Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum Open Day - 11 Sept 2011
Story and photographs by Tarkey Barker

 

It was decided last year that there would not be an open day at the Control Tower in 2011.  When Bob Dunnett expressed his disappointment at our AGM in May, Phil Argent took up Martyn Cook’s offer that any one else could have a go. Phil Argent, our Artist member, took up the challenge with only 4 months to arrange an event which normally takes 12 months.  He was assisted by Jean and with the help of stalwart Bob who originally started the whole event, arranged a wonderful day.

It was 10 years to the day since 9-11 and “The Stars and Stripes” 40s version with 48 stars was flown at half mast in honour of 9-11. We had a minute of silence followed by the releasing of 10 doves of peace.

Despite the predicted bad weather it turned out fine apart from 20 MPH winds in Lincolnshire which prevented the BBMF Spitfire from flying. We were entertained by Maurice Hammond in this P51 Mustang “Marinell” and by Nigel Willson and Debs Leggett in their Yak 52.  Nigel and Debs were also at the event in person for a couple of hours previous to meet the public. We had many of our old favourites there including Ken Wallis and Little Nellie  (Ken is now 95 years old and still flys his wonderful star of the James Bond Movie “You Only Live Twice”), and Inventor Rex Garrard.  There was a lovely display of Vintage cars and Military vehicles, and uniforms, including Andy FP with a static display of a Luftwaffe Pilot Uniform. Music was provided by The Ipswich Pipers http://www.ipswichbagpipes.co.uk/ and the Sentimental Journey Trio.  As with other years we had a guided bus tour of the old airfield. Bus supplied by Ipswich Transport Museum. http://www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk/  We also had a good refreshment supply. MC was Steve Suttle of Patchymatt Disco. Steve is a natural and does this with passion.

Three new exhibits this year from, Gerald with a display of Rangefinders and naval equipment and two lads from Boscombe Down. Tony Dyer with his fine collection of artefacts including the windshield of a Spitfire and Thunderbolt; and Gary Dean with his cockpit of a P51 Mustang made of authentic parts and beautifully constructed. This was sponsored by Mark Hicks of MACCS.  www.maccslandscapes.com  Many thanks also for the generous sponsorship of John Grose Ipswich.  http://www.johngrose.co.uk/ 

We must have had a record turnout and considering the time scale, the other events on the day and the prospect of bad weather this was indeed a wonderful achievement. Once again many, many thanks to all involved, it certainly kept Martlesham Heath Aviation Society on the map.


Footnote: From Gary Dean owner of the P51 cockpit.
The tail No I’m using on my Mustang (44-11175) is that from the ‘51flown by Gp Capt ‘Sam McKenna who was the Commanding Officer of the Empire Test Pilots School at the then RAF Boscombe down (where I work). When he crashed and lost his life on 19.01.1945. I am incorporating some crash relics recovered by Tony (Dyer) and myself, under license, from his crash site in the build. He crashed on 19.01.45.
I found out on the Monday after your open day that he was posted in 1937 to join the Aircraft and Armament Experimental Establishment, Martlesham Heath !!!. He was soon appointed flight commander and later became the chief test pilot of the establishment. He did most of the official flight testing of the prototype Spitfire and when on one flight he suffered an engine failure, he was the first pilot forced to make a landing on a modern high speed aircraft with the undercarriage retracted. This landing was the forerunner of the “belly " landing now used on modern aircraft in cases of emergency. He was awarded the A.F.C. in 1939
That I didn’t know and am both pleased and surprised that the A/C No I chose for my project from a local pilot should also have connections with your Museum and when I said  that we were probably making history with having a Mustang (Ok, she’s not complete…yet) on the grass outside the Tower, I didn’t fully realise what I had just said !.
She is now booked to attend the McKenna Trophy Meal for the ETPS Pilots at the Officers Mess at Boscombe Down later this year. I am really looking forward to that event.

Sqd Ldr  Brian Page with his good lady having a cup of Char

  Event Organiser Phil Argent obviously having a good time

Ken Wallis talking to MHAS member Peter Morris

P51 Mustang "Marinell" in the hands of owner Maurice Hammond

Ken Wallis talking to Yak 52 joint owner and pilot Nigel Willson

Ipswich Piping Society

Sponsor Mark Hicks with Gary Dean's lovely P51 Mustang Cockpit

Gary Dean talking to MC Steve Suttle about his P51 Cockpit

Tony Dyer and Daughter with Tony's collection, including the windscreen of a Thunderbolt recently aquired whilst in the US

A close up  look at Gary Dean's P 51 Cockpit, transported all the way from Wiltshire.

MHAS President talking about  his book "Martlesham Heath" with a visitor on the day.

Gerald with his collection of Naval rangefinders