Archive for October, 2018

Buccaneer cockpit arrives at Newark Air Museum

Sunday, October 28th, 2018

Buccanear at Newark Air Museum

Friday 26th October saw  the latest addition to Newark Air Museum’s collection of airframes and cockpit sections arrive at the museum site in eastern Nottinghamshire, close to the county border with Lincolnshire. Friday’s arrival was the cockpit section from Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B XX899.

The cockpit was transported from its former display location in Coventry to Newark by Nottinghamshire based contractor Gillivers Haulage. The move was made possible thanks to the good offices of the managers at Coventry Airport who were kind enough to grant their permission for the cockpit to be lifted over their perimeter fence from its previous display location.

Owned by Robin Phipps, Buccaneer cockpit XX899 has been placed on long-term loan at the Newark Air Museum, where it will be displayed alongside several other cockpits outside Display Hangar 2 on the museum’s Southfield Site. These cockpits were recently repositioned to create sufficient space to accommodate XX899.

A few panels have been removed from XX899 on a temporary basis and this is to allow them to be returned to display standard by the owner. One important feature of this particular Buccaneer cockpit is that it retains a significant section of fuselage structure, which allows the canopy to slide on its rails as per its original design.

The trustees of the Newark Air Museum were happy to welcome both the Buccaneer cockpit and its owner to their Gateway Aviation Site in eastern Nottinghamshire. They are also pleased to report that the cockpit will be participating at their Cockpit-Fest 2019 event that takes place on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June, 2019.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Second World War Hampden bomber is brought back to life at Cosford

Sunday, October 28th, 2018

Hampden at RAF Cosford

Date: 12-18 November 2018
Time: 10.15am-1.00pm
Cost: £5.00 per person

A rare example of a Second World War Handley Page Hampden being restored at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is making huge steps forward. As one of the Museum’s longest running conservation projects, the aircraft has undergone a major transformation and for the first time since the mid-1940s you can see a complete fuselage section in the UK.

The aircraft now has all four fuselage components fully assembled, attached and painted in its original 144 Squadron colour scheme and serial number. It’s been a labour of love for one of the Museum’s skilled Aircraft Technicians who has built a large section of the aircraft from scratch using original Handley Page pre-production drawings from the late 1930s and where possible, measurements taken from the partial wreckage remaining from the original aircraft. And it won’t be long before aviation fans can catch a glimpse of the Hampden, as it goes on show during the Museum’s Conservation Centre Open Week taking place 12-18 November.

The Museum’s Hampden, serial number P1344, is one of only three examples of the type remaining and was recovered from a crash site in northern Russia in 1991 and acquired by the RAF Museum. The night it was shot down (5 September 1942), the aircraft was one of nine aircraft lost out of 32 that departed Sumburgh, Shetland Islands, heading to northern Russia to provide protection for the Arctic Convoys; a costly night in terms of both human and aircraft loss. Three crew members died, two survived and become prisoners of war and the aircraft suffered significant damage. The wreckage lay on the Kola Peninsula, Northern Russia undiscovered for almost half a century, but now the British twin-engine medium bomber of the Royal Air Force is being lovingly brought back to life.

Since it was last viewed by the public some 12 months ago, restoration on the badly damaged airframe has progressed significantly and the unmistakable Hampden silhouette can now be seen. Damage to the tailboom was structurally too much to repair and a new tail was built in-house. Within the last few weeks this newly constructed section has been painted by the Museum’s Surface Finish Technician and attached to the original rear fuselage which still bears the marks of bullet holes from the night it was fatally shot down. Adding the tailplane, which is 30-40% original, and the newly constructed forward fuselage, the RAF Museum Cosford aircraft is one of only two Hampden’s worldwide, with the other on display in the Canadian Museum of Flight, Vancouver and a nose section in East Kirkby, UK.

