Speakers

Book one of our guest speakers on WW2 & aviation history

Marc Heighway

Hidden in Plain Sight: Reminders of WW2 in the New Forest
During the Second World War the New Forest area saw a huge amount of activity. It was home to several airfields, training areas, D-Day camps and an embarkation point, a secret spy school, a POW camp, traps were set for invading armies, and it was also the scene of the biggest ever bomb dropped on UK soil. This presentation takes the form of a photo tour and talk on areas of the New Forest you will be familiar with, but showing you things left over from the war you might not have noticed before, and the stories behind them.

History of RAF Beaulieu: Airfield Stories & What Remains
Marc Heighway presents the history of Beaulieu Airfield from the lead-up to its construction, into wartime, and through to modern day. The talk includes never before seen photography and film from the airfield, tales of bravery, inspiring stories and strange events that happened at the RAF and USAAF Station, plus tributes to the many men who lost their lives. It also includes a visual tour of what remains today.

RAF Needs Oar Point: A Story Rarely Told
Marc Heighway explains how for just three short, yet eventful months in WW2, the peace of farmer’s fields south of Buckler’s Hard was shattered by the arrival of four squadrons of Typhoon fighter bombers and lorries full of men. Some have said that this was the busiest airfield on D-Day. But just how true is this? Marc investigates the stories of Needs Oar Point and shows how agricultural land near Park Farm and St Leonards was converted into a wartime airfield. The story of RAF Needs Oar Point is one that has rarely been told despite the role it played in wartime. The talk includes never before seen photography and film, tales of bravery, inspiring stories, and how tragedy and high casualty rates struck the young men who flew from these local fields of green.

Wings Over the Forest: The New Forest’s Aviation Pioneers
The New Forest has a rich aviation history; from the early dreamers and inventors, to the pioneers of Great War aircraft. This presentation explores the innovative spirit of those magnificent men and their flying machines. Marc Heighway presents tales of adventure, bravery, sacrifice, plus many strange inventions that didn’t quite take flight.

The Beaulieu River at War
Prior to war the Beaulieu River was a sleepy waterway, but once requisitioned by the navy, witnessed an incredible amount of activity. The fear of invasion also led to the village being set as a trap for invading forces. As war progressed, the estate was used to prepare for D-Day, including secret tests being conducted on the water. Aspects of the Mulberry Harbour were also constructed locally, and the historical Buckler’s Hard shipyard pivoted to the production of naval vessels. The talk also includes a visual tour showing leftover elements from the war that are hidden in plain sight.

The Defence of Beaulieu Village
Marc Heighway explains how this idyllic New Forest village was set as a trap for an invading army, whilst showing the remains of the Second World that are hidden in plain sight. The next time you drive or walk or drive through Beaulieu, it will completely change your perception of the village.

The Waterside at War
Marc Heighway tells the stories of the Waterside villages of Blackfield, Dibden, Dibden Purlieu, Fawley, Hardley, Holbury, Hythe & Marchwood during wartime, and how the local communities banded together to protect and serve the area. Find out how the local Home Guard and Air Raid Precautions were organised, how defensive and anti-invasion measures were set-up, the roles people took on, how local companies pivoted for wartime, where the bombs fell, and the lead up to D-Day… plus what remains you can still spot in the Waterside that are leftover from WW2.

Colin van Geffen

• Airfields of the New Forest
• Beachcomber: The Secret Sunderland
• Betty Hockey: Last of the Non-Stops
• Calshot: A Place in Time
• Calshot: The Flying Years
• Calshot: The RNAS Years
• Strange Planes
• The Red Arrows: Behind the Scenes
• The Red Arrows: Selection & Training
• The Story of the Schneider Air Races
• Lawrence: Before & After Arabia
• Lucy Houston: The Lady who Saved a Nation
• Nelson & HMS Victory: Their Lives and Times
• Noel Pemberton-Billing: Adventurer, Maverick or Genius?
• Schneider Trophy to Spitfire: The Struggles for Success
• Spitfire!

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