when Feltwell man Stephen Parker first talked to us about his exploits in Antarctica and this third installment was delivered with the same enthusiasm as the others; audience participation being reflected with the same gusto.
Stephen began his talk, entitled ‘Antarctic Aviation’, by describing the
environment in which he was expected to work: the topography, geography, temperatures, winds and accommodation; all very extreme. He paid tribute to the pioneers of the early part of the last century, the primitive aircraft and machinery that were used to tame this hostile environment. He named numerous aircraft types involved, those he mentioned more than once had greater versatility, like the 1911 R.E.P monoplane that could be converted into a tractor, the DHC Fox Moth that was used to map the peninsular in 1934 and the ubiquitous DC3 Dakota that could be relatively easy to dismantle and reassemble following marine transport. Practically all the equipment had to be transported this way including all the fuel; in 50 gallon drums. As the activity in the region increased so did the interest among many nationalities. All wanted a slice of the cake. There were a few skirmishes at the beginning but remarkably, since the Antarctic Treaty in 1959, all active countries share a cooperative spirit; a bit like the multinational activity we witness now in the space station - science triumphs over politics it seems.
Stephen saw many other changes after his arrival there in 1990 with more modern aircraft having more sophisticated pollution monitoring technology; even airliners made an appearance. Another difference he noticed: in 1994: women started arriving. On that note it seems pertinent to remark that the most interesting question he was asked all evening was by a lady club member: "Where did you put all your rubbish" Stephen was not fazed, in fact it was almost as if he himself found it the most interesting question and joyfully announced that the rubbish was put in the empty oil drums and shipped back to where it originated.
At the beginning of the evening Commander Allen made the unhappy announcement that a younger member of our club had died and that his
family had very kindly bequeathed all his aviation literature and several framed pictures to the society which they could dispose of as they
wished.
April 2023
At the WNAS AGM in December, relatively new member, John Blakeley, added colour to the proceedings by providing us with an impromptu quiz, ref:www.westnorfolkaviationsociety.org.uk On Tuesday 4th, this same, very imposing figure, one who gives the impression of having rank and bearing; even without the medals and moustache, delivered us an account of how he ascended the rungs of the RAF. His talk was entitled, ‘Four Chipmunks to Copenhagen’.
From a young boy his appetite for military matters began with a visit to see HMS Victory at Portsmouth and for a while it seemed that his future lay in the navy but, soon afterwards he visited an air show on the Isle of Wight and for two shillings and sixpence he was granted a flip in a chipmunk. From then on he saw his future in the sky rather than at sea.
With a strong will he eventually won a 4 year scholarship to RAF Henlow and later took a Dip Tech course in electrical engineering at Norwich. He met Ian Moyer there, a student with a similar background. Under the sponsorship of the Station Commandant the two of them teamed up with two other students in an initiative to form a squadron of Chipmunks with a mission to fly solo from Manston in Kent to Vœrlose near Copenhagen. They passed through Holland , Germany and Denmark visiting at least ten airfields along the way and reported no mishaps there or back. This they did using the most basic of navigational aids which included spare parts, some of which included crystals for unruly radios. John concluded his presentation with a film clip of four Chipmunks stunting in close formation; he was too modest to say whether he was a participator in this display.
It is hoped that he may grace our stage again sometime soon with tales which could include his experiences with Phantoms and Starfighters.
Please forgive this ageing reporter if some of the facts have strayed from the truth. Deficiency in eyesight and hearing are contributory factors. (How does one manage to keep a job like this? (Perhaps, because no one else wants it). The problem is being addressed with the combined efforts of the ever efficient Mundford Bowls Club and the WNAS who have already taken delivery of a new display screen. There are also thoughts of a high tech. communal hearing-aid system too, which might include an induction loop……. comprising modern crystals of course.
May 2023
It was about 10 years ago when a group of us invited Lindsay Peacock to sample a hands-on gliding experience at Wattisham Airfield. Last Tuesday, 2nd May, we invited him again to our stage, this time, at the Mundford Bowls Club. He is well known in aeronautical circles as an deputy editor of Jane’s Encyclopaedia of Aviation and has self-penned several books on various fighter types.
His presentation at our meeting provided an account of his experiences at Fairford over the last twenty odd years. This is where the internationally renowned Royal International Aircraft Tattoo is held each year. He worked there as a photographer/media escort and was often in the privileged position of enjoying free rides in modern fighter aircraft and, meeting some influential people: last year there were four British veterans present, together with one aging WW2 Luftwaffe pilot.The weather is invariably inclement at Fairford and on one occasion the rain stopped when Queen Elizabeth arrived to honour the event; after she left, the rain commenced its invasion.
