manston mirror - Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum Manston

RAF Manston Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum
MANSTON MIRROR
Z
KH
MAGAZINE
October 2013
Issue no: 4
Price: £1.50 where sold
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To contact:
RAF MANSTON
SPITFIRE &
HURRICANE
MEMORIAL
TRUST
THE MUSEUM
THE AIRFIELD
MANSTON ROAD
RAMSGATE
KENT
CT12 5DF
Telephone:
01843 821940
Email:
spitfire752@
btconnect.com
VISIT:
Spitfiremuseum.org.uk
Registered charity
Number: 298229
REGISTERED MUSEUM
NUMBER: 1991
……………….
SPOTLIGHT
ATA GIRL: Wartime ferry
pilot, Mary (Wilkins) Ellis.
Meet the aviatrix and
ATA First Officer
who flew Hurricanes
into RAF Manston
October 1942.
MARVEL: Heli Charter Chief Executive and our Museum chairman Ken Wills C.Eng, FRAeS, C.Mger, FCMI,
Thanet District Council chairman, Cllr Kay Dark, Bell Helicopter President John Garrison, and Thanet
District Council leader Cllr Clive Hart with the Bell 429 helicopter in the new Sapphire House showroom.
New museum chairman is
proud to re-introduce US
aviation back to Manston
AN aviation pioneer who brought
America back to Manston after
more than a fifty year absence
has been appointed Chairman of
The RAF Spitfire and Hurricane
Memorial Museum.
Mr Ken Wills, C.Eng, FRAeS,
C.Mger, FCMI, takes on the role in
the wake of the official opening
of Sapphire House in Merlin Way,
Manston - the new home of Heli
Charter Ltd, the UK’s only
Independent Representative for
the famous US aviation giant Bell
Helicopter which is a Textron
company. Heli Charter have also
recently been approved as a Bell
Helicopter Customer Service
Facility.
Bell Helicopter, originally from
Texas, USA, began making
aircraft before the war. Today,
55 years after the US Air Force
left Manston during the Cold
War, in 1958, the stars and
stripes have returned!
Mr Wills said: “We worked
hard to get Bell Helicopter to
Manston. I am very proud of
Heli Charter for bringing this
famous North American aviation
company here.
“I am also delighted to take on
my new role as Chairman at the
Museum, which is a wonderful
heritage centre full of important
artefacts. I plan to help steer it
towards a bright future. It
deserves to see many, many
visitors from not just the local
community but from all over the
world. Manston is an important
Continued on page 2
..
WARRANT OFFICER: Martin Russell.
RAF OFFICER AT
AWARDS NIGHT
Full story and pictures inside
MIRROR
REMEMBRANCE DAY
SERVICES - FLYPAST
APPEAL - PAGE 13
……………………………………………………...
MANSTON MIRROR
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE
MANSTON MIRROR
EDITOR: MELODY FOREMAN MCIJ
If you have a story for us or would
like to advertise please email:
[email protected]
Telephone: 07876 018243
Copyright: Melody Foreman and the RAF Manston
Spitfire & Hurricane Museum Memorial Trust
……………………
landmark on the aviation map of
Britain, and its role during World
War Two should not be forgotten.
The museum is close to my heart.”
Mr Wills, 59, is also aware that
the Museum is visited by American
tourists who had relatives based
INTERNATIONAL AVIATION
TRIUMPH
CONTENTS
Aviation Red Carpet Day 2 & 3
Gardening greats………………...4
Belgian pilot memorial visit...5
I AM the pilot!....... ..6,7,8 & 9
Beyond our Ken...10,11,12,13
at Manston in the USAF during the
Cold War.
He said: “It will make great sense
for Heli Charter and Bell Helicopter
customers to make their way to the
museum too for the full-on Manston
experience!”
PILOT: Heli Charter CEO Mr Ken Wills at the controls in
the new Heli Charter showroom and maintenance facility.
Meet the Pilots…………………..14
Letters……………………………… 15
VIP Night…………………..16 & 17
AVIATION pioneers who forged
a unique alliance with a North
American industry giant have
been praised for creating jobs
and providing a boost to the
economy.
Business leaders, politicians and
guests commended Heli Charter
during a launch party to celebrate
the opening of the UK’s first ever
purpose-built helicopter showroom
and maintenance facility at Manston,
Kent, on September 21.
The multi-million pound architectural
triumph is now home to Heli Charter,
an Independent Representative and
authorized Customer Support Facility
for the famous North American
company, Bell Helicopter.
President and Chief Executive
Officer of Bell Helicopter, John
Garrison, was flown to the new
facility by Heli Charter’s Director
Gary Slater, who was at the controls
of a Bell helicopter, a 407GX.
Hot stuff…………………….18 & 19
Crossword………………………….20
EVENTS DIARY
TOP TEAM: From left, Ken and Julie Wills, Bell Helicopter
President John Garrison, Heli Charter’s Elaine McColeSlater and Gary Slater.
The RAF Manston Spitfire &
Hurricane Memorial Museum at
Manston is open every day (except
Xmas) from 10am to 5pm. Free
coach parking and the Merlin Café.
BIGGIN HILL FLYPAST
St George’s Chapel and
Shoreham on Sunday
November 10 at 11am
NOT TO BE MISSED
See PAGE 13
ATC BAND: Young musicians from Thanet serenaded
the opening of the new Heli Charter and Bell Helicopter
facility with a programme of lively numbers.
After Mr Garrison cut the ribbon
across the new helicopter centre in
Merlin Way, he described it as
‘sensational’. He said Heli Charter
was the face of Bell Helicopter in the
UK.
Mr Garrison had been welcomed to
Heli Charter with music performed
by the local Air Training Corps,
who included ‘Those Magnificent
Wonderful Men in their Flying
Machines’ in their lively repertoire.
Bell Helicopter is known across the
globe for the iconic Bell UH-1 Huey,
which served in Vietnam, and the Bell
47, which starred in the 1970s’ hit
television show, MASH.
A rare 1973 ‘Huey’ was also on
display at the Heli Charter launch
party, along with the popular 21st
century Bell 206 Jet Ranger, and
Bell Helicopter’s newest aircraft,
a twin engine Bell 429.
Bell Helicopter CEO John
Garrison praised Heli Charter’s
CEO Mr Ken Wills and Director
Continued on page 3
RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
2
……………………………………………………… MANSTON MIRROR
‘I am proud to reveal Heli Charter will also be
playing a high profile role in supporting the UK’s
emergency air ambulance and police services’
- Heli Charter CEO, Ken Wills C.Eng, FRAeS, C.Mger, FCMI
Continued from page 2
Gary Slater for their ‘dynamic
vision and passion for business’,
and revealed how the solid
relationship with Heli Charter
will play a major role in Bell
Helicopter’s resurgence in the
global aviation market.
Mr Garrison also met key Heli
Charter staff including Chief
Engineer Colin Brunger, along
with Heli Charter’s Chief
Operating Officer and owner of
many Bell 206 Jet Rangers, Steve
Purchase.
Heli Charter is responsible for
bringing North America back to
Manston - an airfield which had
an historic association with the
United States Air Force during
both World War II, and the Cold
War between 1950 and 1958.
During the war years, Bell
Helicopter’s fixed-wing aircraft,
the Mustang and the Bell P-39
Airacobra, were used by the RAF.
Mr Garrison said: “During a
meeting with Ken Wills sixteen
months ago, he told me of his
passion to create a purpose-built
Bell Helicopter facility.
“I told him unequivocally I would
be there to open it! This is a
monumental day as Bell
Helicopter continues to grow
helicopter sales across the globe.
“We know the professional
relationships with Ken and Gary,
plus the investments of vision and
passion to put this together, will
ensure our customers will have a
world class experience.
“I have had the benefit of
travelling and seeing great
customers from all over the world
and I can tell you this is one of
the finest facilities I’ve ever
seen. On behalf of the men and
women of Bell Helicopter, I say
‘Thank You’ to Ken and Gary.”
The latest range of Bell
Helicopters will be sold in the
new facility, which is called
‘Sapphire House’ and sits next
door to Summit Aviation, a leader
in jet engine overhaul.
Heli Charter’s Mr Wills C.Eng,
FRAes, C.Mger, FCMI, an
experienced helicopter pilot said:
“It’s a significant moment in the
history of Manston to see Bell
Helicopter, a North American
company, partner with us at
Manston!
“The launch of the new Bell and
Heli Charter facility confirms a
unique relationship between our
two companies and our highly
skilled staff. If you own a Bell
helicopter, this is where you come.
“We all love Bell helicopters,
they’re in our DNA!
“I am proud to reveal Heli Charter
will also be playing a high profile
role in supporting the UK’s
emergency air ambulance and
police services.”
Chairman of Thanet and East Kent
Chamber of Commerce David
Foley said Heli Charter’s new
facility and alliance with Bell
Helicopter represents a huge
vote of confidence in the local
community.
“He said: “It puts Manston at the
centre of helicopter leasing and
sales in the UK and we were
delighted John Garrison came to
Manston all the way from the
United States on this special
occasion.
