Are You Receiving Me? the Story of Military Communications Is Coming Through Loud and Clear at SMGWA Event

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A new event at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome on Saturday 19 September brings together military vehicles, living historians and amateur radio enthusiasts to tell the story of military communication through the ages.

Words Without Wires: The Story of Military Communication has been organised by the accredited museum and World War One aerodrome in partnership with Essex Historic Military Vehicle Association. Complementing one of the museum's fascinating permanent exhibitions, Words Without Wires, the event will allow visitors to handle vintage radio equipment and explore historic Armed Forces vehicles.

During World War One, the pilots of 37 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps, based at Stow Maries, were pioneers in the use of Wireless Telegraphy, after RFC engineers developed a lightweight aircraft receiver that would work in conjunction with a Marconi transmitter on the ground. Suddenly, pilots could communicate in the air, changing the face of military aviation for ever. Visitors can explore this incredible development in the permanent exhibition, then chat to radio operators, living historians and historic vehicle owners in the grounds.

Alan Belton, from VMARS Vintage & Military Amateur Radio Society, is one of the exhibitors, bringing radio equipment similar to what he used during a nearly 50-year career in the Army. He says: "I primarily talk with people about what the radio gear was like to use for real, when deployed in various theatres. Apart from routine tactical radio chatter, there is very definite magic afoot when you unpack and assemble a radio somewhere very hot, or cold, or hostile, locate the satellite and get a call through it, or pass a burst message via a radio that results in a helicopter arriving. I joined the Army in 1972 and retired in 2021, and for a lot of that time was a radio operator or user."

Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, comments: "Stow Maries was at the forefront of improvements in military communications during World War One, and visitors to this event will be able to see how those advances continued through subsequent conflicts. We are delighted to be partnering with Essex Historic Military Vehicle Association who will be showing a selection of vehicles and equipment that clearly reveal the progress of technology and giving visitors a chance to handle some historic communication equipment."

Words Without Wires: The Story of Military Communication is one of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome's "added value" events – meaning all of this additional interest and excitement is included in the standard admission price, with children under 11 free of charge. Tickets can be booked online or on the door. There is no free admission to The Airmen's Mess café at this event.

2/… Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome's late summer programme continues on Saturday 26 September, with the Late Summer Fly-in. At this event pilots of light aircraft enjoy reduced landing fees and admission to the Museum and visitors can enjoy spotting the dozens of aircraft which come and go throughout the day.

On non-event days, Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Hackman's Lane, Purleigh CM3 6RN is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm, until 6 December, with fascinating exhibition halls, historic aircraft, interactive flight simulators, pedal planes and more, to keep every member of the family happy. For further details and online booking, visit www.stowmaries.org.uk.

Photo caption:

Essex Historic Military Vehicle Association (HMVA) will be bringing a selection of Armed Forces vehicles and radio equipment

-ENDS-For more information contactcomms@stowmaries.org.uk