Welcome to Marham Marham Aerodrome 1916 - 1919 RAF Marham World War II 1939 - 1945 RAF Marham 1945-1946 RAF Marham 1950 - 1953 - Washington’s RAF Marham is home to the frontline squadrons Marham aerodrome was first opened in 1916 as a military In November 1940, 38 Sqn moved to Malta. Within two In January 1946, after the runway was completed, a flight Between 7th and 15th October 1950, Washingtons at of the RAF’s Tornado GR4 Force, which is currently night landing ground, covering 80 acres of the current days they were replaced by an advance party of 218 Sqn, of Lancasters from the Development Unit arrived Marham took part in exercise “Emperor”. Also taking focused on operations in the Middle East alongside site. From September 1916, units of 51 Sqn Home Defence which became operational with Wellingtons in December from Feltwell to join the Central Bombing Establishment part in the exercise were B50s of the 93rd BG, USAF. On holding a high readiness state for contingency were based here, flying patrols with an assortment of 1940. On 4th, 13th/14th, 25th and 30th of April 1941 both (CBE), along with Radar equipment including: Gee, , the night of 22nd January 1952, Lincoln SX923 of operations across the Globe. Beyond flying, the FE2b, BE2c. BE2d and BE12 . At least one sqns raided Brest, their target being the German battle and Rebecca, as well as the standard ground station in 49 Sqn was diverted to Marham from its home airfield station is also home to the Tactical Imagery- FE2b was converted by 51 Sqn at Marham to a single cruisers “Scharnhorst” and “Gneisenau”. During August an Austin van. Lincoln were gradually added to at Upwood. While circling to land, the aircraft crashed Intelligence Wing (TIW), the Tornado GR Force seater to improve the rate of climb and ceiling. Its 1941, 115 Sqn started the first service trials of “Gee”, the strength of the CBE which also included a number of near the Downham Market road at Black Drove, Fincham. HQ, No. 3 (RAF) Force Protection Wing HQ, No. 93 forward cockpit was covered, twin guns were mounted one of the new secret radar aids. A new Unit, 1418 Flight Mosquitos, while the Comms Flight used Anson C12 and Rescuers managed to drag the only survivor, Sgt J F RAF Marham 1982 - The Falklands Expeditionary Armament Squadron, No. 2620 (County in the nose and it was named ‘The Chinese Scout’. The was formed with four Wellingtons in December 1941 to Proctor aircraft coded in the XE range. Green clear who was seriously injured. In July 1952 the A large detachment of Victor K2 tankers were based of ) Sqn RAux AF Regiment, and a plethora patrol area was from Marham to Tydd St Mary. develop Gee before it went into widespread use. This Washingtons of 90 Sqn won the RAF Bomber Command on Ascension Island. Initially a small number of Victors of engineering support functions ranging from deep flight moved to Tempsford in March 1942. bombing competition, which included four separate cross- carried out maritime radar reconnaissance patrols and maintenance to front line support. Furthermore, Mr Albert “Bert” James, ex Flt Sgt RCAF recalls: “I was country night-flights and visual bombing on a range, were supported by other Victors. Later, the Victors following the 2013 announcement that RAF Marham posted to 115 Sqn at Marham in December 1941. There with points awarded for accuracy and navigation skills. supported Vulcans in “Black Buck” bombing missions, will be the future home of the F-35 Lightning Force, was only one Bofors ack-ack gun but gun pits were Sqn Ldr Sloane, CO of 90 Sqn was presented with the Nimrods on maritime recce patrols, Hercules supply extensive infrastructure changes are beginning across dotted around the airfield made of sandbags these were Laurence Minot Bombing Trophy by MRAF Sir John Slessor drops and Harriers and Phantoms. the base in anticipation of the arrival of the UK’s first on 14th October 1952. Washington B1 WF570 of 35 Sqn dummies. The crews were also made of sandbags with By early 1984 a small number of Victors were still ever 5th Generation, multi-role, stealth fighter. crashed at South Acre, near on 14th December faces painted on them; sticks (not always straight!) were based at Ascension. On 12th October 1982, three 1952, killing three of the crew and injuring six others. The broad population of almost 10,000 people is mounted on wooden tripods to look like ack-ack guns”. Victors led the victory flypast over London in made up of members of all 3 Services, the Civil RAF Marham 1954 - 1982 - Tanking recognition of the work put into “Operation Corporate” Service, Industry, Contractors and families, all of by the air and ground crews of the Victor squadrons. whom play an integral role in making the RAF Marham RAF Marham - The New Site 1935 - 1939 RAF Marham 1947 - 1950 - Project Ruby In January 1956, 214 Sqn re-formed at Marham with machine operate effectively and efficiently. Located Construction started on the present-day Marham The tricycle