“Our economy is recovering with a
more than ten percent reduction in
unemployment in East Kent. We
see the arrival of Bell Helicopter
as accelerating this resurgence.
“We are delighted with the
splendid new facility, which will
undoubtedly encourage other
inward investors.”
Thanet District Council leader,
Councillor Clive Hart, revealed
Heli Charter provided a fantastic
opportunity for Thanet and it was
a triumph for Ken Wills and the
partnership he has formed with
Bell Helicopter.
“Mr Wills has brought many jobs
for skilled people to Thanet, and
we need jobs, jobs, jobs!”
Chairman of Thanet District
Council, Cllr Kay Dark, also
praised Heli Charter for its vision
and business insight.
The launch party was also visited
by Kent UKIP leader, County
Councillor Roger Latchford.
Cllr Latchford was among guests
to be photographed with the
famous vintage Bell ‘Huey’
helicopter – one of only two flying
in Britain today.
The Bell UH-1 ‘Huey’ was also a
star in the Francis Ford Coppola
film epic, Apocalypse Now, which
featured a host of Hollywood
greats, including Marlon Brando.
BEYOND OUR KEN
MANSTON RED CARPET DAY: From left Heli Charter chief engineer
Colin Brunger, commercial director Gary Slater, CEO Ken Wills, Bell
Helicopter President John Garrison, senior vice president of
customer support and services, Eric Cardinali, managing director of
Bell’s commercial business Patrick Moulay, Heli Charter chief
operating officer Steve Purchase, and Bell’s regional manager for
UK and Northern Europe, Rob Pennell.
HUEY FANS: East Kent and Thanet Chamber of Commerce chairman
David Foley, centre, his son Alan on the left and Museum Trustee
Sid Farmer, right, with the famous Bell Huey and members of the
101st Airborne Vietnam Living History Group.
IT’S OFFICAL! Mr Wills and Mr Cardinali sign the Customer Service
Facility agreement. Standing from left, Patrick Moulay, Colin
Brunger, Gary Slater, Bell’s Gary Morgan, Ron Pennell, CEO John
Garrison, and Laurenz Jessen.
Pictures: Melody Foreman
- Special Feature pages 10, 11,12, 13
RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
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SUN shone on dedicated
volunteers who set aside
quality time to plant a tree
in memory of Pilot Officer
‘Dick’ Edwards who flew
Spitfire TB752.
Vernon Bone-Knell, Terry
Shakeshaft, Sarah Turner,
Daphne Sharp and John Lofts,
carried out their special task
at the museum’s Allied Air
Forces Memorial Garden in
August.
They also placed a blue plaque
beneath the tree which says:
‘In Memory of Pilot
Officer ‘Dick’ Edwards b. 30
September 1923 d. July 12
2013. He flew the Manston
Spitfire TB752 on its first
wartime action over Holland
in 1945’.
Richard Joseph Edwards was
a member of 66 Squadron and
was the last surviving pilot of
TB752 when he died aged 89
this summer.
After the war Dick lived in
South Africa. In 1995 and
2007 he visited the Museum
and enjoyed the chance to
MANSTON MIRROR
DEDICATED: From left,
Vernon Bone-Knell, Terry,
Sarah, Daphne and John
who work tirelessly
throughout the year to
keep the much visited
Allied Air Forces Memorial
Garden in tip top condition.
GARDENING GREATS: From left, volunteers Daphne Sharp, Terry
Shakeshaft, John Lofts and Sarah Turner, with the tree planted as a
tribute to Spitfire TB752 pilot, ‘Dick’ Edwards, pictured top left.
Tree planted by Museum ground crew in
memory of Spitfire pilot, ‘Dick’ Edwards
meet up with his Spitfire again.
Museum Trustee, Sid Farmer, said:
“I was good friends with Dick and we
were all terribly sad to hear of his death
this summer. We marked his memory
with a charity concert by the Mercian
Regiment Band and a flypast
by the ‘Spirit of Kent’ Spitfire.
“Now thanks to all those who work
so hard in our grounds a tree has been
planted in Dick’s memory.”
Mr Farmer revealed that Dick’s
daughter, Heather Casey who lives in
South Africa, was delighted to hear
his memory was so cherished at the
museum.
VOLUNTEERS would like
to remind visitors to the
Memorial Garden to please
take all litter home with
them or to place it firmly
in the bins provided. Many
thanks!
Mr Farmer said: “Heather
scattered her father’s ashes high
over Victoria Falls because she
knew he would have liked that.”
The Memorial Garden was
formally opened in 2001 with
Dame Vera Lynn among VIP
guests.
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RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
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HERITAGE HANGAR VIP VISITOR:Adrienne Lecoeuvre with the ‘flypast’
Hurricane at Biggin Hill. RIGHT: A Hurricane Mk I flown by her father, Albert
van den Hove d’Ertsenrijck.
Picture: Phil Lecoeuvre
Family and friends visit Hurricane hero’s
memorial at Battle of Britain crash site
RELATIVES of a Belgian pilot who was killed
when his Hurricane crashed in 1940 watched a
flypast in his honour over east Kent.
Adrienne Lecoeuvre who is the daughter of
Albert van den Hove d’Ertsenrijck arrived in
Bilting, near Wye last month with her husband
Phil, and met friends who maintain a memorial at
the crash site on the River Stour.
Her father Albert was flying a Hurricane with
501 Squadron from Kenley during the Battle of
Britain on September 15 when his aircraft hit
MANSTON MIRROR
ABOVE: Left - Albert van
den Hove d’Ertsenrijck,
Hurricane pilot Peter
Monk, and right, Museum
aviation advisor Lewis
Deal of Medway Aircraft
Preservation Society Ltd.
some trees as he attempted to land. Albert
was killed as he tried to jump out of the
cockpit, according to an eye witness.
RAF Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial
Museum aviation advisor Lewis Deal said:
“Last month we gathered at the memorial
and pilot Peter Monk who owns the Biggin
Hill Heritage Hangar did a magnificent
flypast in the Hurricane UFK P3886. It was
a wonderful way to honour Albert. I know
his daughter Adrienne was delighted.”
Adrienne who was just a tot when her
father was killed also made a visit last
month to Kenley aerodrome near London.
Mr Deal said: “I was involved with the
Hythe and Romney branch of the Royal
Air Force Association who with landowner Peter Maylam erected the memorial
to Albert at the crash site in 2010.
“After the crash he was buried in Lympne
churchyard and then in 1949 his remains
were repatriated to Belgium.”
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Our workshop is open to visitors on Monday,
Wednesday and Sunday 9am - 12.30pm.
We also have a Visitor Centre and Shop.
Tel: 01634 204492
Medway Aircraft Preservation Society Ltd
is proud to support the RAF Spitfire &
Hurricane Museum at Manston
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RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
5
…………………………………………………….. MANSTON MIRROR
THE BIG INTERVIEW: MARY (WILKINS) ELLIS
talks to Melody Foreman
‘I AM THE PILOT!’
AVIATRIX: Mary (Wilkins) Ellis at home on the
Isle of Wight. During the war she flew 76
varieties of aircraft, and delivered 400 Spitfires.
THE dainty woman wearing the
glorious string of arts and crafts
beads, black jumper and dark pink
trousers sprang from her chair when
she spotted my car crawling along the
gravel driveway to her home.
Mary (Wilkins) Ellis, 94, had agreed
to meet and talk Spitfires, Hurricanes,
Mosquitoes, Wellington Bombers,
Barracudas, Hudsons, Walruses, Sea
Otters, and discuss any other aircraft
included in the astonishing total of 76
varieties she flew as a ferry pilot with
the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA)
during World War Two.
But this first lady of aviation with a
logbook revealing the safe delivery of
400 Spitfires to RAF bases all over
Britain is not one to make a fuss.
Throughout her long fulfilling life she
has been a quiet, determined achiever,
who was just, as she quietly explains
over tea served from a pot in china cups
and saucers, ‘fulfilling a natural born
instinct to fly’.
It’s Mary’s serenity that instils a sense
of calm as we bask in the warmth of late
spring on a sofa in her large conservatory
and watch the odd audacious rabbit hop
across her lawn.
“They’re eating all my plants!” she says
as we relax into casual banter about
gardening, the weather, and her busy life
at home on the Isle of Wight.
A life which has been enriched by good
friends along the way, some amazing
travel, and achievements, and one which
included a passion for fashion which led
to her to open her own boutique. This
explains her tasteful attire and modellike grace.
This late afternoon though I am also
sitting with the Mary Ellis who became
the first woman in Europe to hold the
post of Air Commandant in her role as
boss of Sandown Airport from 1950 to
1970.
And, she points out, it’s only in the last
few years she has started to talk much
about her wartime flying career.
Continued on page 7
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RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
6
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MANSTON MIRROR
Picture by Melody Foreman
‘My ATA logbook reveals I
delivered several Hurricanes
to Manston in October 1941’
SPITFIRE SENSATION: Mary (Wilkins) Ellis photographed this year with Spitfire BM597 belonging to Historic Aircraft Collection.
Continued from page 6
“I am always amazed people want to
know about it all,” she says.
