SEARS – RAF Bradwell Bay 2015

Thanks to the team at the South Essex Amateur Radio Society for submitting the following story:

On Thursday 27th August 2015, the South Essex Amateur Radio Society operated the special event station GB2BB from Bradwell Marina, Waterside Rd, Bradwell-on-Sea.

The event was to commemorate 70 years since RAF Bradwell Bay was decommissioned. The Lancaster Bomber, Spitfire and Hurricane from the Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight were due to attend but sadly the Lancaster had engine problems so couldn’t make it.

The event was also going to be supported by the Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB) 102. During Operation Dynamo (the evacuation from Dunkirk, May–June 1940) she crossed the channel EIGHT times! But unfortunately, because of a choppy North sea she couldn’t make the trip from her base at Lowestoft.

To commemorate the ultimate sacrifice which the 121 airmen made whilst serving at RAF Bradwell Bay, another motor boat from the marina released 121 poppy’s into the River Blackwater. This was planned to take place at precisely 12 o’clock on the 27th August, with each poppy having the name of one of the airmen written on it.

Many contacts were made by the SEARS team during the day on 2 metres, CW and SSB, and we had a lot of interest from the public, with the familiar sound of the Morse key attracting many ex-service persons. Also attending were Military Vehicles, Brass band and Stalls

Thanks to the team at the South Essex ARS for submitting this story.

Related Links

• South Essex Amateur Radio Society Club Website
• SEARS Club Profile
• Essex Ham’s reports on recent SEARS events
• Promote your club events on Essex Ham