Historic Vehicles and Radio Enthusiasts Celebrate Military Communications at SMGWA

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Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome has a special place in history when it comes to advances in communications – the pilots of 37 Squadron, based there in World War One, pioneered the use of Wireless Telegraphy in flight, changing the face of military aviation for ever.

On Saturday 19 September, the historic WW1 Aerodrome hosted all kinds of military vehicles and radio enthusiasts for Words Without Wires: The Story of Military Communication. The event, in partnership with Essex Historic Military Vehicle Association, saw both the grounds and the airwaves at Stow come alive with activity.

Families enjoyed trying out historic radio equipment, exploring vehicles and learning Morse code, while military vehicle owners and enthusiasts got together and exchanged stories. Members of the 10th Essex Living History Group appeared in Great War uniform, taking visitors back to the days when carrier pigeons and semaphore were only just giving way to bulky radio receivers and wired field telephones. Meanwhile, Alan Belton of VMARS Vintage & Military Amateur Radio Society, who served in the British Army for nearly 50 years, brought visitors more up to date with a display of radio and satellite equipment.

Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, comments: "Our permanent exhibition Words Without Wires traces some of the leaps forward in communication that happened around Stow Maries. This special event complemented that, and we were delighted to work with Essex HMVA and welcome VMARS on site to bring the subject to life for a wider audience."

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.

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For more information contactinfo@stowmaries.org.uk