THE meeting on Monday,September 1 at the Abbey Hotel, was opened by our Chairman Bill Major, who warmly welcomed all members and guests.
Following a number of humorous stories from members, business matters followed with Bill expressing his particular thanks for the generous contributions made toward the restoration of the grave of Henry Ward V.C.
Dennis Williams, Archivist of Defford Airfield Heritage Group (DAFG) at Croome Park was then introduced and we were quickly immersed in the remarkable story of Defford Airfield.
In 1940, the eastern part of Croome Park was requisitioned by the RAF becoming part of Defford aerodrome, dotted with huts, hangars and aircraft hard-standing amongst the trees whilst the actual runways were built on Defford Common. The wooded landscape of Capability Brown’s Croome Park provided valuable cover from the prying cameras of Luftwaffe reconnaissance aircraft, for the top secret work that was to take place at RAF Defford. The airfield was taken over in May 1942 by the Telecommunications Flying Unit. The Unit had moved several times before locating to Worth Matravers, near Swanage in Dorset, in early 1940 but attacks and eavesdropping by German bombers prompted the move to to Defford and to Malvern College.
The vast range and complexity of the developmental work was very clearly illustrated as was the personal and social history of the many service men and women and scientists involved.
In his vote of thanks, Dave Harris spoke for all in thanking Dennis Williams both for his detailed talk but also for stressing the importance of the peoples story.
The new RAF museum, opening to the public on Sunday, September 28 will tell the remarkable story of RAF Defford during World War II and the Cold War years. The museum is located in the original Sick Quarters-Contamination Unit –another fascinating story!
On Monday,September 15 we will welcome our next speaker, John Pittwood, who will pose the intriguing question, Where did my Bag Go? A familiar, and shared concern at Check In.
If you are interested in becoming a Probus Club of Malvern member why not Check out by e-mailing t.batesworc@btinternet.com for information.
TONY BATES
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