Back to RAF Wattisham. I was then completing my seven years as a crash fireman.
The mighty Phantom was about to come onto the scene
equipping 56 and 74 Sqns. In
preparation for these aircraft the
RHAG (rotary hydraulic arrester gear), was installed on the runway and
was operated in conjunction with the main ends of the
runway barriers, these were for the emergency stops. I was not at
Wattisham when the Phantom arrived but can take the credit for being the first
person to un-hook the trial Phantom from the (RHAG) before I finally left this
famous airfield.
RAF Wattisham became home to the British army during 1993
and still is to this day, it is now known as Wattisham airfield.
Wattisham airfield is now home to 3 and 4 Regiments of the
Army Air Corps
flying Gazelle and Lynx helicopters, also B Flt of No.22
Sqn., REME and supporting units, RAF
with Sea King HAR3a helicopters in
the search and rescue roll. The recently arrived Suffolk Police helicopter, G
–SUFF is a very common site in the sky around Suffolk.
Wattisham has a very good museum of which is housed on the airfield in the original Station Chapel which was built in 1943 by the USAAF. I am a member of the museum and thought this might be a good time to let you know about it.
The museum includes an extensive photographic record depicting the history of the Station from its construction in 1937 to the present day. Other exhibits include displays of models, artefacts, technical equipment, uniforms and memorabilia.
Some of the Squadrons that have operated from Wattisham are; No's 107 and 110; No's 152, 257, 263, and 41; No's 29, 56, 74and 111-the :Black Arrows- the only aerobatic team to loop 22 aircraft in close formation. During the USAAF occupancy, the 479th Fighter Group flew some 350 operational missions in P38 and P51 aircraft. The pilots that did not return are remembered by name in the Museums quiet room.
Please note that should you wish to visit the Museum, it will be open every Sunday from April to October, between 2pm and 4;30pm, admission is free.