undercarriages of the B-29s prevented Valiant B1s, first of the V Bombers. Powered by four Avon RAF Marham - 1982 - Current Day - The Tornado Era aerodrome in early 1935 as part of the RAF’s pre-war 204 engines, it had a top speed of just over 550 mph. in West Norfolk, RAF Marham enjoys incredible local the bombs from being pushed under the Marham held an open day on 9th April 1983 to expansion program. By July 1936, work was progressing 207 Sqn disbanded on 27th March, re-forming on 1st support from families, friends and especially the fuselage for loading into the bomb bay. To solve this celebrate 25 years of in flight refuelling at the Station. well with two new public roads laid down around the April with Valiants. That month, a party of VIPs arrived surrounding local communities. the bombs were placed into a hole dug outside the Resident aircraft on show included: Victor K2 XL160 aerodrome to replace the country lanes. on the station, including Mr N Kruschev accompanied by hangers and the aircraft positioned above for loading. of 57 Sqn (hemp camouflage); XL551 of 55 Sqn; Marshal Bulganin, Mr I V Kurbachov (a nuclear scientist) When completed, the aerodrome was a self-contained The bomb bay doors would not close with such a large XL231 of 232 OCU; Tornado GR1 ZA560/G of 617 Sqn and Mr A N Tupolev, the Russian aircraft designer. township, with 15 acres of playing fields, a combined bomb so they were removed. The Lancasters taking part and ZA542/05 of 27 Sqn. Two other types of tanker church and cinema, fire station, sick quarters, shops, in the trials had been specially modified to carry the 90 Sqn disbanded in May 1956 and in July, 35 Sqn left on static display were KC-135A of the 410th Bomber stores, even prison cells and exercise yard beside the During January/February 1942 the Wellingtons of 218 Sqn ten-tonners, this entailed removal of the nose and dorsal for Upwood. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh inspected Wing, USAF and a Vulcan K2 of 50 Sqn. group of hangers for the ‘business end’ of the station. were replaced by Short Stirlings, the first of the four the station that month and presented 207 Sqn with a turrets with the bomb bay cut away and strengthened so Resident units at Marham in February 1985 were engined heavies used by the RAF during WWII. On 3rd new standard. 148 Sqn re-formed at Marham in July with Materials used included 6.5 million bricks, 5,000 tons of the bomb could be carried externally. 27 and 617 Squadrons (Tornado GR1); 55 and 57 March, Stirling N3712 of 218 Sqn was blown up when a Valiant aircraft. During September/October 1956, 148, cement, 40,000 tons of ballast & sand and 1 million tiles The American personnel taking part in Project Ruby Squadrons and 232 OCU (Victor K2) and the Fenland bomb fell from its bomb bay as it landed. 207 and 214 squadrons were detached to Luqa airfield in & slates. The aerodrome opened on 1st April 1937, as a joined the RAF personnel for parades every morning. Mr Gliding Club with various gliders. On 30th June 1986, Malta, while 115 Sqn went to Nicosia, Cyprus to take part unit within 3 Group, Bomber Command. On 12th May, Marham was attacked five times by German Johnston remembers: “they all seemed to be dressed 57 Squadron was disbanded. From March 1987 the in the Suez operations. All these squadrons returned to raiders; buildings damaged included the Sergeants’ differently, one even wore cowboy boots and probably Tornado GR1s of the Tornado Weapons Conversion Marham in November/December. On 1st July 1957, 115 Mess. Marham aircraft also took part in “Gardening” caused our Warrant Officers to have bouts of high blood Unit from Honington were based here while runway Sqn was disbanded. operations in early 1942, the mining of enemy sea lanes. pressure! But they were a good crowd when you got repairs were carried out; they returned home after On 30th May 1942, aircraft from Marham took part in the to know them”. At the end of their six month stay, a With the arrival of a nuclear capability in 1957, RAF six months. HM The Queen Mother arrived by road first “Thousand Bomber” raid. Seventeen Wellingtons of farewell party was planned by the Americans at a dance Marham was awarded its own Station crest. A Blue bull on 13th January 1988 to present 617 Sqn with a new 115 Sqn, followed by 22 Stirlings of 218 Sqn took off that hall in . For this, one of the B-17s went to France with the motto “Deter”. The glaring bull symbolises a standard in No 1 Hangar. The Nimrod MR2s of 42 Sqn night. 900 bombers reached the target, Cologne, where and returned loaded to the gills with cognac. Nine RAF deterrent which aptly refers to the acquirement of a arrived at Marham in March 1988, for a stay of about over 2,400 tons of bombs were dropped and devastated personnel, of various trades were invited. nuclear deterrent capability - hence the motto “DETER” 12 months while runway repairs were undertaken at 600 acres of the city. their home base of St Mawgan.