In 2010 she was invited to number 10
Downing Street by the then Prime
Minister Gordon Brown to be presented
with a special badge celebrating her
achievement as one of just 166 women
in the ATA.
That day she was joined by the rare few
remaining women ATA pilots including
Joy Lofthouse, Molly Rose, Margaret
Frost, and Freydis (Leaf) Sharland who
had also played a major role in keeping
our fighter and bomber boys supplied
with aircraft straight from factory to
RAF air base.
In May 2013 Mary was invited to
Action Stations! ‘Fly with a Spitfire’
Experience and flew with Manston’s
own Heli Charter for an airborne view
of RAF Flt Lt Charlie Brown putting
Spitfire Mk Vb BM597 through her
paces over Battle of Britain country.
After the event she commended the
Heli Charter pilot, Steve Brady, for his
skill at the controls which meant she had
a cracking view of the Spitfire in action.
“It’s vital we keep the Spitfire and
Hurricane flying in the 21st century,”
she exclaims, and during our interview
prior to her flight she was enthused to
watch a video clip of Spitfire Mk Vb
BM597 belonging to the Historic
Aircraft Collection flying right beside a
Heli Charter Bell Jet Ranger helicopter.
“Oh my! That’s splendid,” she says
offering me more cake and tea.
In 2010 Mary flew in the famous
two-seater Spitfire ML407 with its
owner and pilot, Carolyn Grace.
She says it felt ‘very grand’ and it
was as if 65 years had just rolled away!
Once again she briefly took the controls
at Carolyn’s invitation. That day both
women did a victory roll before landing.
At one point of the journey they had
cruised across the skies at just 2,000 feet
- the height Mary would have flown at
during her days with the ATA. Much of
the navigation in those days was all about
recognizing particular landmarks.
During the war Mary and her ATA pals
never knew what aircraft they would be
ferrying across the skies until she picked
up her chit just after 9am every day.
“We didn’t know where we were going
until that very morning, or if we would
get back to our ferry pool that day.
Sometimes we were away for seven
days if we had to fly north to Prestwick.
Then we had to catch a night train back
only to be told in the morning to go back
again. It wasn’t very nice in London
when I had to sleep in the underground if
there was a raid on,” she recalls.
Mary was based at the all-women’s pool
at Hamble, Hampshire. She trained in
Tiger Moths at Hatfield, and then once
given the all clear as a competent flier off
she went to White Waltham, Berkshire –
headquarters of the ATA, for further
training.
Sometimes, as her efficiently compiled
logbook of those years between 1941 and
1946 reveals, she could have up to four
HELI CHARTER
FLIGHT: Mary,
left, flies off
ready to meet
the Spitfire
earlier this year.
aircraft in a day to deliver ranging
from Spitfires, to Tempests, Hudsons,
or a twin engine Airspeed Oxford.
Also as one of the few women to
qualify as a Class IV flyer she copiloted Lancasters and other fourengine giants of the skies.
But the day I met this crisply elegant
woman and sensing my thirst for
Spitfire stories Mary’s sharp blue
eyes began to dance at the memories
as she talked and introduced me to the
young Mary of seventy years ago.
“Of course everyone loves the
Spitfire. Just the sound of the engine
and everyone says ‘Ah the Spitfire!
Even if they don’t actually look up
and see it!” And why is it so famous,
so adored? Mary describes it as a
‘beautiful little aeroplane’ which is a
symbol of freedom. “An icon really,”
she says in her lilting voice.
Can she recall her maiden flight in
the Spit? “Oh yes. I had already
flown Hurricanes by the time I got
into a Spitfire. I think most of us had.
Getting permission for us women to
fly the Hurricanes had already been a
ATA GIRLS: Mary
Wilkins aged 22,
above, and her
pilot pal Jackie
(Sorour) Moggridge.
Continued on page 8
FT
RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
7
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Continued from page 7
handled so beautifully and I made a
decent landing too.
breakthrough for the head of the
“Then I saw there was a taxi Anson
ATA women’s branch, Pauline
aircraft waiting to take me straight
Gower. She also fought for and
back to the same airfield to collect
got us equal wages to the male
and fly the second Spitfire marked
ferry pilots. Pauline was a fine
down on my chit! The crew
woman and much respected by all couldn’t believe it when I showed
of us.
up again so soon afterwards! They
“One morning I showed up to col- probably thought here’s that young
lect my chit on October 13, 1942, girl again!”
and it said I would be ferrying two Mary then leaves me to think
Spitfires that day – the first from
about her recollection of such a
South Marston, near Swindon, to
momentous event and trots off to
RAF Lyneham.
visit her desk in the next room
“I had never been close to a Spitto bring me some more of her
fire before so I was keen to make
extensive archive material.
sure I did the right thing. This was “Here we are,” she says on her
a very fast fighter aircraft so I
return and hands me the ancient
knew I’d have to make sure I did a logbook that contains 14 pages of
good job.
Spitfire sorties.”
“When I arrived to pick it up the
Ask her to describe the difference
chap in charge looked at me like I between flying the Hurricane and
had come from another world.
the Spitfire and she’ll tell you
He asked if I was alright, and
the Hurri was a solid chap to fly
enquired if I had flown one before. and one felt safe and it was
I said ‘no this is my first one’.
tremendously reliable. The Spitfire
Well the chap’s face dropped a
she described as a gorgeous
mile and as I taxied off I noticed a lightweight little minx in the air.
crowd had gathered to wave and
“Very sensitive, and very, very
see me get into the air!
responsive.”
“My takeoff was perfect thank
After her first experience in the
goodness and once in the air I was Spitfire cockpit Mary was then
keen to find out what the Spitfire
forever hooked on flying fast and
could do, and within seconds I was furious aircraft.
really enjoying it. It was a thirty
Born in 1919 Mary Wilkins grew
minute flight to RAF Lyneham and up in Brize Norton, Oxfordshire,
it was thrilling to fly it. The Spit
and had always felt the urge to fly.
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We are dedicated to the safe restoration and
continued safe operation of our aircraft.
We are based at the famous World War Two
RAF Aerodrome at Biggin Hill, Kent.
The aircraft we operate comprise several
superb airworthy examples of legendary WW2
Supermarine Spitfire and other fighter aircraft each
with extensive wartime histories.
We aim to provide current and future generations
the chance to see airworthy Spitfires and
Hurricanes up close and in the air. We have open
days and attend air show events.
VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR DETAILS
Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar proudly
supports the RAF Spitfire & Hurricane
Memorial Museum at Manston, Kent.
MANSTON MIRROR
She says she did ‘very well’ at
school, apart from games, and
remembers vividly the day
as a 12 year old she saw the
wondrous Alan Cobham’s
Flying Circus at Witney
Airfield.
In the mid-1930s she finally
got a chance to take her first
flying lesson in a Swallow
single engine aircraft. Her
father Charles was a farmer.
He always supported his
daughter’s ambition to take
to the air and he graciously
financed her lessons.
She first flew solo from Witney
Airfield with her parents and
siblings watching in awe. Her
first cross country flight was
with Jackie Sorour (later
Moggridge) from Witney to
Walsall. Months later Jackie
joined the ATA as war began to
rage across Europe, and met up
with her keen co-pilot again.
“Jackie was a good friend, and
after the war Jackie was one of
us lucky few who managed to
get a pilot’s job. She flew
passengers from Portsmouth to
Jersey but wasn’t allowed to let
anyone know she was the pilot
because there was still this fear
about women being allowed to
fly aircraft then.
“But when I was running
Sandown Airport between 1950
and 1970 she often flew in and
we’d catch up on old times,”
recalls Mary.
Strangely it is her pal Jackie
Moggridge who is recorded as
delivering the Spitfire ML407
(now the Grace Spitfire) on
April 29, 1944, to 485 New
Zealand Squadron!
As our interview continues the
stories are flowing, and the tea
and cake replenished. For a 94
year old Mary is as bright as
any star and the sharpness of
her memories makes the
conversation sparkle.
She strikes up an easy rapport
with me and enjoys chatting
about ‘boosts’ and ‘levels’ and
‘flaps’.
She talks of the day during the
war when she had a hair-raising
experience in a Spitfire. She
had taken off from Chattis Hill,
near Southampton, around the
same time as her friend Dora
Lang (they shared the same
billet together) then she lost
sight of Dora, also flying a
Spitfire, because of fog.
Always advised to put down in
adverse weather conditions
Mary was overjoyed to just
about see a hangar through the
mist near Wroughton airfield.
She adds: “I was coming in to
land when something shot by
me really close going in the
opposite direction. It was a
miracle as Dora flying her
Spitfire had whisked past me
going the opposite direction on
the same runway. It was a
miracle we didn’t collide!
“Fortunately we had observed
the first important rule of
landing by keeping to the left of
the runway. And that is what
saved us. It was a miracle as we
were within a few feet of each
other at that crucial moment.
“I had narrowly missed flying
into Dora when our Spitfires
flew past each other over a
runway in fog!!”
Tragically some weeks after
this incident Dora was killed
along with flight engineer,
Janice Harrington, when the
Mosquito they were landing
suddenly flipped over and
burst into flames on the runway
killing both ATA women.
