PLACES TO GO
Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum
THERE IS NO BETTER year than this, the centenary of the Royal Air Force, to visit one of our excellent museums that are set in former RAF bases. Suffolk’s RAF Bungay, known locally as Flixton, is a fine example, with a number of hangars and outbuildings that make it easy for the public to walk through memories of those dangerous years when the RAF and its allies kept Britain free from tyranny.
In fact, while built in 1942 for the RAF as a satellite landing strip, Bungay was handed over to the United States Army Air Force that same year, when a Mitchell bomber squadron moved in. Then, later in the year, Eighth Air Force B24 Liberator bombers arrived in Suffolk to begin operations against enemy factories. Bungay saw this type of service throughout the war.
W hen peace came, the base was transferred to the Royal Navy and became HMS Europa, a maintenance and storage unit, until its closure in 1955. In 1983, the main runway was partially dug up and returned to farming.
In 1973, the idea of an aviation museum was born. Hangars were erected – including a 1936 Boulton and Paul hangar from Ipswich Airport – and other buildings, mostly with previous aviation usage, placed around them. It was all achieved through the hard work of the members, along with donations and bequests. There is no admission charge – it is still free to get in.
On site are spectacular aircraft, fuselage noses, trainers, engines and other artefacts, along with uniforms, medals, records, models and many representative photographs and paintings.
Some say that the most interesting exhibit at Flixton is the 1918 maritime patrol Felixstowe F5 flying boat nose. It was found being used as a potting shed and, now restored, serves to remind us of the perilous plight of a nose gunner in those days, standing in an open cockpit behind a Lewis gun. In complete contrast to the Felixstowe, there’s an Avro Vulcan cockpit too.
The museum is divided among a number of buildings, most with specific displays, including a replica of an underground Royal Observer Corps bunker and a building full of memorabilia relating to RAF Coastal Command and Air Sea Rescue.
Another building features RAF Bomber Command. Remembering that some 12,330 Allied aircraft were destroyed during the war, many flying from East Anglian bases, it was felt fitting that a Bomber Command tribute should be added to the air museum. It reminds us, too, of one flight of 12 Bristol Blenheims flying out of Bungay, of which 11 were shot down on a single raid, the lone survivor returning damaged beyond repair.
The hangars display a broad variety, including an English Electric Lightning, Harrier ‘jump jet’, Spitfire and Vampire. Gliders include a replica of the famous ‘Colditz Cock’, built by prisoners who intended to fly it out of the castle. Outside is a display of jets, including the legendary MiG 15, Dassault Mystère, Gloster Javelin, English Electric Canberra and many more.
There is a NAAFI-style café and a wellstocked shop, near which is an Anderson shelter and a 1940s cottage interior.
As well as its military aspects, Flixton has an attractive country walk and pleasant picnic areas, statues, memorials and much more, making it a great day out for all the family, or visiting classic car clubs. And remember, it’s free! The fascinating contents of this wonderfully located collection surely challenge those of the better-known museums and are a great credit to those who work to make it special.