Wattisham Station Heritage is a museum located at Wattisham Airfield in Suffolk, England. It preserves and showcases the rich history of the airfield, which has served as an important military base since its establishment during World War II. The museum primarily focuses on the airfield’s use by the Royal Air Force (RAF), the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF), and later, the British Army Air Corps (AAC).
Wattisham Station Herritage
Wattisham Airfield
Ipswich IP7 7RA
www.wattishamstationheritage.org
Open every first Sunday of the month from April – October 11:00 – 16:00
You must book your visit at wshmuseum1@gmail.com
Aircraft collection
| XP743
WD686/S XG194/N XT914/Z XX444 XZ605/L XT617 | English Electric Lightning F.3 (nose section)
Gloster Meteor NF.11 Hawker Hunter FGA.9 McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 Westland Gazelle AH.1 Westland Lynx AH.7 Westland Scout AH.1 |
Key Exhibits and Highlights Wattisham Station Herritage:
1. WWII History:
- RAF and USAAF Operations:
- Originally an RAF Fighter Command airfield.
- Hosted USAAF bomber groups, including B-17 Flying Fortresses.
- Displays include:
- WWII-era artifacts like uniforms, flight equipment, and photographs.
- Stories and personal accounts from those who served.
2. Cold War and Beyond:
- Wattisham’s role as a base for RAF fighters during the Cold War, including:
- Gloster Meteors.
- Hawker Hunters.
- McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR2 fighters.
- The transition to Army Air Corps use, focusing on rotary-wing operations.
3. Army Air Corps Era:
- Displays detailing the current use of Wattisham as a key base for the British Army’s Apache attack helicopters.
- Information about modern military aviation operations and technologies.
4. Aircraft Displays:
- Various aircraft and helicopters on static display, reflecting the airfield’s diverse operational history.
Significance:
The museum provides a deep dive into Wattisham’s transformation over decades, from a WWII bomber base to a modern Army Air Corps station. It serves as a tribute to the personnel who have served there and offers insights into the evolution of military aviation.
Photo WSH