The Wattisham Station Heritage Centre is located in Stowmarket, Suffolk, and is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of Wattisham Airfield, a significant military airfield in the United Kingdom. The airfield, which has been in operation for over a century, has played an important role in both World War II and the Cold War, serving various roles, including as a base for Royal Air Force (RAF) and later Army Air Corps operations.

Wattisham Station Herritage

Lower Farm Road

Ringshall Stocks

Stowmarket IP7 7RA

United Kingdom

www.wattishamstationheritage.org

+44 1449 678189

It’s important to note that one must book in advance to gain entry to this operational army base see:

www.wattishamstationheritage.org/book-a-museum-visit.html

Aircraft collection

XP743 XG194 XT914/Z XX444 XZ605/L XT617

English Electric Lightning (cockpit) Hawker Hunter FGA.9 McDonnell Phantom FGR.2 Westland Gazelle AH.1 Westland Lynx Mk.7 Westland Scout AH.1

Wattisham Station Herritage houses an extensive photographic record, models, artifacts and memorabilia depicting the history and squadrons based at the station from 1937 to the present day.

Key Highlights of Wattisham Station Heritage Centre:

1. History of Wattisham Airfield:
   • Wattisham Airfield has a long history dating back to its construction in 1942 during World War II. It was initially used by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) as a base for B-17 Flying Fortress bombers, which played a significant role in strategic bombing campaigns over Europe.
   • After World War II, the airfield was taken over by the RAF and continued to serve as an active military base. It became a key site for jet fighters and helicopter operations during the Cold War and beyond.
   • Wattisham Airfield remained operational as a front-line helicopter base for the Army Air Corps, providing a base for attack and reconnaissance helicopters, such as the Apache AH1 and Lynx.
2. Exhibits on Military Aviation:
   • The Wattisham Station Heritage Centre showcases a collection of military aviation memorabilia, including uniforms, photographs, artifacts, and documents that tell the story of Wattisham Airfield’s role in military history.
   • The museum includes displays of aircraft models, types that have been stationed at Wattisham over the years, such as:
     • B-17 Flying Fortress: A heavy bomber used by the USAAF during WWII.
     • Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane: Both aircraft were used during WWII, and there are references to their connection to Wattisham during its early years.
     • Hawker Hunter: A British jet fighter that served with the RAF.
     • Harrier GR5: A vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft used by the RAF.
     • Apache AH1: An attack helicopter that became a key part of the Army Air Corps in more recent decades.
   • There are also detailed aircraft models and interactive displays allowing visitors to explore the different planes and their role in history.
3. Role During World War II:
   • Wattisham Airfield played a significant role during World War II, particularly in the Battle of the Atlantic and the D-Day operations. It was used as a staging area for US bombers and fighters, which were part of the Allied forces fighting against Nazi Germany.
   • The museum offers insights into the USAAF and RAF operations at Wattisham, including accounts of daily life for the airmen, aircrews, and ground personnel stationed at the airfield.
4. Cold War and Helicopter Operations:
   • After WWII, Wattisham continued to be a key military site during the Cold War, particularly as a base for high-speed jet fighters and later, helicopters.
   • During the 1950s and 1960s, the airfield housed RAF Jet Fighter Squadrons, including the Hunter and Lightning aircraft, which were stationed there to defend the UK from potential threats during the Cold War.
   • In more recent decades, Wattisham became a base for helicopter squadrons, with the Army Air Corps operating attack helicopters like the Apache AH1. The Heritage Centre highlights these developments and the transition from traditional aircraft to modern helicopter operations.
5. Memorabilia and Personal Stories:
   • The museum features many personal stories from those who served at Wattisham, with testimonies from former personnel, both British and American. Visitors can learn about the experiences of pilots, ground crew, and other service members who were stationed at the airfield.
   • There are various medals, awards, and documents on display, showcasing the bravery and sacrifice of the airmen and ground crew who worked at Wattisham during various conflicts.