When it was suggested to Lindsay that he was a bit of a name dropper he seemed somewhat affronted but soon mellowed when it was advised that the targets would have been honoured by his exposés. Not only was Lindsay’s photographic material extensive but also colourful: extensive because some of his aerial shots of stationary aircraft were taken from a cherry picker and, colourful, because the livery of many of the subjects was extreme to the point of psychedelia and animalia, with cues taken from orcas, zebras and, would you believe, peacocks; perhaps the plumage adorning the fuselage of the Indian helicopter display team was an attempt to pay tribute to our speaker.
On the question of extremes it has to be said that Lindsay has experienced a few: let’s not forget the cherry picker which takes off but doesn’t alwayscome down; let’s not forget the Wattisham glider winch which, during take-off, induced the greatest adrenalin rush he had ever experienced. NJT.
June 2023
Thompson man, Mark Burch, could easily have headed his CV, ‘Forty Six Years in Air Traffic Control’ before presenting his talk to the WNAS on the 6th instant.
Like so many boys, Mark had an early ambition to fly. He joined the ATC (Air Training Corps) at Bournemouth in 1976 and learned to fly gliders but his eyesight would never allow him to fly professionally (Wg Cdr Ken Wallis, late president of the WNAS, might have given him some advice on eye test dodges). So, Mark became another ATC (Air Traffic Controller).
He gradually developed his career serving at various famous aeronautical locations like: Cranworth and Shawbury. Then he came our way and did
more time at Honington and Watton’s Eastern Radar establishment. He spoke of his time at Mildenhall, helping to organise the annual air shows, juggling the performances of regular visitors with the encrypted flight plan of a classified arrival: after refuelling in the North Sea it began its return to Mildenhall at Mach 3. No prizes for guessing: The Blackbird. In one breath Mark mentioned Bloodhound Radar and height finders; one wonders whether he had control over low flying missiles as well?
He spent further time at Wattisham controlling the behaviour of helicopters over the North Sea and proudly boasted that this airfield was a close second in prominence to Aberdeen in its involvement with North Sea oil fields. He made a personal comment that the army were better helicopter flyers than the air force (Chuck Pettitt, a former WNAS member, would have loved to hear that). Why did he say this? Perhaps he regretted not having spoken to Ken first.
Mark offered his services to supervise charity events at Duxford. For the first time in his career he was present during an air accident: a mock dog fight between a Mustang and a Skyraider resulted in a collision and a subsequent ball of smoke at the end of a runway. Both pilots walked away from the crash unscathed and, allegedly, shook hands afterwards. It was never Mark’s fault but he chastised himself for looking in the wrong direction at the moment of collision.
After retiring from the RAF in 1997 he went back to Bath Flight Training Academy, in an attempt to obtain commercial flight recognition. Here he
found the syllabus identical to the one he had undertaken after joining the RAF. His fame circulated the grapevine and he very soon received an
invitation to attend an interview at Norwich Airport. He was recruited before getting through the door and stayed there until his retirement about a year ago. He now holds the equally challenging position of Club Secretary at the WNAS.
July 2023
A last minute change of destination saw a small, yet enthusiastic, expedition from the WNAS, head for the heritage centre at the former RAF Bircham Newton.
Our thanks must firstly go to the curator of the heritage centre, Jamie, for accommodating us at such short notice and making everyone feel so welcome.
The heritage centre has recently undergone a revamp that now sees dedicated rooms to WWI, the inter-war years, WWII and post war periods.
Starting at the beginning (always a useful place to start) Jamie explained how RAF Bircham Newton opened just a month after the inception of the Royal Air Force in 1918. Designated as a bomber airfield, it was equipped with 3 Handley Page V/1500s the largest of the British aeroplanes.
A plan was conceived to use these 4 engined behemoths against Berlin in early November 1918. However, due to a series of weather delays, technical setbacks and other issues, the raid was eventually scheduled for the afternoon of the 11th , take off around lunchtime. At the last minute, some even say, as the aeroplanes were preparing for take-off, news of the armistice reached the Station.
The inter-war years saw RAF Bircham Newton used as a bomber training station where some of the higher echelons of WWII cut their teeth. The status of a training station ensured it was kept operational throughout these years, at one point being the only operational RAF station in Norfolk.
WWII saw Coastal Command take charge and the arrival of Swordfish, Anson, Hudson and Wellington aeroplanes with several other types having shorter stays throughout the war.