RAF Museum Conservation Centre Manager, Darren Priday said:
“We’re delighted with how the Hampden, a lesser known aircraft of the RAF inventory, is finally coming together after all these years. We are currently trying to source an original rear undercarriage and tail wheel, but if one can’t be found it will be replicated and made in the Centre. The aircraft has been populated internally with items from the Museum’s reserve collection and the next twelve months will see work commence on manufacturing flying control wires to enable the elevator and rudder to move as well as fabricating new bomb bay doors.

Hampden’s, along with Wellington’s, which we also have here at the Centre, bared the brunt of the early bombing campaign over Europe. They played a vital role in the RAF and our nation’s history and I’m confident this rare example will be warmly received by visitors at our Open Week next month.”

Aviation fans will be able to view the newly painted fuselage section from 12-18 November when the Michael Beetham Conservation Centre opens its doors to visitors, giving behind the scenes access to aircraft conservation projects and the chance to speak with the team who make them happen.

Other projects include the Westland Lysander, Vickers Wellington, Range Safety Launch, Dornier Do 17 and the First World War German LVG CVI aircraft will also be on display to visitors. Museum Technicians, Apprentices and Volunteers will be available throughout the week to speak with visitors about their work and answer any questions they may have.

The Conservation Centre will open from 12-18 November between 10.15am and 1.00pm each day and admission is £5.00 per person (children under 16 are free and must be accompanied by an adult). The Museum’s other hangars will be open from 10am until 4pm and entry to the Museum is free of charge. For further information, please visit the Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford.

Visitors attending the Open Week on Saturday 17 November may also be interested in attending ‘The Glider Pilot Regiment and the RAF’ talk taking place at 2.00pm in the Museum’s Conference Room located in the Visitor Centre. Chaired by the Glider Pilot Regiment Society Chairperson, Jane Barkway-Harney, the talk will discuss the genesis of the Regiment, the selection and training of its volunteers, and the role the RAF played in preparing these Army soldiers to take to the skies. The talk will also focus on the 75th Anniversary of the Invasion of Sicily, the longest military glider tow in history and Operation Varsity – the largest single Airborne lift and final operation of the Glider Pilot Regiment during Second World War. This operation saw RAF crews seconded to the Glider Pilot Regiment as glider pilots to make up for previous losses. The talk will last approximately 1hr 15 minutes and costs £5 per person. Further details can be found on the Museum’s website.

Half Term Flying Fun for Families

Monday, October 22nd, 2018

Nimrod Tours at RAF Museum Cosford

Date: 27 October to 4 November 2018
Time: 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm
Cost: Suggested donation of £3 / Entry to Museum is FREE

Explore a selection of Cold War aircraft throughout half term week at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, when families will be given rare access to fighter jets and a reconnaissance plane.

The Museum will be opening the Hawker Hunter F Mk.4 cockpit for close viewing, allowing visitors to take a seat inside the McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG1 and running tours on board the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod R.1 XV249.

The Hunter was a transonic British jet powered fighter aircraft developed for the RAF in the late 1940s/early 50s. The Mk.4 as seen at Cosford was the first version that could carry drop tanks or bombs on under-wing pylons. The variant equipped 13 German based RAF day fighter/ground attack squadrons plus 9 others in Fighter Command, including the Museum’s example (Hawker Hunter F Mk. 4 XE670).

The Phantom is one of the most successful and widely-used warplanes of all time, originally designed to meet a US Navy requirement for a supersonic two-seat carrier-borne air defence fighter, entering US Navy service in July 1961. The example on display at Cosford (Phantom FG.1 XV591) is one of 48 production Phantom FG.1 aircraft purchased for British service, 20 for the RAF initially and 24 of the remainder, including XV591, for the Royal Navy.

The Hunter (close view only) and Phantom cockpits are both located inside the National Cold War Exhibition and will be opened daily from 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm. Both cockpits will be manned by a Visitor Experience Assistant and Volunteer who will be on hand to answer any questions.

Visitor Experience Supervisor, Sam Barrett said:
“It’s important visitors not only get to see the aircraft and exhibits we have on display, but they get to experience them too. By allowing families to step onboard the specially prepared Hunter, Phantom and Nimrod its gives an extra level of understanding and undoubtedly inspires the next generation. Tactile access sparks curiosity and encourages more questions and in turn allows visitors to learn more about the history and the role of the RAF, as well as it being a fun experience!”

