Phantom XT914 set to return to Wattisham

On of the last Phantom's (FGR2 - XT914, pictured above at RAF Chivenor in 1992) to be stationed at the Suffolk base before the station was handed over to the Army in 1993, is to be returned to its former home.

The fighter is being moved from its present home at the entrance to RAF Brampton in Cambridgeshire to the Wattisham Heritage Museum for restoration and display alongisde the Museum's Hunter XG194.

XT914 was used by 74 (Tiger) and 56 (Firebirds) squadrons at Wattisham before it was retired from service in 1992. Since bering demobbed she went on to stand as "gate guardian" at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire before heading to RAF Brampton in 1997.

RAF Brampton is set to close in 2013 and Station commander, Wing Cdr Robert Cook, said: "It is very sad to see the Phantom go.

"However it is part of the continuing draw down of personnel and equipment leading up to the station's eventual closure. I'm delighted it will not be scrapped but will return to its original home."

Wattisham Heritage Museum curator Maggie Aggis said the aircraft would undergo refurbishment before going on display at the airfield.

She said: "I remember when the Phantoms flew at Wattisham, so it will be lovely to have this one back home."

For more information on Wattisham Heritage Museum go to: www.wattishamairfieldmuseum.org