In June Mark Hirst and his father John were given exclusive access to Bouguenais airport and the control tower built in 1939. The distinctive tower would have been a well-known landmark for the soldiers of 663 Artisan Works Company Royal Engineers, Mark's grandfather's unit, as they worked building other parts of the base in the 5 months leading up to the sinking of the Lancastria.
The control tower is showing its age but incredibly there has been little change to the building in the last 65 years. The Germans occupied it after the evacuation of troops in June 1940 and incredibly a flight of Junkers 88s (the type which sank Lancastria) were stationed there in the woods behind the tower.
This part of the base has been sealed off for almost 60 years and there is a real atmosphere about it. Mark said:
"It was an incredible experience and we know from the war diary of 663 that my grandfather was stationed at the base for the 5 months leading up to the evacuation through St. Nazaire.There is no doubt the Control Tower in its prominent position in the middle of the base, would have been a very familiar sight for him.
"I am very grateful to the airport authorities for allowing us access. Bouguenais is now the main international airport for Nantes and both myself and my father appreciatedthe time taken by officials to show us around. It was definitely a highlight."
Later Mark and John were shown around a 1953 "Constellation" transatlantic airliner which had been flown by the elusive American billionaire Howard Hughs. John was allowed to sit at the controls of the aircraft but managed not to take off!