Alongside the Hunter and Phantom cockpits will be a Cold War handling collection consisting of helmets, life jackets and a collection of photos, for visitors to try on, and take photos. There is no need to pre-book, just turn up on the day and head into the National Cold War Exhibition. Children must be a minimum of one metre tall in order to sit inside the cockpit and must be accompanied by an adult. Suggested donation of £3 per person.

Daily tours on board the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod R.1 XV249, will run throughout half term week and families will have the exciting opportunity to learn about its intelligence gathering role in the Royal Air Force. During the tours lasting around 15 minutes, aviation fans will learn about the history of the aircraft, hear about the crews on board and view some of its sophisticated surveillance equipment. The Nimrod flew in both the Maritime patrol and electronic intelligence gathering role. Maritime surveillance, anti-submarine operations and intelligence gathering have been key tasks for the Royal Air Force for much of its long history. When the Nimrod was finally retired from service in 2011, the type had operated with distinction for over 40 years in all these roles, and more. Tickets cost £5 per person and are available to purchase online at www.rafmuseum.org/cosford or on the day, subject to availability and weather permitting.

After accessing the historic aircraft, youngsters can also have go at building and painting an Airfix model in a make and take activity. Suitable for children aged 8+ (younger children will require assistance), choose from a number of kits and build your models nestled amongst the Museum’s collection of aircraft on display in Hangar 1. Families with younger children can opt to assemble and decorate a wooden biplane, each kit contains pre-cut wooden pieces, plastic screw and easy to follow instructions. Participation costs £3 per person.

The Museum is open daily throughout half term week from 10am until 5pm and entry is FREE of charge.

RAF Museum’s oldest Volunteer celebrates milestone birthday!

Wednesday, October 17th, 2018

Les Cherrington

Second World War Veteran Les Cherrington, a Volunteer at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be celebrating a milestone birthday this week when he turns 100 years old!

To celebrate his big birthday, the Museum will host a special Birthday gathering for its team of staff and volunteers in early November, where Les will be the star of the show, cake included of course! As the Museum’s oldest volunteer, Les enjoys engaging with visitors and school groups, sharing his experiences of his time serving in the Army with the Staffordshire Yeomanry Queens Own Royal Regiment.

RAF Museum Cosford Volunteering Manager, Judith Karena said:
“On behalf of the Museum, we wish Les a very happy 100th Birthday! He’s an absolute delight and we are privileged he continues to visit us each week and share his truly remarkable experiences with our visitors of his time serving with the Army during the war. Working with Volunteer veterans like Les who tell their story is one of our most valuable assets and we would like to thank him for all that he does for us. We have a team of over 400 volunteers across our two sites who regularly give up their time to assist the Museum in a wide variety of roles, but Les is the first to reach 100!”

Local lad Les, from Shifnal, began his military career in June 1938 at a Yeomanry camp at Patshull Park, Wolverhampton, where he practiced using both sword and rifle while mounted. By September the following year, he was called for War Service, reporting to Drill Hall, Wolverhampton and then spent the first six months at Welbeck Abbey, Nottinghamshire.

He travelled to France and later sailed to Palestine, arriving in January 1940. Making their way through the regions along the Jordan valley and into Syria, his regiment became engaged in combat with the Vinchy French Forces. By 1942 horses had been replaced by tanks and Les was sent to the western desert to fight Italian forces who were later joined by the German Afrika Korps. As the war in the desert began to build, the Staffs Yeomanry were transferred into the 7th Armoured Division where it’s exploits in the Western Desert Campaign gained it the ‘Desert Rats’ nickname.

Les took part in the infamous outflanking manoeuvre through Tabega Gap, Tunisia in the Battle of the Mareth Line, where over 100 tanks from three regiments lined up to face the Afrika Korps who were armed with far superior weaponry. In one battle eight British tanks were knocked out by one enemy shell causing a fire to rage through the line of tanks. Les’s tank suffered a direct hit by an 88mm enemy gun capable of more rapid fire, the shell pierced the tank and exploded. Les was the only survivor.

