Author seeks help with wartime book

Published 19 Aug 2010 11:48 0 Comments

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Author Robin Bird from Merseyside will visit Helensburgh and Rhu on Tuesday to complete an untold story from World War 11 - the exploits of the Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment which was based in Helensburgh.

This was a secret wing of the Royal Air Force that tested experimental flying boats, sea planes and anti-submarine warfare.

Robin's father Bob was official photographer for the MAEE and he was billeted in William Street, Helensburgh.

However, during this period Bob brought his wartime bride, Thea - a firewoman in the Liverpool Blitz - to the Burgh for a short honeymoon in the relative peace and quiet of Helensburgh and Lomond.

It was while researching this period of his family history that Robin became fully aware of the important role played by MAEE in defeating the U-Boat menace. Hence his soon to be completed book, Secret Air Force of World War II, MAEE Helensburgh, 1939-1945.

Robin said: "By 1943 the tide of war turned against the U-Boats. This was achieved by new aircraft and weapons developed and tested by MAEE.

"The establishment also tested the Barnes Wallis Highball bouncing bomb, flew a Spitfire fitted with floats and operated a special flight of captured Heinkel 115 floatplanes.

"They were used to drop agents into enemy occupied Europe."

MAEE trials continued to the end of the war with the first jet fighter seaplane. Unfortunately, so did fatalities in flying accidents. As late as October 1945 a MAEE Mosquito crashed dropping a Highball bomb at 380 mph just 30 ft above sea level.

All these stories will be in his book.

Now Robin wants to hear from residents of Helensburgh and Rhu, who have memories of the MAEE.

He said: "It was one of the best kept secrets of the war even though MAEE took over large houses, or put personnel into private lodgings.

Do any residents remember them? This is the last chapter I have to write. Hence my visit".

The book will serve as a tribute to the wartime work of the MAEE.

Robin also plans to erect a memorial plaque at Rhu. Messages can be left for Robin at the Advertiser by phoning 0141 435 8842, at Rhu Post Office, or left on the Helensburgh Heritage website.

He can be contacted before, or after his visit on 0151 639 6851.

This article appeared in Helensburgh Advertiser 19 Aug 10

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