Royal Air Force Marham

Image courtesy of Mark Young

Marham was first opened in 1916 as a military night landing ground. Construction started on the present-day site in 1935. The airfield opened on 1st April 1937 as a heavy bomber station.
Two types of aircraft moved to Marham, the Fairey Hendon and Handley Page Harrow

In December 1938 Wellington I bombers arrived.

 In early 1942 the Wellingtons were replaced by four-engine Sterlings.

 Other aircraft operating at Marham were Mosquitos and Blenheims.

Marham closed after the war for installation of concrete runways, taxiways and dispersals.
Opening again in January 1946 ready to receive Lancaster four engine bombers

Also moving to Marham were Lincolns, Ansons and Proctor aircraft.

Over the next few years other types of aircraft were also moved to Marham, including B-29s and B-50s of The United States Air Force (USAF).

In March 1950 the first Boeing Washington’s B1s started to arrive, a large number were based at Marham.

The Jet age

In January 1956, Valiant B1s,started arriving at Marham

Valiant refueling started in 1957 and over a period of over three years trials were carried out. with Javelins, Lightnings, Vulcans and Victors which were converted to receive fuel from the Valiants.

Above images Crown Copyright, unless otherwise stated
In December 1964 the Valiants were grounded because of metal fatigue and all but one aircraft was scrapped, this aircraft was kept as a gate guard at Marham, and is now on display at Cosford air museum

Image courtesy of Don Gilham
On 24th May 1965, 55 Squadron arrived at Marham with a Victor Mk BK1 aircraft. Soon followed by 57 and 214 Squadrons.

In 1976 Marham became the home to various Canberra aircraft, which operated in the target and training roles.

Images via John Roberts

The remaining Canberras at Marham moved in 1982 to RAF Wyton.

Image Crown Copyright
In 1982 Marham received its first squadron of Panavia GR1 Tornados which were housed in some of the twenty-four new hardened shelters which were built at each end of the airfield.

In 1982 Marham’s Victors were involved in the Falklands War where they gave sterling service refueling aircraft from the UK out to Ascension Island in the South Atlantic. As the Victor Force was gradually run-down, Marham’s Victor squadrons were disbanded, starting with 57 Squadron and finally with 55 Squadron which disbanded in 1993.

Images courtesy of Lindsay Peacock

In 1993 39 Squadron moved from RAF Wyton over to RAF Marham

On  23rd June 2006 a pair of 39 Squadron Canberras arrived back from their final detachment before disbandment, escorted by a pair of base Tornados

Image courtesy of Bruce Martin
On 9th November 2005 Marham said goodbye to the RAF’s last Canberra T4 WJ874/VN799.

Image courtesy of Chris Cannon
The aircraft (having been acquired by Coventry based Air Atlantique) was crewed by Flt Lt Mike Leckey (pilot) and Wing Commander Clive Mitchell OC 39 Sqn (navigator). The T4 was retired from RAF service in September being the last Canberra of its type still flying with the RAF. After a lengthy stay outside at Coventry the aircraft was acquired by the Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre,dismantled and trucked down to her new home.
One of the PR9s, XH169 was retained at Marham, and mounted on a plinth

Image courtesy of Chris Cannon

Finally the remaining three PR9s, XH131, XH134 and XH135 left RAF Marham on the 31st July 2006 for the last time, inbound for their new home at Kemble Airfield in Gloucestershire.

XH131 was purchased by the Ulster Aviation Society, and is now on display.

Image courtesy of Darren Headleand

And XH135 being bought by Ken Delve.

Image courtesy of John Sheehan

Canberra PR9 XH169, which retired from service in 2006 was used as a spares source to keep the other three aircraft operational, the aircraft was painted in a grey gloss scheme, with the same tail art as XH134, and mounted on a purpose built plinth nest th the inner perimeter road at Marham

Image courtesy of Bob Franklin

On February 4th 1008, XH169 was unveiled by Her Majesty the Queen, as a fitting memorial to the people who served with the Canberra over the 55 years the aircraft was in service with the RAF.

Image courtesy of Bob Franklin

As the Tornado was coming to the end of its life, several events and flypasts were carried out, including two enthusiasts visits, each with a flying display carried out by the special painted camouflaged jet

Images courtesy of Chris Cannon

F-35B Lightning

Image Courtesy of Stewart Jack.

The first F-35B Lightning aircraft arrived at RAF Marham in Norfolk late evening 6th June 2018. The four aircraft of the newly formed 617 Dambuster’s Squadron arrived at Marham welcomed by senior members of the RAF and RN and the national and local media.

Images Courtesy of Chris Cannon