Mary was devastated to hear
about the accident and was told
to take the day off.
She added: “It was just after
our alarming experience in the
fog that Dora wrote in my
autograph book.. ‘And the next
time we land on the same
aerodrome on the same runway
may we both be going in the
same direction….’
At 94 years old Mary’s
memory is fully alive to her
ATA days of 70 years ago, and
she makes a face as she recalls
how once she was taken
hideously off course by a man
flying an aircraft alongside
her with a swastika on it!
“I kept waving him away but he
wouldn’t leave my side. I just
couldn’t get rid of him. Then I
realised I had flown near to
Castle Bromwich. Looking
back he may well have been a
test pilot flying a captured
Luftwaffe aircraft! I wasn’t
happy though as it took me a
while to gather my thoughts and
get back on course again. I
never found out who he was!”
she explains with a shudder.
Two hours later during our
interview and Mary is happy to
continue with her most vivid
memories. This time I am
offered a glass of wine,
something she said her late
husband Donald introduced to
her. “Before I married Donald
in 1961 I was teetotal,” she
giggles. Today, I accept her
offer of wine and toast my welcome to her lovely country
home.
Donald Ellis, OBE, grew up
Continued on page 9
RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
8
…………………………………...………………….
MANSTON MIRROR
DID YOU KNOW?
The ATA began on February
15, 1940, and lowered its
flag for the final time at its
headquarters in White
Waltham, Maidenhead,
Berkshire, on November 30,
1945.
By 1944 there were 14 ferry
pools with 1,152 male pilots
and 166 women pilots, 151
flight engineers, 19 radio
officers, 27 ATC and Sea
Cadets, 2786 ground staff.
BOMBER GIRL: Mary in her ATA ferry pilot uniform during the war with a twin engine Mitchell bomber.
Continued from page 8
in Folkestone, and joined the Fleet
Air Arm during the war and was
awarded his wings in Canada. He
met Mary at Sandown Airport, Isle
of Wight, when she was managing
director there, and he was later
awarded his OBE for services to the
British Hovercraft Corporation. One
of his exploits included his 450 mile
journey up the Amazon river with
comedian Michael Bentine. He was
also a commercial airline pilot of
some note. He died aged 84 in 2010.
It’s difficult not to talk about the
Spitfire though and Mary has another
tale. This time she recalls the day
she had to crash a Spit.
“This really wasn’t very nice,” she
admits. “They are such lovely,
beautiful aeroplanes but that day the
undercarriage jammed half way up
and I flew around and did everything
I could to get it down but it just
wouldn’t budge so I turned around
and then I saw the blood wagon and
fire engine come out and they shot
off a green light saying they were
ready for me because they knew
there was something the matter.
“Finally I did a very good landing
but I had bent the aeroplane because
the undercarriage was neither up nor
down. It went ‘Shtm!’..like that
when I landed. I had switched the
engine off when I went over the
hedge. The bottom of the aeroplane
took the impact.
“I had to report it. It was on a grass
airfield so not that bad. This
happened at Chattis Hill near the
woods. This is where they made
Spitfires. The landing area was a
racecourse so at least there was grass
to land on so that was good.”
Of the thousands of aviation stories
The Wellington
Bomber
to come out of World War Two
there is a particular classic
attributed to ATA First Officer
Mary Wilkins, and it is indicative
of the attitude of some of the male
RAF crews of the time.
It was sometime after the war, and
at a party when she first told friends
of the day she had just landed a
Wellington Bomber at an RAF
Station. As she climbed down the
ladder from the hatch with her
parachute the ground crew rushed
over to meet her. It was the first
time a Wellington had been
delivered to them.
One chap asked: “Where’s the
pilot?” Mary retorted: “I AM the
pilot!”
She recalls: “Well they looked at
me like I was telling a fib so they
climbed into the hatch to look for
the men! When in combat at least
five crew members were needed in
the Wellington Bomber but for
ATA delivery purposes it took just
one young woman pilot! To say the
guys on the ground were astounded
that day when I arrived is putting it
mildly. Flying the Wellington
Bomber was wonderful though.
There was a lot of power there and
I loved it, I felt in command. It was
wonderful to be trusted to fly it.”
Mary (Wilkins) Ellis was talking to
Melody Foreman, 2013
HEAD OF THE ATA
WOMEN’S SECTION:
Pilot and writer,
Pauline Gower
AVIATRIX: Mary with Carolyn
Grace at Biggin Hill this summer.
Motto: Aetheris Avidi
‘Eager for the Air’
The unofficial motto was
‘Anything to Anywhere’
THE PLOUGHMAN’S CHOICE
FARM SHOP
‘Fresh local produce straight from the farms’
Somali Farm, Park Road, Birchington
Telephone: 01843 831077
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday
8am to 5.30pm
Sunday
10am - 4pm
TEAROOM
You can find us too at the Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum, Manston
RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
9
……………………………………………………... MANSTON MIRROR
BEYOND OUR KEN
Recently appointed
Chairman of the RAF
Manston Spitfire and
Hurricane Memorial
Museum Trust
the entrepreneur and
aviator KEN WILLS
talks exclusively to
Melody Foreman
Background picture taken by Melody Foreman from the
window a Heli Charter Bell Jet Ranger helicopter this summer.
STUNNING EXPERTISE: Heli Charter pilots in action over Battle of Britain country in May 2013 flying with Spitfire MkV BM597
belonging to the Historic Aircraft Collection. RAF Flt Lt Charlie Brown is at the controls of the Spitfire. The event was organised by
Action Stations! The Heli Charter crew are hailed as ‘supremely professional’ by thousands of passengers every year.
MANSTON’S glittering new Sapphire
House accommodating Heli Charter and Bell
Helicopter is the multi-million pound creation
of a man already known in the world of flight
as a pioneer and a diamond character in the
hearts and minds of all he meets.
I mention his name once to the volunteers at the
Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum and I
hear stories of kindness and charity and how they
got free flights in his aircraft for helping at an air
show one year.
And yet as engineering wizard Ken Wills C.Eng,
FRAeS, C.Mger, FCMI launches his vast new-age
and light bountiful helicopter wonderland this
autumn he remains as serene as Da Vinci putting
the finishing touches to that now famous 15th
century drawing of a rotating device indicating
how man could use it to fly.
“Follow me…” he says when we meet and so I
trot along behind this Kent-born visionary like a
wide-eyed child. Where exactly are we going?
What is this cliff-hanger of a surprise? This is no
ordinary guided tour and he is no ordinary Pied
Piper! We are in fact on the final approach to a
21st century home-designed architectural wonder.
Ken’s hand is poised over the door handle. The
atmosphere crackles with anticipation. Then we’re
into the light. We stand in the hallowed glow of
an awesome auditorium ready to house and
applaud the sight and sound of any number
of bright new helicopters made by Bell
Helicopter - a Textron Company.
Still reeling from the cathedral-like
eminence of the first arena I am then
introduced to the immaculate aviation
repair and maintenance space, and then we
stride dutifully along a labyrinth of virgin
magnolia corridors leading to rooms and
restrooms for staff. Up the steps and now
on the second floor of this vast hangar we
can peer over a balcony at the scene below.
As with the work of all great Renaissance
men the end of one project heralds the start
of another, another, and even another if the
illuminating career of entrepreneur Mr Ken
Wills, is to be studied.
So just how does he do it? Who is this
powerhouse of a man who created Heli
Charter, the helicopter sales, training,
maintenance and leasing business, with
staff including Heli Charter directors Gary
Slater and Colin Brunger calling Sapphire
House ‘home’ and operating a galaxy of
stars with names like Aerospatiale AS355
Twin Squirrel or the Bell 206 Jet Ranger
and other Ken favourites including the Bell
429, the Augusta 109, and the royal VIP
passenger classic, the Bell 222 Airwolf!.
His imagination and drive also led him to
found Summit Aviation in 1991. This
unique company is approved by the Civil
Aviation Authority and already basks in a
globally established reputation for the
overhaul of mighty JT8D and JT3D (jet
turbine) engines.
Summit which is made up of committed
staff, some of whom are successful NVQ
apprentices from Thanet Engineering
Training Initiative (a program founded by
Ken), resides next door to Sapphire House.
As he tells me this I strain to hear as a
cargo aircraft roars loudly overhead.
“That’s an old engine,” he says, “You can
tell by the noise level!”
We talk about jet engines briefly and Ken
says it’s all about balance.
He continues: “Our engineers know exactly
how to get the balance right to ensure a well
overhauled engine should last for many
years.”
Ken is Chief Executive of Kent based Fire
Technology; and also heads up a company
called China Gateway International. His
philanthropic works extend to Cambodia,
the Ukraine, China and also the UK.
Continued on page 11
RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
10
…………………………………………………
MANSTON MIRROR
Continued from page 10
This summer the man with the winning smile
and rugged good looks also became Chairman
of the RAF Spitfire and Hurricane Museum
Memorial Trust.
“No need to mention the charitable causes is
there?” he asks. But I want him to. In my book
if the man does good then it’s all the worth
mentioning in a cynical world. Renaissance
man or woman must be celebrated whatever the
century or social culture. Agreed?
