3 Study Day Talks

Stephen P, Nunn

WARTIME MALDON (World War 2)

An illustrated talk based on the book 'Maldon, the Dengie & Battles in the Skies (1939-1945)' (published by the Maldon Archaeological & Historical Group in 2006). The talk looks at preparations for war on the Home Front, the establishment of Civil Defence Forces, the impact on local people, the role of RAF Bradwell Bay, air incidents and local aircraft crashes. The material is supported by research and aviation archaeology and concludes with surviving evidence of the sacrifice made by Maldon people and VE Day celebrations.

Wing Commander George ffolliott Powell-Shedden, D.S.O., D.F.C.

George Powell-Shedden was the Station Commander at RAF Bradwell Bay from 24/5/1944 to 10/7/1944. This of course was during the D-Day landing period, which must have been frustrating for him as he was grounded following a motorcycle accident. At the time of the accident, he was Squadron Commander of 96 Squadron, which he returned to once he was fit.

He was a career RAF Officer and had served in Khartoum, Egypt, and Malta as well as various UK posts. He was a Flight Commander of B Flight 242 squadron, commanded by Douglas Bader. He is credited with various aircraft shot down and in September 1940 was shot down over Sussex, he baled out and dislocated his shoulder.

In 1948 was part of the 1948 British Olympic Bobsleigh team. He left the RAF on 20th March 1961 as a Group Captain. A very colourful character represented by his daughter in a moving talk.

The Last CO

By Eric Simonelli

The last CO of RAF Bradwell Bay was Geoffrey Dalton Stephenson. He commanded RAF Bradwell Bay from 25/6/1945 to 11/1945. He attended Cranwell in the same intake as Cadet Douglas Bader, who he became friends with. Both were posted to 23 Squadron, where Geoffrey beat Douglas in crashing an aeroplane, but not with such severe injuries. In the Film 'Reach for The Sky' Stephenson's character is played as Sanderson. Geoffrey served in Iraq in the Armoured Car division. Returning to the UK Geoffrey became the Squadron Leader of 19 Squadron. Covering the Dunkirk evacuation, he crashed his Spitfire onto the beach and was eventually taken prisoner, ending up in Colditz Castle and was joined by his old friend Douglas Bader. On release he became the last Station Commander at RAF Bradwell Bay. He married a young widow who had been married to a SOE agent who was executed in France. Douglas Bader was a witness to the wedding. Geoffrey died on an exchange visit to the USA where he crashed while flying a USAF F-100A-10-NA Super Sabre, on November 8th, 1954.

Reception teas and coffees and a lunch are included in this interesting and informative day for the sum of £25.00 (discounts available to RAF Bradwell Bay members)