VE Day Anniversary celebrations

Report by Howard King
Photography - hover over images to see caption and Photographer & Copyright owner

The Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum joined many other World War 2 heritage sites around the country on Sunday 8th May 2005 to remember the Anniversary of the end of War in Europe in 1945.

A blustery day, punctuated by sharp showers, did not dissuade a crowd of about 2500 joining together for the event which went on for much of the day. We were thrilled to welcome many who had been through the war, including RAF and American (USAAF), who served here or elsewhere. Amongst the veterans were members of The Aircrew Association.

Many recalled their war-time experiences, and their memories of their VE Days. To help jog their memories, and to set the scene for younger visitors, various displays and events took place

For those who endured war-time rationing, Elaine Whitmore recreated war-time recipes, for the visitors to taste, and gave away copies of the recipe’s used at the time

2nd World-War vehicles, Civilian and Military, all lovingly restored, were proudly shown off by their present owners. On a sadder note some remnants of a Mustang fighter that crashed whilst based at Martlesham Heath were on show.

On the Musical side we were entertained by the Jazz Expressions jazz band and the G.I.Jivers (led by Kathy and Friends) displayed some of the exuberant dancing of the times, encouraging members of the audience to join in.

The Techtronicks, a troupe of Majorettes from Felixstowe, gave a more modern look to the proceedings, with their colourful co-ordinated display, some performed to the music of the '40s.

In the spirit of what went on VE-Day itself all children under 12 were offered free ice-cream – which they all happily accepted!

There were some special guests at the event, these included “Winston Churchill” played realistically by Ian Kerr – who re-read Churchill’s announcement of the end of War in Europe.

“Winston" was accompanied by his A.D.C., "Wing Commander” Colin Whitmore, and (below) “USAAF Major ” Tarkey Barker.

One of the enemy, a “Luftwaffe fighter ace” Andy Flexon-Pallett, showed members of the public details of his flying clothes, life jacket etc, as well as enacting a little scene with “Winston Churchill”.

Throughout the day the Control Tower Museum and the adjacent underground bunker were open to the public. Many who visited the Museum expressed amazement at the detail and range of the records, photos and artefacts on show. These have steadily increased since the Control Tower re-opened, as a Museum, in September 2000.

We were delighted to see flypasts by a Yak52 (World War 2 vintage Russian trainer), flown by Nigel Willson, flying from Elmsett International, and a rare two-seat Supermarine Spitfire, flown from East Kirkby in Lincolnshire, by Wing Commander Paul Day, formerly i/c The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The success of the day was due to the hard work of many, includomg members of The Martlesham Heath Aviation Society, the 356th Squadron Air Cadets, and the financial assistance of The Big Lottery Fund, which had given the Society, and others around the country, funds and encouragement to stage such events.