“I’d rather talk about my flair for creating
dedication,” he says. “If you look at the people I
work with you’ll find they stay with me.”
Note our Ken says he works ‘with’ his crew
and they don’t work ‘for’ him. He knows what
hard work is all about and Sapphire House is
the culmination of many years of commitment
to the aviation, construction and property
industries.
I detect a touch of genius here. Motivated
people and success go together like Heli and
Charter. He stresses how luck has been his
constant companion, and how at 59 he is still a
driven character then admits the ambition has
mellowed a little..but only a little!
Once again the importance of working
alongside a dedicated staff is vocalized softly
yet clearly. “I am proud, very proud there are at
least twenty people who have stayed with me
for twenty years or more.
“My friend Roy Buckman began working for
me in the construction business back in 1975
and he retired only recently. He worked with
me for 36 years! That man gave me his working
life. What an honour for me.”
In 2007 Thanet College crowned Ken the
UK’s only Industry Professor of Business,
Construction and Engineering.
Thirty years earlier he was fulfilling a long
time dream to fly a helicopter. An even younger
Ken in the 1970s paid for flying lessons at the
Cinque Ports Flying Club at Lydd, Kent, where
he took to the skies in a Cessna 150 fixed wing
aircraft and rapidly achieved his pilot’s licence.
His natural flair as an aviator scooped him
the title of a World Record Breaker for
precision helicopter flying in 1993.
In the grounds of Rochester Castle Ken
demonstrated how he could scoop up rubber
dog rings from the ground with the skids of
his Bell Jet Ranger helicopter and place them
on a target, a replication of a precision flying
event that was part of the British Helicopter
Championships.
He prefers to fly helicopters because they are
more versatile than fixed wing aircraft. “They
go sideways, backwards and can hover in one
place. That’s great, isn’t it!”
As a boy growing up with his builder dad and
nurse mum in a small house in Ashford, Kent,
did he ever envisage such entrepreneurial
success in his future life?
“Oh I always had ambition. I loved school
and really loved exams,” he replies. “I was
also intrigued early on in life, and still am,
about the mechanics of things. I always
want to know how things work. I remember
once coming home from school after a
physics lesson and telling my dad all about
the workings of an internal combustion
engine!
“That’s about when it all really started and
then I became mad keen about motorbikes.
I’d also offer to help fix my friends’ cars
too.”
Ken left school with a pocketful of
A- Levels and for a brief spell he worked
at Hornby Hobbies in Margate as a line
manager for Scalextric cars. “I loved that
job,” he says.
There is a touch of wistfulness in his voice
but we move on and I hear the details about
his later job as an Industrial Engineer in
London.
His flair for team building began shortly
after he was asked to rewire his landlady’s
house in London.
“Before I knew it I was being asked to sort
the wiring in her neighbour’s place, then
someone else’s, then another and so it
went on along the street until I made
friends with an electrical contractor and
we began to build up even more of this
kind of work together. In those days
London councils were offering grants to
good construction companies which could
re-roof Victorian properties in south-west
London. I secured the work and along with
the staff went on from there.”
Ken doesn’t mention wealth or the VIPs
he’s met (although he shyly recalls a
chance meeting with Margaret Thatcher.)
Instead he does talk more about his
storming amount of luck and being in
the right place at the right time.
He is hugely passionate about learning
new skills and philosophies and makes
Continued on page 12
RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
11
…………………………………………………….
MANSTON MIRROR
continued from page 11
sure each business trip offers him a new
perspective on life and work.
“I’ve worked with lots of other cultures, and
I am fascinated to find out what works for
them. I like to think this has enlightened me
and helped me have a rounded vision of the
world which I put into my business. I love a
challenge, in fact I crave it,” he says.
When he did helicopter business in
Cambodia after the Vietnam War he wanted
to repay the local people for their hard work
and hospitality so he built a school for their
village. This was a project he oversaw and
so began a raft of philanthropy over the
years including the creation of the Odessa
Childrens’ Charity in the Ukraine, and
Cancer Care Appeal events in the UK.
Today this Fellow of the Royal
Aeronautical Society, and one of the UK’s
leading Chartered Engineers, is also the
proud holder of an American Commercial
Pilots’ licence for fixed wing and rotary
wing aircraft.
This latest achievement aligns family
man Ken and his new Sapphire House
beautifully, even fatefully, with his new role
as Chairman of the Spitfire and Hurricane
Memorial Museum Trust at Manston.
Firstly the US Air Force was based at
Manston during the Cold War of the 1950s.
Then looking at the history of the worldfamous Bell Helicopter company we
discover how during World War Two
founder Larry Bell was producing the
fighter aircraft, the Airacobra, and the
successful Mustang, which were used by
the RAF.
By 1951 Bell Helicopter, based in Texas,
USA, was in service around the world.
Today more than sixty years later the new
Sapphire House at Manston will be sparkling
with a dusting of Bell’s diamond
jubilee of fame. “Aviation has always
excited me,” says Ken, “just as I am excited
about being part of the future of the Spitfire
and Hurricane Museum. Manston has an
incredible history and one which I am
incredibly proud to be part of. I love it.”
“I work with some wonderful people at the
Museum where I had acted as a Trustee for a
few years. I admire the dedication of all
those who help ensure it is a cracking place
to visit.”
“Manston played a major role defending
Britain during World War Two and of course
our link with the US Air Force which moved
into the area during the cold war in the 1950s
is of great interest to me.”
Having travelled the globe, apart from
Australia which he ‘hasn’t got round to yet’,
he knows America well and admits he likes
California but he wouldn’t want to live there.
No, his heart is set in Kent and Sapphire
House is set to hook up neatly with more
‘Ken style’ philanthropy as he sets out to
work closely with the country’s vital air
ambulance charities and police helicopter
services. He has also plans for Manston to
become the UK’s major centre for helicopter
rescue and emergency pilot training.
“With them working with Heli Charter it
means we can learn a lot more together,” he
says.
Ken’s family home sits on a Kent cliff top by
the sea and it inspires him. He romanticizes
about the scenery. “I can see Joss Bay and the
famous North Foreland Golf Course from my
window throughout the seasons. Everyday
it’s something I appreciate, along with how
incredibly lucky I’ve been.”
KEN’S FAVES
FILMS:Notting Hill, and The
Thomas Crown Affair
WINE: Chateau Margaux
CAR: A vintage Jaguar
CITY: Canterbury, UK
AIRCRAFT:
A Bell Helicopter 222 Airwolf
WHO INSPIRED YOU THE MOST?
The writer Dale Carnegie (1888-1955)
‘How to Win Friends and
Influence People’ He said it was important
to learn to smile
because we don’t
do it naturally.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK
FOR IN THE PEOPLE
YOU WORK WITH?
Honesty, Integrity,
Ambition and Drive
Ken Tappenden
Toast Master and Master of Ceremonies
Kenneth E Tappenden MBE is
one of the UK’s leading and
most respected Toastmasters
and Master of Ceremonies.
Weddings of all denominations: Royal
Weddings, English, Jewish and Bar Mitzvahs,
Asian, Indian, Turkish, Greek, Awards,
Launches, Charity Concerts, City Liveries,
Cruises and Sporting Events, graduations.
Engaged at Hilton, Dorchester, Grosvenor
House, The Ritz, Ritz Club, Claridges, Savoy,
London Marriott, House of Lords/Commons,
Hurlingham Club, Palaces,Castles, Stately
Homes, QE2, Queen Mary, Eastwell Manor,
Cooling Castle, Barnsgate Manor.
Top man for marquees and outside events
and works for leading banqueting directors
and top licensed kosher caterers. Also a
City of London Beadle and Toastmaster for
Banquets and Services at the Mansion
House, Guildhall, St. Paul’s Cathedral and
all City Livery Halls. Celebrant for Civil
Marriages/Ceremonies and baby namings.
Contact Ken: The Old Coach House, Gleanings Mews,
St Margaret’s Street, Rochester, Kent ME1 1SS
Telephone: 01634 402684
www.kentappenden.co.uk
MMP are Accountants in Ashford,
Whitstable & Broadstairs
MMP has been established in Kent for more
than thirty years looking after clients in all
sectors of business locally and nationally.
We work with many of the top accounting
packages in the UK to improve your efficiency
and ultimately save you money
Why not call
us today
for a FREE
consultation
64 High Street, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1JT
Tel: 01843 608081
18-20 Canterbury Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 4EY
Tel: 01227 770500
3 Queen Street, Ashford, Kent T23 1RF
Tel: 01233 633336
www.mmpaudit.co.uk
RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
12
……………………………………………………...
MANSTON MIRROR
School pupils to honour
war heroes with unique
Remembrance Day
service at the museum
WOW! Huey pilots
Phil, and Simon
Johnson fly towards
the new Heli Charter
facility on the right of
their windscreen.
Pilot reveals how he fell in love with
TV’s MASH star - the ‘Huey’ helicopter
WHEN I was a schoolboy and my friends
were playing football, I was at home building model aircraft, writes Phil Connolly.
