Steve Taylor's Visit to Wattisham and Coningsby

5/2/2017

RAF Wattisham

Our second visit to The Wattisham Museum was prompted by an invitation from Maggie Aggiss to be interviewed for a documentary about the base and the people surrounding it. She wanted to include my father’s story as it had had a major impact on the people of the village of Ringshall. Photo of Maggie Aggiss and Lt Cdr (Ret), Robby Silk who is a benefactor helping produce the documentary which is called “From Both Sides of the Fence”.

Finding the photo of the plaque about my father led us to the museum at Wattisham in 2010. During the first visit in 2010 we met with several men that knew my father and were able to tell personal stories about him. The photos show Maggie and I, the Javelin model in 41 Sqd, markings which they have nickname “Earl” after my father. I am being interviewed by David Ellery of Viewpoint Products for the independently produced documentary that should be completed early this year (2017) . The photos of the Moat Farm field are where the crash occurred. My wife Sandi and I much appreciate Maggie for keeping the memory of my father alive.

Trailer for "Wattisham: Both sides of the fence"

RAF Coningsby

41 Sqd. has included my father Capt. Earl Taylor USAF as one of their own. We had been gracously invited to visit the squadron at Coningsby. We stayed at the Petwood Hotel, which served as the Officers Mess for 617 Sqd. the “Dam Busters”. Even more special was the fact that we were able to meet Bill Hustwayte who had flown with my father and he had his log book with the entry of the flight. Also on the Visit was Steve Bond and his wife Heather. Steve was doing research for a book about the “Javelin Boys” .

I would like to thank Wg Cdr Berry, Sqd Ldr Richard Tuer, Flt Lts Alastair McFarland, Laura Frowen and Jim Roughton and Mr Steve Brew for their time and acceptance, especially being it was the first day everyone was back from the US.