Despite the inclement weather during the morning we were blessed with a dry afternoon.

The number of visitors was slightly down on previous years but there was, nevertheless, great support from the crowd.

This Year we followed a different format from the past. We were fortunate to have the generous services of Steve Suttle from Ipswich. With his Patchymatt public address 'roving mike' facility, state-of-the-art PA equipment, plus smoke machine, and music, Steve was an excellent Master of Ceremonies, moving among our guests conducting live interviews.

Among his 'victims' were Andy Moore and all the military vehicle exhibitors, including the owner of an interesting Field Ambulance similar to the “Ice Cold In Alex” star. In fact John Mills had actually been given a ride in this vehicle. There were several jeeps all with their own history. Jim Long spoke about the Buick Staff car so beautifully looked after by him and his wife Angie.

Geoff Pleasance discussed his wonderful aviation drawings. Colin Whitmore described the historic civilian vehicles, and Andy Flexon-Pallott, explained some details of his German pilot's uniform, but only after he was captured by Bill Smith the Chindit and marched out of the trees with his hands up.

Bill himself was then interviewed and talked about his tribute to his father who served with The Chindits. Gordon Kinsey our President later explained that he himself was a crew member in Dakotas that dropped daily supplies to the Chindits in the Burma Jungle.

An anonymous ex-chopper crew man talked of his personal experience when he was in the crew of a Wessex MkII on 11 September 1972. The helicopter had mechanical problems after taking off from its base at RAF Odiham exactly 30 years ago to the day, and had to make an emergency landing on the site where the Tesco Supermarket now stands at Martlesham. The anonymous crew member was wearing some of his original uniform and also carried his original flying notes.

"Winston Churchill" addressed the spectators with a very moving speech.

There were the now traditional-for-MHAS dancing displays by the 40s dancers of the Jitterbug and Stroll dancing, while several enthusiasts turned out in uniforms of the period.

Live music was provided by the Martlesham Brass Band and by the Ipswich Marching Band who gave a very smart and precise display.

We had an array of stalls and side shows including the Red Cross Ambulance, ice cream van, crepe stall, while Brian Jose provided the catering.

A big thank you to everyone who helped including many not mentioned.

Anonymouse Wessex Mk.II helicopter
crew remembers landing at the site of Tesco