There was always the smell of model aircraft
engine fuel coming from the garden shed. The
noise of the model aircraft engines was unbearable as in those days silencers were rare!
(Poor neighbours!)
As time went on I joined the Air Training
Cadets (ATC) with the intention of joining the
Royal Air Force and becoming a pilot.
Unfortunately circumstances at home changed
so I put my ambition of joining the RAF on
hold and started a career as an Apprentice
Engineer later becoming a North Sea Deep
Sea Diver. Spending most time of my
time offshore I progressed to Construction
Superintendent and then to Offshore Project
Manager. This then led me to form my own
company in 1983 and becoming Managing
Director of a diving equipment manufacturing
company and Managing Director of MSS
Holdings (UK) Ltd, owning and operating this
UH-1H ‘Huey 509’ Helicopter and the OH-6A
‘Loach 011’ Helicopter.
I am a keen aviation enthusiast, interested in
all types of aircraft since I was a schoolboy.
Owing to business commitments, it was not
possible for me to fulfil my ambition to fly
until 1998.
In June 1998 I started flying lessons, and
gained my Private Pilot's License (PPL). I
soon progressed to other types of aircraft from
a PA28 to C172 Floatplane and my favourite,
the de Havilland Chipmunk DHCI. However,
following the many hours I had spent flying
in helicopters whilst working offshore, my
interest in learning to fly them grew.
In 2000 I set about restoring an ex-military
de Havilland Chipmunk. Then needing some
spares I visited an RAF base where the spares
were available for inspection. While I was
there I was asked: “Would you like to see
the helicopters we have for sale?”
I knew nothing about helicopters at that
time so (as you do) I went to look at them.
One month later I attended the auction in
London where I successfully purchased the
Chipmunk spares and when the helicopters
came up for auction I made a bid, and another
bid and another, and oops! I was the proud
owner of an ex-military Gazelle!!! I went
home and said nothing! Two weeks later,
the helicopter arrived at my home on the
transporter and my wife Joanne was on the
hunt for my head! ...Yes we are still happily
married and a great team.
That is how I got into helicopters!
It took 12 months to get the Gazelle airworthy.
Gaining experience through this, and wishing to
develop the operation of ex-military aircraft I
investigated the possibility of owning one of the
most famous helicopters in the world, a Huey.
One Huey and one Loach later ..... watch this
space for more!
PHIL CONNOLLY
Proud helicopter pilot and owner
‘HUEY’ FANS: Phil, left presents Heli Charter
CEO, Ken Wills, with an autographed picture
of his glorious Bell ‘Huey’.
Picture: Simon Johnson
RAF Wing Commander Steve
Savage of the Defence Fire Training
and Development Centre Manston is
due to attend a Remembrance Day
service prepared by pupils from
Minster Primary School led by
headteacher Wendy Stone.
The school has been taking part in
Armistice Sunday for more than a
decade.
This year the service is due to take
place on Monday, November 11 at
10.45 starting in the Allied Air
Forces Memorial Garden where the
children will lay a wreath and two
minutes silence will be observed.
More respects to fallen heroes will
be paid in the Spitfire Hall at the
Museum.
Museum Trustee Sid Farmer said:
“The children and teachers are
planning their own service. We are
delighted they are marking their
association with us in this way.”
Sunday November 10 A flypast not to be missed
THE largest formation
of warbirds to be seen
in Kent for many
years will pay a
Remembrance Day
tribute to the fallen on
Sunday November 10, 2013.
The formation will consist of five
Spitfires, a Hurricane, a Harvard
trainer and an American Piper Cub.
After forming up a short distance from
Biggin Hill Airport, the aircraft will
return to overfly St. Georges Chapel on
the airport at two minutes after eleven
before turning to overfly the chalk cross
set in the hills above Shoreham Village
near Sevenoaks eight minutes later.
The public can view the flypast at both
locations.
Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar spokesman
Robin Brooks said: “However, this will
not be achieved without considerable
effort and expense on the part of the
heritage hangar. We are therefore looking
for sponsorship to enable this unique
tribute to be paid to all the fallen on
Remembrance Sunday.”
If you can help please contact Robin
on 01959 576767.
RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
13
……………………………………………………
THE battle plan is on the board in
the morning and each heart gives a
little lurch when it indicates that you
are on operations that night. Please
don’t let it be Berlin you silently
pray.
After lunch a check is made of
your Lancaster making sure of radio
silence. Then the hope of an hour or
two of sleep, it could be a long
night.
Later the briefing begins.
Navigators shuffle charts, bomb
aimers collect target charts,
engineers check fuel logs and the
signallers file code flimsies.
Ground staff fill two thousand
gallons of fuel, armourers lift bombs
into position and supply ammunition
for the gunners.
Uneasy banter fills the briefing
room and the crews stand up as the
C/O enters. The Met man tells of the
weather on route and over the target.
The intelligence officer speaks
of likely defences of guns and
fighters and breaths are held as the
screen is pulled back. Not Berlin,
but Hamburg. The Ruhr or ‘Happy
Valley’ as the crews call it. Not
much better than Berlin, heavily
defended. The C/O tells of the
importance of the operation.
Marshalling yards. He wishes the
crews good luck.
A meal of bacon and eggs. RAF
crews call it a propaganda meal so
when captured they can tell the
Nazis how well fed we are.
MANSTON MIRROR
MEET THE PILOTS
DID YOU KNOW?
Lancaster pilot FLYING OFFICER
GERRY ABRAHAMS of RAF NZ 75
Squadron recalls life with Bomber
Command during World War Two
BUTTONS from uniforms, oil
bottles, dog tags, and coins with
Nazi emblems
were dug up by
David Murray
from his garden.
Mr Murray
discovered his
home had been
built on the site of a
former German Prisoner of War
camp that once held 10,000 men.
The camp known as ‘Wynches’ in
Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, was
bulldozed in 1950.
During Mr Murray’s dig in 2010 a
live grenade was unearthed which
was promptly detonated by an RAF
bomb disposal unit. He also found a
rare badge from a Luftwaffe pilot’s
hat (pictured above). Some of the
items are due to go on display soon
at Forge Museum, Herts.
For news of our museum’s
own amazing POW artefacts see
CLASSIC COLLECTION - page 20.
An hour before take off a visit
to the parachute section hoping
they have been correctly packed
then into flying clothing. Silk
underwear, shirt, heavy roll-necked
sweater, battle dress and heated
suits for the gunners, white
woollen knee-length socks and
fleece-lined flying boots. Each
boot has a knife so that the tops
can be cut away in the event of a
parachute landing in enemy
territory land. Mae Wests on last...
WAAFs hand over sandwiches,
coffee and chocolate and
Benzadrine to stop sleep. Not
necessary - fear has the same
effect.
Then a train of crew buses out to
the Lancaster bombers. A nervous
cigarette and onto the plane.
Engines on, a burst of sound which
rolls and echoes across the wide
expanse of the airfield and a
orchestrated succession as the
snaking lines of Lancasters
begin their ungainly procession
down the narrow perimeter,
barking and rumbling, each
following the white tail lights
of the one in front.
VINTAGE AERO
AIRCRAFT ENGINEERING & PARTS
Tyres squealing onto the
runway, propellers whirling
furiously as the aircraft is held
against the brakes.
Inside the shaking fuselage
booming with the roar of four
Merlin-engines the seven
crew members go about their
business.
The Navigator plots his first
course, the Signaller tunes in to
the group frequency and tests
his radar. The Flight Engineer
scans each instrument for
malfunction and the gunners
swivel in their turrets
conscious that their skills may
mean the difference between
life and death. A green light
from the control officer, brakes
released, throttles opened, and
the Lancaster hurtles down
the runway into an uncertain
future.
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Postling, Hythe, Kent CT21 4EY
Tel: 01303 862985
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If you know of a
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Then please visit our
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Telephone our Honorary Administrator
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RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
14
MANSTON MIRROR
…………………………………………………..
Write to the Editor
[email protected]
Anonymous letters will not be published.
MANSTON MOMENTS
Your Letters
Museum visit sparks
happy family memories
I JUST wanted to tell you how much my
husband and I enjoyed our recent visit to
your fantastic museum.
I also wanted to say sorry to the kind
gentleman host who offered to let me see
inside the Spitfire, just as I had done with
my parents when I was small and the old
Spitfire was outside in all weathers. I was
overwhelmed with your host’s kindness and
started to cry as my husband had come
down from Derby to take me away for the
weekend to give me a break from looking
after my Mum in London who is very ill at
the moment.
My family all have extremely happy
memories of days visiting the Spitfire
when we were on our holidays at our
grandparents’ home in Westgate during
the 60s and 70s and then with our own
three kids during the 80s and 90s.
So many, many thanks for the wonderful
work that you all do, it is a fantastic place
you have created in Manston.
With very best wishes to you all.
JULIANNE CRONIN
Derby
A BRIEF note to thank all
those concerned for your
contributions to the Trust
Dinner and Awards
evening at Monkton
Village Hall. It was an
outstanding success.
The contribution of the
volunteer staff who
attended and participated
was a big factor in making
it an enjoyable evening.