Competition Page The Tornado Flight Path As you travel along the Tornado Trail flight path you will find letters on the top of each history board. Collect these letters and when you put them together these will make up a relevant statement. Once you have completed the trail and worked out the relevant statement, please complete the form below and send to: Tornado Centenary Competition, 42F Kings Lynn ATC, 5 Paul Drive, Fairgreen, Middleton, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE32 1RU OR: e-mail your name and telephone number along with your answer to: Sir Michael [email protected] Oswald 1 2 3 4 5 Includes Flightpath map & 6 7 8 9 10 Competition inside 11 12 13 14 15

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21 22 23 24 Travel along the Tornado Centenary Trail through the historic town of King’s Lynn Closing Date 30/09/16 and view the decorated Tornados. Prizes will be signed prints of Tornados from RAF Marham. Designed in conjunction with the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk and sponsored by local Winners will be notified by 21/10/16 businesses to commemorate the 100 years of RAF Statement...... Marham. Name ...... More details on: Address...... www.42fkingslynnatc.org.uk ...... Follow us on Facebook & Twitter Phone ...... Flight Path of the Tornado South Quay St George’s Guildhall The Library The Walks Vancouver Quarter Shopping The Corn Exchange Fishing has always been The auditorium is housed in the The King’s Lynn library This historic urban Centre Grade II listed facade of a strong part of Lynn’s Guildhall of George, the largest was funded and opened park in the heart of the Adjacent to the bus station this building, originally history. Queen Elizabeth surviving 15th century guildhall in by philanthropist town is known as The and near to King’s Lynn railway built in 1854, is a I granted Lynn fishermen (restored 1945 – 1950). Andrew Carnegie, in Walks. It is the only station, the Vancouver Quarter testimony to the glory the right to “free and Now used as a venue for theatre, the early part of the surviving 18th century is perfectly placed for visitors of Victorian architecture. uninterrupted use of the music, dance and films presented twentieth century. town walk in Norfolk. wanting to explore the shops Fisher Fleet forever” by local groups. and the town’s rich heritage. Bank House Tuesday Market Place Described by Sir Nikolaus Railway Station Lattice House The market place in the Town Hall & Stories of Pevsner as one of the finest

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o It has been the only much older T A architectural buildings. of life in the town for Lynn’s richest merchants. railway station in the building over eight centuries and town since the closure became is now home to the new Duke’s Head Hotel of the one in South an inn. Stories of Lynn attraction. The Duke’s Head was built Lynn in 1959. in 1683 for the King’s Lynn Thoresby College Member of Parliament, Sir Hanse House This fine Tudor building, John Turner, and is also England’s only surviving incorporating a beautiful attributed to the architect example of a Hanseatic courtyard, originally Henry Bell. business headquarters, housed the priests dating from 1475, of the Trinity Guild in Greyfriars Tower the complex featured King’s Lynn. It stands 93 feet (28 metres) high warehouses and offices and leans about a built around a narrow court. degree and a half to the north west. Marriott’s Warehouse This Grade II* listed The Tudor Rose building dates from the Built around 1500 by a 1580s. One of many local merchant, the Tudor warehouses built along Rose Hotel is situated the banks of the River where the old town wall Great Ouse it was (now at the side of the unusual for having a council office) surrounded lower storey built in B this historic port town. stone to resist the tides. Vancouver Quarter C

