11 November and 12 November
Cold War veterans from the Royal Norwegian Air Force visited the Airfield on Saturday 11 November. This was part of a five-day tour which included Bletchley Park, as many had worked in military intelligence. They were hosted by Arthur Moreton, the Airfield Historian. The veterans and serving officers laid a wreath at the Norwegian Obelisk and went around the Museum. Their next port of call was a tour of Weald Aviation’s hangars to see a variety of Cold War aircraft. This was followed by a look around the Gnat Display Team’s aircraft in Hangar 4A and lunch at The Squadron. After the meal, Arthur Moreton was presented with the Norwegian Defence Service Medal “for his significant and persistent contribution in preserving the history of the Norwegian fighter squadrons stationed at North Weald during the Second World War.”
On Sunday 12 November the traditional Remembrance Sunday wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Debt of Honour Memorial and Norwegian Obelisk today. As well as the local community, Brigadier Tom Guttormsen and a representative of 331 Squadron/132 Wing of the Royal Norwegian Air Force also laid wreaths. Members of the Ops Team represented the Airfield at this solemn occasion, which was very well attended by local people.
As part of the 75th Anniversary commemorations of the Royal Norwegian Air Force being first based at RAF North Weald in May 1942, a special bench was unveiled at the end of the Remembrance ceremony at the Debt of Honour Memorial and the Norwegian Obelisk today by two family members of Norwegian veterans who served here.
The bench is also dedicated to the memory of Lieutenant General Wilhelm Mohr, who commanded 332 Squadron at North Weald and was later to become Chief of the Norwegian Air Staff. He died in September 2016. One of the veterans represented was Inge Øvstedal, who was the tailor for 332 Squadron, having escaped by fishing boat from Norway in 1942. His sewing machine and iron were donated to the Airfield Museum and are on display. Inge was a frequent visitor until his death in 2010.
Monday 30 October
The Hunter T8C WV322 was outside and is gradually getting nearer to flying again
The CFS Red Pelicans scheme Jet Provost Mark 3 XN459 was out on the apron as well
Chipmunk G-BBMN is seldom seen out of the hangar, but was out in the sunshine for a change
The Police helicopters are in most days from Lippitts Hill doing training. On Monday there was more fast roping
Wednesday 25 October
The Norman Aircraft Company NAC-1 Freelance, G-NACI, came in from Elstree. Quite a rare type with only two on the UK Register
The Police helicopters have been in a lot doing circuit training
The Spitfire PRXI was also out enjoying the sunshine.
Sunday 8 October
The Spitfire went off to White Waltham. Pete was short of groundcrew so we helped get it out of the hanger and back in again later.
The Royal Hong Long Auxiliary Air Force Bulldog was also out and about. This is an aircraft that I usedto fly occasionally.
Sunday 24 September
On Sunday afternoon the Hangar 11 Collection’s Hurricane returned from the Duxford airshow.
Tuesday 18 September
The new Essex Air Ambulance, G-EHEM, came in for a clinical governance meeting in the Tower.
The Spitfire PRXI went off to display at Worthing, and returned via White Waltham later in the afternoon.
Monday 18 September
Police 252 came in for more fast roping with the Metropolitan Police armed response teams
Friday 15 September / 2
The Harvard G-BGOR went off to Blackpool for the weekend
The Mustang went to Blackpool as well, positioning for the Southport Airshow
The Sea Fury departed for Culdrose
Friday 15 September
Two Chipmunks flew in from Yeovilton. John Beattie brought his Portuguese one to do some air tests on a Wasp helicopter/ Chris Gotke was in the other one to collect the Sea Fury
The Wasp was G-BYCX, and was doing some rotor blade adjustments
Thursday 14 September
C47 Drag-em-Oot came in for some fuel on her way from East Kikby to Eindhoven for the Arnhem commemorations
The Gnat G-RORI also returned from Guernsey
Tuesday 5 September, Saturday 9 September and Sunday 10 September
The Essex Air Ambulance’s new MD902 Explorer helicopter, G-EHEM, came in for a visit. It wears the same red and yellow livery as the Herts Air Ambulance’s AW169.
On Saturday our Stearmen, N63590, was out in the sunshine.
On Sunday the Gnat, G-RORI, went on a local flight followed by some missed approaches.
The Mustang went off to Scampton on Saturday morning and returned late afternoon on Sunday in light rain.
Friday 1 September
The Royal Navy Historic Flight’s Sea Fury T20, G-RNHF, flew again for the first time after is restoration to flying condition following its engine failure and forced landing at Culdrose in 2014. Lt/Cdr Chris Gotke was at the controls for a 20 minute flight remaining in the Airfield’s overhead. Chris was able to negotiate some extra airspace from Essex Radar up to 2500 feet. Chris did a missed approach before coming in to land.
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