Autumn Season Reflections
The autumn season has begun with a welcome return to a busy programme of presentations. After the quieter summer months of July and August, September brought four well‑attended talks, with five more planned for October, two in November, and one in December. It’s a full schedule, yet nicely balanced — the kind of steady pace that keeps the story of RAF Exeter moving forward without ever feeling rushed.
Research has been equally active, with new contacts and enquiries opening fresh paths into local history. Each message, photograph, or family story adds another thread to the wider tapestry. Research is, at its heart, a journey rather than a destination; reaching the “end” of a story would mean closing the door on further discovery, and that is something history rarely allows. There is always more to learn, more to share, and more to honour.
This year’s airshow season was interrupted by the cancellation of both RIAT and the new Hampshire Air Festival — a disappointment for many. Yet other opportunities emerged, including visits to Bentley Priory and the Battle of Britain Bunker, where delivering the story of RAF Exeter to new audiences brought its own sense of purpose and pride.
My work with the Battle of Britain Historical Society also took me to London and the Union Jack Club for a formal dinner with fellow area managers. The society remains in a strong position, but encouraging new members to join and support our work continues to be a priority. The story of the Battle of Britain deserves to be carried forward by as many voices as possible.
This month held a particularly special moment with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Members Day at RAF Coningsby. It is always a joy to attend, but this year’s event was made even more memorable by a display from the RAF Red Arrows. It was also an honour to witness the final flight of Squadron Leader Mark “Suggs” Sugden MBE, marking both the end of his time with the Flight and his departure from the RAF. Suggs has had a remarkable career, and his presence around the Flight will be deeply missed.
As November approaches, we prepare once again to pause and reflect on our armed forces — past and present — on Remembrance Day. Remembering is the foundation of this website. It exists to ensure that all who served at RAF Exeter have a place where their names, stories, and sacrifices will continue to be honoured.
Lest We Forget.