St Nicholas’ Chapel Lynn Museum The largest ‘chapel-of-ease’ in The museum itself r

England, this is a building on a r was founded in 1844 grand scale, reflecting Lynn as by members of the one of the main port towns of Lynn Conversazione medieval England. S t a r t / F i n i s h A and Society of Arts. t Saturday Market Place, . Custom House Home of This grade one listed building Follow the Flight Path to find 15 is one of the town’s most ace iconic landmarks. Designed Tornados and 24 History Boards . by architect Henry Bell, it was The Flight Path will take you past many built by Sir John Turner in 1685. of King’s Lynn’s historic buildings and locations: Purfleet Quay Visitor Pontoons 1 The Town Hall & Stories of Lynn The Purfleet was the town’s principal anchorage for ships King’s Lynn Minster 2 Key: since medieval times when it 3 Hanse House Public car parks was probably wider than what is 4 Marriott’s Warehouse Access via cobbled street seen today. The statue of Captain George Vancouver and a compass 5 Thoresby College No drop kerb Pedestrianised set into the quayside celebrates 6 Bank House some of King’s Lynn’s great Swimming Pool 7 Purfleet Quay navigators, explorers and traders. 8 The Custom House Disabled Toilet True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum 9 St George’s Guildhall Toilet This is a Museum of the The Corn Exchange 10 Tornado Flight Path Short, fat fuselage with a very large, swept social history in King’s 11 Duke’ s Head Hotel Tornado & history fin and rudder (2). Shoulder-mounted ‘swing Lynn. It is an independent board locations The Tornado GR4 is a two- Still one of the very few aircraft in the world that 12 Tuesday Market Place wings’ can be operated between 25° and 67° Museum run almost entirely seat, all-weather, day/night is able to operate at low level, day or night and by volunteers and depicts the 13 The Tudor Rose Building Locations of sweep (3). Two-seat tandem cockpit (4) and story of the old North End St. James’ Multi attack and reconnaissance in poor weather, the Tornado is now equipped a short nose cone (1). All moving tailplane on 14 St Nicholas’ Chapel A Storey Car Park fishing quarter of King’s Lynn. aircraft. It has been in with a modern precision-guided weapons the sides of the twin engine tailpipes. Two 15 True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum B Railway Station service with the RAF for suite and world-class reconnaissance sensors small pods under the forward fuselage house 16 The Lattice House Lynn Minster C Bus Station more than 30 years, but such as the Reconnaissance Airborne Pod for the laser-guiding and infra-red night vision King’s Lynn Minster, 17 The Vancouver Quarter a combination of major Tornado (RAPTOR). The aircraft also carries the systems. The easiest ways to differentiate formerly St Margaret’s 18 Lynn Museum Mapping designed and produced by Oxford Litening III Advanced Targeting Pod, which is Church was founded in 1101. Cartographers www.oxfordcarto.com © upgrade programmes between the GR4 and Tornado F3, which was 19 King’s Lynn Railway Station Borough Council of King's Lynn and West and numerous continual used in both attack and reconnaissance roles. retired in 2011, are the shape of the nose; Partially re-built in 1741 Norfolk. Photography: Borough Council of after the spire collapsed 20 St James Park and the Walks King’s Lynn and West Norfolk; RAF Marham. enhancements has kept The RAF has had Tornados deployed to the GR4 nose is blunt and stubby (1); the F3’s into the nave after a storm, 21 Greyfriars Tower the aircraft amongst the Middle East region for more than 20 is longer and sleeker (5). The F3 also lacks it has dominated Saturday 22 King’s Lynn Library the forefront of all years – further proof of the versatility and the under-chin pods of the GR4 whilst the Market place for around . capability of this exceptional aircraft. F3 airframe is also 6 feet (2.16m) longer. 900 years.