Richard Coates will use an illustrated talk to describe Hayling's contribution in both WW1 and WW2, including:
- In WW1, acting as a training ground for army machine gunners
- In WW2, being a decoy to lure German bombers away from Portsmouth
- Its role as an anti-aircraft site, and how it was destroyed by a German raid destined for Portsmouth
- The home of the Combined Operation Pilotage Parties
- Rehearsal site for D-Day Fabious 2
And many more events.
Richard Coates is currently a fire consultant, he is experienced in fire prevention, protection, and emergency planning. He has held many top jobs e.g. Chairman of the British Standards Institute portable fire equipment.