Jamie’s passion and knowledge about the aircrews stationed at RAF Bircham Newton throughout this period was obvious. He regaled us with stories of bothheroism and tragedy. The Canadian crews in particular seemed to suffer heavy losses. Jamie explained crews were often asked to carry out operations over the enemy coast where their slow moving, outdated aeroplanes were easy pickings for the German fighters. There are several recorded incidents of entire raids being wiped out with the loss of nearly all aircrews.
Post war RAF Bircham Newton was hampered by the lack of a hard runway. Never having the capability to accommodate the jet age, operations dwindled. It was somewhat ironic then that the last aeroplane to leave the site was a jet: the forerunner of the iconic Harrier, the Hawker Siddeley Kestrel, completed trials at the station during 1965.
In 1966 RAF Bircham Newton closed and was handed over to the Construction Industry Training Board and latterly West Suffolk College who continue the work of the Construction Industry Training Board
The site itself is remarkably well preserved with many original buildings still intact; however, access is strictly limited due to the on-going activities of the Construction College.
If you get the opportunity to visit, it’s well worthwhile, just to listen to Jamie’s knowledge if nothing else. All who attended expressed a wish to return for a further visit in the future.
August 2023
Andy Phipps was our guest speaker this month with special permission from RAF Lakenheath Fire Department who granted him relief from duties in order that he could attend this special occasion.
Andy exuded confidence and authority which must have developed at an early age; from a determination to succeed. He grew up in Shoeburyness, gained few formal qualifications and after various shore based jobs leading nowhere he became obsessed by the idea of a naval career and eventually got it. He served time in the Falklands safeguarding fuel stations. After he returned home, this newfound experience led him to a fire service training centre in Cambridge which, in turn, led him to the Fire Service at Lakenheath.
He now spearheads a crew of about 40 Brits and 100 Americans; this might sound like a metaphor for some of the equipment he uses: fire engines with armour piercing water nozzles designed to extinguish fires inside crashed aeroplanes but, with sufficient control to prevent the drowning of the occupants. This equipment together with a number of other fire fighting vehicles, each costing not much less than $1 million apiece, complete the ensemble. Despite the proactive procedures necessary to fight fire, he stressed the point that as much goes into fire prevention as it does into fire fighting.
There is a close working relationship between the police and the medical teams present on the base and, although there are certain legal procedures to follow, common sense is often used to transcend the law.
Snippets: during WW2 Lakenheath was an unarmed decoy airfield to Feltwell which was where the real action took place; Andy was proud to be able to reveal that, although he has had to attend quite a few accidental crash landings, there has never been an F15 downed in hostile engagement; fire control is one thing but the mopping-up duties also include the clearance of cockpit residue resulting from the effects of high G-forces on pilot intestines.
It is with great sadness that the WNAS reports the passing of one of our members: Roger Burrows from Watton had a small factory unit at Threxton where he built and piloted 7/10 scale replicas of inter-war biplanes. We were all looking forward to the maiden flights of a Hawker Fury and an SE5 but alas, it was no to be. He gave a presentation a few years ago at our bowls club meeting place and invited members of the society to a party at his workshop
- memories to be treasured!
September 2023
There was no report produce for September
December 2023
The Chair, Chris H, called the meeting to order at 19-40hrs and welcomed 16 crew-members; not bad for an AGM; quality being preferential to quality it was suggested, especially when the Lionesses were performing on the same night. Apologies for absence were accepted from Secretary Mark B, so, the minutes taken were scant.
The chairman commended John B the Speaker Seeker’s stalwart efforts in procuring presenters with such well-developed oratorical skills. To this end he received a tumultuous applause and was promised a bouquet of brussel sprouts; to be presented on a future occasion.
For readers who are interested in the liquidity of the society, Commander/Treasurer David A presented a very healthy and detailed balance sheet which can be viewed on our website. He informed the crew that it had been necessary to transfer the account to Nationwide because the dismissed holders, Barclays, were incapable of meeting our needs.
Highly valued ex-Membership Secretary, Roger A, has been forced to resign with the feeble excuse that he would need to travel from the Thames estuary to get to our venue. To replace him is going to be an almost impossible task. Anybody is invited to apply for the position as long as they can reproduce Roger’s qualities: charming, intelligent, innovative, dedicated and exploitative - recruiting new speakers from new and old members.
Then there was a quiz: skillfully choreographed by our very own, youngest member, IT and website technician, Steve C. The room was divided into four teams of unequal players and allocated the names: Avro, Concorde, Phantom and English Electric. The questions Steve asked sometimes had a cryptic flavour (c.f. phantom and opera or Olivia and de Havilland). The setup was supported by a highly sophisticated display system. Each team had its own designated score sheet. The questions asked were related to the names of each aeroplane. If the correct answer to the aeroplane question matched the team name then the score could be doubled. The team with the most players won – we think.
