MHAS 2nd Anniversary Reunion

This will go down as one of the most memorable days in the history of Martlesham Heath Aviation Society.

Nearly 2000 people enjoyed a mostly bright, sunny and warm day, as they turned out to see a spectacular event, especially for a Society the size that we are. Three aerial events included Maurice Hammond giving an exceptional display in the P51 Mustang "Janie" based at Hardwick;Paul Lazell and a colleague gave us a flyby in two Boeing Stearman bi-planes; Nigel Willson gave a daring display in his Russian Yak 52. Nigel lives in Ipswich and the Yak is based at Elmsett. The spectators were held spellbound.

On the ground, the American 356th Fighter Group guests, with their RAF ex Martlesham Heath colleagues, mixed with the crowd, exchanging stories of yesteryear. Amongst the 356th visitors were Maj. Eddie Malo (359th FS) Maj Gardner (Jim) Engel (359th FS) Maj Eldon Troge (359th FS) Maj Gen Donald J Strait (OC 361st FS). Also present was Capt. Steve Richason of US Naval Intelligence, over here for the first time, representing his late father who flew with the 356th FG from Martlesham Heath until the end of the war in 1945.

Many other attractions included Military and Civilian vehicles of the 30's and 40's, flying displays by radio controlled model aircraft, Martlesham Brass band, a display of the history of Lt. Eldon Slanker who crashed in his P51 in April 1945 at Hintlesham, plus many interesting stalls and side shows for visitors to enjoy. John Grose Ltd. (Ford main dealer) had a display of new vehicles including the new Ford Fusion, alongside one of our member's 1935 Model Y Ford 8, the centrepiece of the stand.

Robert Dunnett. Co-ordinator

 

click small images to enlarge

Tarkey Barker (left) and Andy Flexen-Pallott (right) get into the spirit of things, dressed as USAF senior pilot, Captain, Enlisted, four years' service and Luftwaffe Pilot respectively.

Bob Moore and his Civil Defence Corps Thames Signals Van. For those who don't know, "Thames" was the marque used for Ford Motor Company's commercial vehicles, as they were (at that time) built in a factory on the north bank of the River Thames, at Dagenham.

John Grose, local Ford Main Dealer, sponsored the Anniversary event and brought along a new Ford Fusion and Ford Ka to display. John Fuller brought his lovely 1935 ModelY 933cc side valve engine, 8 horse power. First registered by Potters (Ford Dealer) of Wickham Market. Found in pig sty in Wetheringsett and bought for £5 by the owner John Fuller.

Maj. Gen. Don Strait at the Bangers and Mash supper.

John Fuller (centre) in discussion with Gordon Kinsey (left) and Maj Gen Don Strait (right) about John's Model Y Ford. The bonnet (hood) is up because chaps know about these things!

What a fantastic sight - a P-51 Mustang over the Tower again. A magnificent display provided by Maurice Hammond. And the sound... you just had to be there!
Well, actually, you can hear what it was like on this page.

One of the Boeing Stearmans that was in the flypast, photographed at its base at Old Buckenham.

Derek Thorpe, who flew in one of the Stearmans, with his Stearman pilot, Stan.

Derek Thorpe took this air-to-air shot of one Stearman from the other.

Derek was obviously very excited by the time he flew over Martlesham Heath Aerodrome (as was). We won't apologise for this rather fuzzy picture because it is unique and, even in this small image, if you know the layout, you can identify some of the details. If you click on the thumbnail, the larger image has a few items annotated, so you can work out what is what.