I’d like to make special
mention of Trustee Rosa
Sear whose original idea it
was to make the link
with Monkton Village
Hall and who worked
extremely hard to plan the
details and deliver such a
splendid event.
I’d like to thank too Pete
and Delphine Mitchell.
Delphine and her team of
WI volunteers provided a
top class experience and
cuisine and a beautifully
decorated hall.
A special thanks must go
to our three veterans
‘A big thank you’
to all who made
the Trust awards
event a success
RAF Spitfire & Hurricane
Memorial Museum
Flypast was the best!
Paul Zec.
Gerry, Neville and
Ron whose support to
the Museum was one
of the reasons for the
event; and to our other
distinguished guests.
PAUL ZEC
Education team
Manston
I ATTENDED the Mercian Regiment
Band concert in the Museum grounds in
August and just want to let your readers
know what a treat it was to not only hear
some great music but also to see the Spirit
of Kent Spitfire in action in a flypast!
The pilot (Dan Griffith) was superb. He
swooped overhead and was so low my son
James was able to wave at him! In fact
James is still talking about the sight of that
Spitfire over Manston! More please!
MARY REED
Faversham, Kent
Belgian pilot: A hero’s tale
IT was fascinating to read the story of
Albert van den Hove d’Ertsenrijck in last
month’s MIRROR. Thanks for letting us
know about his amazing life.
STEPHEN MASON
Meopham, Kent.
JOLLY FARMER
The coolest
way to travel..
The Jolly Farmer has been a pub in the heart of
Manston village since 1639. Why not visit us and
check out our traditional English home cooked
cuisine, fine wines and ales. Our garden is great for
families and we can provide marquees for those
special occasions too. A warm and friendly welcome
is assured at The Jolly Farmer!
Tel: 01843 823208
www.jollyfarmermanston.co.uk
HANGAR 10, KENT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, MANSTON
The objective of Polar Helicopters is to provide an exceptional
standard of pilot training in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and at
genuinely competitive rates. Polar Helicopters is an approved CAA
Flight Training Organisation with excellent facilities a dedicated and
experienced team of qualified instructors and our own in-house examiner.We are open seven days a week and offer gift vouchers, trial
lessons, training for both Private and Commercial Pilot’s
Licences and Type Rating Training. Each training course is tailored
taking into account different needs, time constraints and what each
individual wants to achieve from the course.
TELEPHONE: 01843 823067
RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
15
………………………………………..
MANSTON MIRROR
BOMBER COMMAND: Pilot Officer Gerry
Abrahams of RAF NZ 75 Squadron, and
RAF Warrant Officer Martin Russell.
‘DAKOTA’ RON: RAF Warrant Officer
Martin Russell presents Sgt Pilot Ron
Dearman of RAF 267 Squadron with a
Certificate of Thanks from the Spitfire
and Hurricane Museum Memorial Trust.
HURRICANE HERO: RAF Sgt Pilot Neville
Croucher of 289 Squadron, and RAF
Warrant Officer Martin Russell.
Decorated RAF officer is special guest
at awards night for Museum pilot heroes
and salutes new venue for education days
A TOP ranking Royal Air
Force chief was the VIP guest
at a unique double celebration
to honour veterans and a link
between the Manston Spitfire
and Hurricane Memorial
Museum and Monkton Village
Hall, writes Melody Foreman.
Warrant Officer Martin Russell
who served in Afghanistan, Iran
and Libya, and is currently based
at the Defence Fire Training and
Development Centre Manston,
arrived at a special Museum
awards dinner with his wife, Liz,
to present three Certificates of
Monkton
Village
Hall
The Village Hall at Monkton, near Ramsgate, Kent,
can be hired for parties, meetings, clubs, wedding
receptions, keep fit, dance classes, quiz nights,
etc for very reasonable rates.
The Village Hall has recently been refurbished with
fully equipped kitchen and stage.
TO FIND OUT MORE
PLEASE CONTACT:
Mr Pete Mitchell on 01843 821439
before 6pm or email
[email protected]
AVIATORS: From left, Neville, Ron, and
Appreciation to veteran pilots
and Museum stalwarts Neville Gerry as young men in World War Two.
Croucher, 90, Gerry Abrahams,
90 and Ron Dearman, 90.
Before the presentation the
talented Monkton WI led by
Delphine Mitchell were
congratulated and applauded
for decorating the hall and
providing a meal and wine for
more than 50 guests.
Museum Trustee Jeremy
de Rose said: “I want to say
how pleased the Trust is to
host this event and we hope it
is going to be the start of a long
and successful relationship
with Monkton Village Hall.
“It is our intention to use the
link between the museum and
the hall to create space for
educational activities involving
visitors to the Museum. It is an
exciting time for us.
“I am pleased to see Peter
George of the Fleet Air Arm
Association here tonight. There
is a long friendship between the
FAAA and the museum, also it
is a pleasure to see Lewis Deal
- the first civilian chairman of
the Trust.”
Mr de Rose’s speech was
followed by comments from
Paul Zec of the busy Museum
education team. He thanked the
Trustees and pointed out how
Trustee Rosa Sear had worked
tirelessly when it came to
exploring the possibility of a
link between the Museum and
AWARDS DINNER VIP GUEST: RAF
the hall. Continued on page 17
Warrant Officer Martin Russell.
RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
16
…………………………………………………...
MANSTON MIRROR
CATERING CORPS: Museum Trustee Jeremy de Rose with Monkton WI and friends who decorated the hall and served top cuisine.
..
EDUCATION TEAM LINE UP WITH WARRANT OFFICER RUSSELL:
From left, Natalie Duwel Bou-Orm, Paul Zec, Bob Levine, Rosa
Sear, and Alex Levine.
FAMILY: Ron Dearman, senior, left, with daughter-in-law Kay
and son Ron, junior.
Continued from page 16
Mr Zec told guests: “The space
at this facility is of benefit to the
museum because it means we
can seize on the opportunity it
provides for active learning for
our young visitors who come
here. We want their visits to be
an active rather than a passive
experience.
“Half of their time will be spent
at the museum and the other half
engaged in interactive activities at
the hall.”
Guests then welcomed Warrant
Officer Martin Russell to the
microphone. He told them he was
honoured to present certificates to
three very special people for their
support to the museum.
He explained: “Neville, Ron and
Gerry were drawn together in one
aim to protect our great country
and to rid the world of the
dangerous dictator Adolf Hitler.
“They have all given their time
to our museum and have ensured
their experiences are passed on
to future generations to ensure
another World War will never be
repeated.
“As time goes by the opportunity
to speak to those who fought in
the war becomes very difficult.
“And we’ve been very fortunate
to have these men sharing their
experiences and assisting at the
museum and I personally thank
them.”
Warrant Officer Russell who
was born in Canterbury, and
grew up in Marshside, then
handed over the certificates after
he had described the veteran
pilots to guests.
Sgt Pilot Neville Croucher of
289 Squadron flew Hurricanes
during 1942 - 1945.
Pilot Officer Gerry Abrahams
served with RAF NZ 75
Squadron and bravely carried
out 31 missions with Bomber
Command during the war.
Sgt Pilot Ron Dearman of 267
Squadron was famous for his
skills at the controls of a Dakota
and among his many missions
dropped essential food and
supplies to the Chindits in
Burma.
Trustee Rosa Sear told your
MIRROR she was delighted with
the success of the evening and
looked forward to working again
with the education team.
The raffle prizes were won by
Brian Mayes, Joan Croucher
and Jeremy de Rose.
Words and Pictures:
MELODY FOREMAN
TOP TEAM: From left, Trustee Marcus Russell, Paul Zec, Fleet Air
Arm veteran and Corsair pilot, Peter George, Museum aviation
advisor, Lewis Deal, and RAF Warrant Officer Martin Russell.
DYNAMIC
DUO: Museum
Collections
Officer Tony
Sturgess, left,
with Lewis
Deal.
RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
17
……………………………………………………
MANSTON MIRROR
RAF firefighters display
dynamic rescue skills
before a passing out
ceremony with honours
CONGRATULATIONS and applause
resounded all around Manston for the
newest stars of the RAF firefighting service
Fifteen recruits took part in a dynamic display
at the Defence Fire Training and Development
Centre and showed family, friends and staff at
Manston how they successfully tackle any
incident including smoke filled buildings,
burning aircraft, and car accidents.
The crowd watched them scale a burning
tower, gently and swiftly extricate a crash
victim from a mangled vehicle, and witnessed
them use hoses and foam to extinguish three
blazing pools of fuel engulfing an aircraft.
The skilled RAF firefighters from all over the
UK took under five minutes to rescue
‘victims’ and get each potential ‘disaster’ and
life-threatening situation under control.
Fire-Tech specialises in all forms of
passive fire protection including
intumescent coatings, beam and column
encasement, lift shafts and risers, fire
stopping as well as all penetrations along
with protection to services, pipes etc.