Then, something that should never have happened: a member deserving more recognition than anybody else: Raffler extraordinaire, modest John H, responsible for the treasurer’s figures in black, was omitted from the credits until the very last moment. Our sincerest apologies to you, Sir, especially when we learned that you have offered to drive us to an aviation event in one of your classic buses!
Lastly, another presentation: Val and Len, guardians of the Mundford Bowls Club, our dedicated hosts throughout the year, were given seasonal fare and a bouquet which was, necessarily, far more imposing than brussel sprouts. NT
November 2023
On Tuesday 7 th November at the Mundford Bowls Club the WNAS were delighted to play host to Stewart Samuals: celebrity, historian and co-owner of Feltwell’s prestigious family-run, Wellington Inn.
For an equally prestigious airfield Stewart’s introductory photograph did not pay tribute to its status. The main entrance to the site shows a rather grandiose brick monolith bearing the noble inscription: ‘Liberty Wins’. Unfortunately, undergrowth has recently been given too much liberty.
Stewart soon reset the balance by revealing that everything else about the location could be described as treasure. The infrastructure is almost exactly as it was during WW2: hangers, workshops, schools and even a beautiful timber church built by Boulton and Paul. There is no living accommodation on the site but the houses are regularly maintained and original camouflage paintwork can still be discerned on the property walls. There are veterinary, dog training facilities and schools there. A testimony to this fact comes from WNAS member, Lee, who used to teach there.
Stewart explained that RAF Feltwell has never been deactivated and a concrete runway was never built. It was designed as a satellite to Lakenheath in 1937. Before that there was a WW1 airfield between Feltwell and Hockwold; evidence of this can be seen there today. The geography of the surrounding area seems to be ideally suited to the construction of airfields and it is not surprising that we see the ‘golf balls’ (radar surveillance scanners) there now.
This scenario was a development of the Star wars initiative instigated by Ronald Reagan in the days of the Cold War. With radar and the atomic clock together with the Thor missile it would be possible to detect an adversary and counter attack with pin point accuracy. Feltwell was host to the first Thor missiles. They were originally of a German design. The British built the rockets and the Americans built the warheads. Ironically, the rockets were taken back to Vandenburg test site in California and were commissioned by RAF engineers from Feltwell.
Stewart intimated that there is now evidence of the construction of the first purpose built runway; a very short one. Can we see electric vertical take-off aircraft on the horizon?
Stop press: at an affectionate level Stewart made mention of the bond we have with America. Every day on the base at 4-30pm the National Anthem is broadcast followed by the Star Spangled Banner. At Halloween, children head for the officer’s quarters first where the pickings are more juicy. RAF Watton is not the only base to host its own wartime ghost.
October 2023
Once again the Lindsay Peacock Show returned to the stage at the Mundford bowls club but, this time, his discourse related to the shooting of aeroplanes in Japan; for ‘shooting’ please read, ‘photographing’. His presentation was scheduled for last month but both he and the speaker seeker, John B, had reasons for crying-off. John’s excuse appears to be the result of a being unwell but he had recovered enough to make his presence felt on this occasion, not in the flesh, but via a video link set up by Techie Steve C. As is usual at these meetings John was still able to fill in the gaps throughout the speakers orations, together with the backing of several hospital appliances.
It seems that whenever Lindsay visits foreign climes he is greeted with rain; there was no exception on this visit to Aruna and the Hyacuri air base.
It is always important to Lindsay that he should have a decent vantage point in order to capture the best pictures and, apart from the regular practice of poking the camera lens through holes in the fencing, an elevated position is always a bonus. The land on which Hyacuri is situated, once privately owned, has a small area which retains its independence. The wily owner decided he could capitalise on this by building a watch tower thereupon and renting its facility to wealthy, professional photographers.
Lindsay is always ready to evaluate other services like food: good in this case; accommodation: not so good; barbering: good
Membership Secretary Roger Alston described how another WNAS member had introduced him to a fellow aircraft simulator buff and television repair man, one Julian Horn of Watton. During their meeting Julian related a ghost story about a WW2 pilot who still haunts the old RAF Watton site. After Roger returned home he received a full account of the story which Julian had published some years ago. Roger made a few copies to share with other members of the WNAS.
Roger also announced that, reluctantly, owing to family commitments, he has to move back to Essex and must therefore resign from the position of MS. We wish him well with his move.
This means that the revered position is now up for grabs and any would-be candidate craving responsibility should attend the next meeting in order to secure an interview.