Miles Martinet

[l.garey]

In 1952 I noted the following Martinets at Martlesham Heath: EM503, EM700, MS781 and PX165. I have been trying to find out where they were from. I am told they were perhaps from 226 OCU which was at Stradishall at that time, although I cannot find any reference to the OCU using Martinets.
Anyone have any clues?

[Atcham Tower]

Air-Britain serials books have EM503/700 and PX165 as with 226 OCU. Don't have the MS book. I think this confirms Stradishall!

[l.garey]

Thank Atcham. John McCulloch tells me they were based at Stradishall as target tugs for the Orfordness firing range, where Meteors from Wattisham (and presumably 226 OCU's own Meteors) did target practice. They would jettison their drogues at Martlesham and the control tower staff would roll them up and keep them until someone landed to collect them and return them to Stradishall.