One of the observation cupola that still silently watches over RAF Bircham Newton. Standing as a reminder of those dark days of 1940 where the future seemed uncertain. #ww2 #worldwartwo #RAF

In 2023, our spitfire that hung outside was kindly restored by Major (retired) Ian Dudding. During restoration, we picked the paint scheme & markings to match Spitfire PR IV X4503. Flown by Wing Commander John "Jock" Forbes, of No. 1401 MET flight at Bircham Newton. Who was KIA, March 15th, 1942

Talking Coastal Command books, if you can find it, and its very hard too, I'd recommend Gathering of Demons by Kim Abbott, geat account of RCAF aircrew serving in the Command, a lot of his recollections in the book were from the squadrons time at North Coatss and Bircham Newton.

Every time I see a Blenheim, it just makes me realise how much I appreciate those who served in them. So many were lost in those early war years, so much respect for the crews who used them. No. 235 Squadron suffered many losses from June 1940 to June 1941, 72 fatalities, while at RAF Bircham Newton

My day job at the moment has me driving not only through the former RAF Bircham Newton but past the former satellite airfield for Bircham Newton, RAF Docking. The memorial was funded by the Heritage Centre and unveiled in September 2007. I've been stopping by to make sure it's clean and tidy!

The Lockheed Hudson, truly one of Coastal Commands unsung heroes of WW2. It proved time and time again it was up to the job. All of the material I've read through, memoirs, letters, etc. at RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Centre. I've never seen a bad word written about the aircraft by a veteran.

Busy morning at RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Centre, I have spent the early part of the afternoon listening to @nmtdambusters.bsky.social latest episode, which I was kindly asked to come on for! It does feel odd hearing yourself talk on one of your favourite podcasts, Jane & James, thank very much!

There's just something about the Handley Page V/1500. Mechanically flawed, huge wingspan, difficult to fly, numerous gremlins. Yet I still love it. #HandleyPage #WW1 #BirchamNewton #worldwar1aviation

To go alongside this iconic Gladiator, we have another! (Taken at Bircham Newton's Satellite airfield, Docking) Flying Officer J.B Gordon using his Gladiator as a washing line!

Weather is a bit dubious at the former RAF Bircham Newton today. No operational flying this morning save for the THUM MET sorties in a Gloster Gladiator. That was usually the mornings action in foggy weather until it cleared!

So very close to having the final copy of the RAF Bircham Newton WW2 ORB narrative of events. The final book contains the years 1943 to 1945. Busy last few years, and it's going to cost us a pretty penny, but it will complete our copy of the book and be an excellent resource st the Heritage centre.

Moving onto 206 Squadron now and updating the list. Adding in more details of each loss and where they crews are buried or commemorated. This Squadron really suffered at Bircham Newton between September 1939 and Mid 1941. They contribute over 100 names to the 541 total lost at Bircham Newton in WW2

So many books... the pile has been growing to add to the Heritage Centre's inventory. Which I will get around too soon! 😵‍💫

We sadly don't have any photos of them at Bircham Newton, so I'm using this photo of a 'Hoopla Wimpy' from No. 1 GRU at Ismaliya for reference (IWM CM 5312) No. 1 formed at RAF Manston in December 1939. And No. 2 GRU formed at RAF Bircham Newton in March 1940. I'd have loved to see one fly!

It's bizarre to me how things end up coming to me, and I often wonder how many hands have had it. Back in the late summer, this 1918 service plan of Bircham Newton came to me from a village Heritage Centre. It's in bad shape, and the donor of it gave no name. Mystery, how they came across it!

A small extract from a letter written by Wing Cdr C.G. Ruttan Group Cpt G.G. Truscott Jan, 1944. 415 squadrons daily running was challenged by A flight with Albacores stationed at Manston and B flight with Hampdens & Welligtons at Bircham Newton. Ruttan had a bee in his bonnet about how it was run!

There's nowhere I'd rather be this weekend than at the Heritage Centre, doing some work on the archive. There is so much to do, it's amazing to think how far it has come since this time last year when we decided to reorganise it.

An autumnal photo I took the mother day of the memorial at the Heritage centre. We had a very emotional remembrance Sunday this year, and it's one that will stay with me for years to come.