Dry lining including fire board to provide
thermal and acoustic as well as fire
protection falls within our remit – to
summarise, all forms of protection to quality standards is our proud claim and is
supported by our ISO 9001:2000
accreditation and a prestigious
Investors in People award
The passing out ceremony on September 27
included a presentation of certificates and a
graduation speech by the Station Commander
at Manston and Commandant of the Defence
Fire Training Development Centre, Wing
Commander Steve Savage MA FCMI RAF.
A special award “The Silver Axe” was
presented to Aircraftman Adam Lovatt for
Continued on page 19
AWARD: Wing Co.
Steve Savage and
AC Stephen
Chamberlain.
Hartsdown House,
Hartsdown Park,
Margate, Kent CT9 5QX
Tel: 01843 228899
www.fire-tech.co.uk
RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
18
……………………………………………………
continued from page 18
being the best all round student.
Wing Commander Savage said: “It is
always significant when our personnel
receive public recognition for their service,
and today is a very significant moment in
the career of these young Royal Air Force
firefighters.
“I am sure you will take pride in watching
the professional manner in which the
students go about demonstrating what they
have learnt since they arrived at Manston.”
Wing Commander Savage then addressed
the students of Recruit Fire Fighter Course
02/13 and said it was a privilege to share
the occasion with them and to present
certificates and awards.
He told them: “You have just completed
a most difficult and demanding training
course and you will shortly leave this
establishment feeling a wholly justifiable
sense of pride. During the last 17 weeks
you have learned not only the special range
of skills required of a fire fighter, but also
the importance of that most vital element
of your chosen profession – teamwork.
“During your time here you will have
worked extremely hard, perhaps for some
of you harder than you have ever done
before, but you will also have formed
friendships, based upon trust and respect,
which may well last for the rest of your
lives.
“To get you to this point today, let me
offer my thanks to your course lead
instructors, Sergeant Dave Raddon and
Corporal Marc Consterdine who have
guided you through your training. I would
like to thank them for all their hard work
and professionalism, which has culminated
with your passing out from DFTDC.
“From here you will depart to your different
units, where you will undertake a range of
structural and airfield fire-fighting duties, in
support of the Royal Air Force and Ministry
of Defence. Even though you will go your
different ways, you share a single, common
and important bond; the fact that all of
you are part of the Defence Fire Risk
Management Organisation and you are also
Royal Air Force firefighters. “Like any fire
fighter you have chosen an honourable
profession; one in which you must be
prepared to face danger in order to help others, one in which team-work, loyalty and
selflessness are all important, one in which
each and every one of you should be proud.
“In passing this course, you have now
achieved the first big step in your career and
upon this I congratulate you. I know that by
drawing upon the skills and attitudes you
have been taught here at DFTDC, you will
not be found wanting in an emergency. It
only remains for me to congratulate you once
again and to wish you all good luck and
success in the future.”
The firefighter’s prayer was then read by
padre, Sue Cox.
Philip Chamberlain had travelled from
Wiltshire to watch his son, Aircraftman
Stephen Chamberlain, in action.
He said: “I am tremendously proud of
Stephen. He joined the RAF in February
and has worked hard to get to this stage in
his firefighting career. I’ve had a wonderful
time watching all the recruits at Manston.
Their training has been superb.”
RAF Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial
Museum Trustee Sid Farmer who watched
the demonstrations and passing out ceremony
was hugely impressed with the high calibre
MANSTON MIRROR
of training undertaken by each recruit.
“Manston is very lucky to be part of the
fine achievements secured by the RAF at
the DFTDC. On behalf of everyone at the
museum I wish them all the best for
the future and our thanks goes to Wing
Commander Savage for inviting the MIRROR
to report the news of such a great day.”
AWARD: AC Adam Lovatt and Wing Co.
Savage with ‘The Silver Axe’ award.
Those RAF firefighters at the passing
out ceremony were: Aircraftmen Barber,
Bracey, Chamberlain, Clemmet,
Goodhead, Harrison, Hollingsworth,
Johnson, Jones, McCarthy, Ravenhill,
Thomas, Wraith, Wesley and Leading
Aircraftman Lovatt
The Defence Fire Training Development
Centre (DFTDC) at Manston is part of the MOD
Defence Fire Risk Management Organisation
(DFRMO), based at Andover, Hants and
from a regional and community engagement
perspective, is also part of 2(SE) Brigade based
at Shorncliffe. It is the centre of excellence for
provision of basic and further training for Royal
Air Force, Ministry of Defence and Contractor
Fire-fighters, through the provision of training
courses offering the highest quality of
Firefighter training to meet our customers’
demands in addition to Firefighter training and
awareness to the wider Defence Community.
NEIGHBOURS: Trustee Sid Farmer from the Museum
which sits next door to the DFTDC at Manston. Sid is
pictured here with RAF Wing Co. Steve Savage.
PROUD: RAF firefighters and officers including Station Commander Wing Co.
Savage, Warrant Officer Martin Russell, Sgt Dave Raddon and Cpl Marc
Consterdine during the passing out ceremony at the Defence Fire Training
and Development Centre, Manston. The Padre, seated left, is Sue Cox.
A JOB WELL DONE: Firefighters on parade after a
lightning display of dynamic blaze control action.
Words and Pictures: Melody Foreman
RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
19
……………………………………………………..
CROSSWORD
Compiled by Dr Julian Brock
Across
Down
2. Highly-decorated Red Army
commander, d. 1974 (6)
1. Bletchley Park
cryptanalyst, d.1954 rat nailgun (anag) (4,6)
5. Significant 1942 battle - lean
email (anag) (2,8)
6. Teenage Dutch diarist (4,5)
7. De Havilland aircraft, ends
in capital of Ecuador (8)
10. British actor, at Pegasus
Bridge in1944 and again in
1962 film, d. 2009 (7,4)
12. Their mission was "to set
Europe ablaze" (3)
14. Phantom force
commanded by Patton in
the run-up to D-Day (5)
15. Prickly anti-submarine
weapon (8)
3. He was more formally
known as General Stilwell
(7,3)
4. RAF airfield (7)
8. The World At War TV
series began and ended
here (7-3-5)
9. Half-time score: Finland
-1, Russia - 0 (6,3)
11. Wise Men negatively
begin this French
fortification (7,4)
13. The Red Army's "Battle
of the Bulge" (5)
18. Gurkha weapon, sounds
at home in kitchen (5)
16. Operation with little
ships, generating electricity
(6)
19. He was "Monty's
Double" (7,5)
17. This 1942 operation
illuminated North Africa (5)
20. RAF airfield (6)
ONE of my students looked
astonished and perplexed
when he asked the following
question: “Prisoners of War
made cigarette cases! How
and why?”
Cigarettes, I explained, were used
as stable currency in POW camps
during World War Two. They could
be exchanged in order to buy food
and other essential commodities and
were even used to settle debts. Even
non-smokers accepted cigarettes
owing to their trade value.
The comforts material goods
provided came largely through the
issue of Red Cross parcels. These
provided food including tinned
goods, chocolate and also cigarettes.
POWs had time on their hands when
not completing forced agricultural or
industrial labour duties. Therefore,
they began to produce items such as
cigarette cases in their free time.
The case would be fashioned from
aluminium obtained from, for
example, food cans or from the
fuselage of aeroplanes. Decoration
was added using broken drill-bits,
saws and old toothbrushes to
MANSTON MIRROR
ANSWERS TO SEPTEMBER 2013 CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 2. HALIFAX 4. GOODWOOD 5. PEARL HARBOR 8. PAPERCLIP
9. BASTOGNE 14. LANCASTER 15. MAQUIS 16. IMPHAL 18. PLOESTI
19. ARNHEM 20. PEENEMUNDE
DOWN 1. GORGOPOTAMOS 3. LYSANDER 6. ERWIN ROMMEL
7. YAMAMOTO 10. KAMIKAZE 11. GARBO 12. STALINGRAD
13. ARDENNES 17. MOHNE
CLASSIC COLLECTION
..
with historian Natalie Duwel-Bou Orm
A close up look at outstanding artefacts at
the RAF Manston Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum
produce effective designs often made
decorative cases were often
from simple punch-holes.
considered as souvenirs and treasured
There are a number of beautifully
possessions. They could easily be
designed cigarette cases displayed in
transported home when the war ended
the Hurricane Hall. One example,
and were often given to loved ones.
as photographed, was crafted by a
German POW in North Africa. Can
you spot the palm trees? This was
kindly donated by Mr. D. Holmes
from Gravesend.
The other example pictured here was
made from a bully-beef tin and was
produced using only a hammer and
nail! The donor: Patricia Philip’s
father purchased it from an Italian
POW when he was stationed in
Shetland in 1943.
Ms Philip from Surrey explained:
“I had been sentimental about it for
all these years…but I should get
more pleasure by giving it to the
CRAFTMANSHIP:Cigarette cases
museum to display.”
made by POWs. See them on
Of course, these functional yet
display in our Hurricane Hall.
The RAF Manston
Spitfire &
Hurricane
Memorial Museum
GIFT SHOP is open
every day
JUST IN: Don’t miss our
gorgeous range of tasty
jams from the Wooden
Spoon Preserving Co.
RAF MANSTON SPITFIRE & HURRICANE MEMORIAL MUSEUM - MANSTON MIRROR October 2013
20