After regaining consciousness to find the tank engulfed in flames and his left arm almost completely severed by shrapnel, Les was almost completely blinded from the effect of Cordite. With one arm, Les dragged himself up and through the open turret, slid down the front of the tank on his belly and was hit in the back by machine gunfire before landing on the ground. He crawled into a slit trench where he lay until the next morning when he was found by an Australian soldier.

After spending weeks in hospital abroad, Les returned to the UK in August 1943 and underwent a number of skin graft operations to his face and hand at the Barnsley Royal Military Hospital in Bromsgrove. These proved so painful that he refused to undergo any more operations to repair the burns on his ear and nose. Unable to continue in service, Les later went on to become a security policeman at RAF Cosford and later transferred to the M.O.D. Police Force and served for 40 years at various stations.

RAF Museum Volunteer and Veteran, Les Cherrington said:
“I’ve got many career highlights, my time in Palestine is one of them. I used to enjoy going out on patrol with the horses around the Arab villages searching for arms and ammunition. I was also a member of the Army Regimental boxing team during this period and I competed in 8 contests against other regiments before we were sent to the desert – we only won one though!

After my accident, I took some time to recover. Once I was back on my feet and feeling better I went back to the Regiment and I was looking forward to going to Normandy the following week, but when they did the medical assessment of my injuries they said my time was over. I was sad I couldn’t go and now I’m the only one from my Troop who is still alive.

I’ve been volunteering at the RAF Museum for three years. I met fellow Volunteer Arthur at a 1940’s do in Ironbridge. I saw the Desert Rat badge on his sleeve so I went over to him and said, ‘hello fellow Desert Rat’ and that’s how we got talking. He volunteered already and suggested that I joined him, so I did and now I come every week. I love talking to the school children and being in the company of Arthur and Denis.

Everyone asks me what’s the secret to enjoying life at 100 and I always say that I live an ordinary life. I do my crosswords every day and I’m a member of the Shifnal Male Voice Choir which I love. I’ve been involved with the Shifnal Carnival since 1950 and get to go on the float and dress up as King of the carnival every year! I take life as it comes, I’m not one for anything fancy, but I do enjoy a drop of whisky in my tea in a morning!”

Any members of the public who are interested in finding out more about Les’s story can do so each Tuesday in the Museum’s Visitor Centre when he’s joined by Volunteers Arthur Jones 92, ex-Army and Denis Thompson 93, ex-Royal Air Force.

More information about volunteering at the RAF Museum can be found online: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/support-us/volunteering.aspx. Or anyone wanting to share their RAF story can now do so via the Museum’s RAF Stories project, a digital online collection of engaging, historical and contemporary stories of people’s personal connections to the RAF and the service’s influences on their lives. For more information visit www.rafstories.org.

Aerospace Bristol celebrates its 1st birthday

Wednesday, October 17th, 2018

Concorde at Aerospace Bristol

Aerospace Bristol is celebrating its 1st birthday today. Situated on the historic Filton Airfield, the museum opened its doors twelve months ago and has quickly established itself as one of Bristol’s must-see family attractions. A remarkable 160,000 people have already visited Aerospace Bristol; embarking upon a journey through more than a century of Bristol’s aerospace achievements and stepping aboard the last Concorde ever to fly.

Lloyd Burnell, Executive Director of Aerospace Bristol, said: “We always knew there was huge enthusiasm and passion for Concorde, and great pride in our aerospace heritage, but the incredible number of visitors – 160,000 in just twelve months – and the fantastic feedback we’ve received, has exceeded all expectations. We’re now looking forward to the next phase of the museum’s development and to celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first Concorde flight in 2019.”

Aerospace Bristol is planning a year-long ‘Concorde50’ celebration, with a programme of special events, opportunities to share Concorde memories, and the chance to support the charity in its mission to inspire the next generation of engineers.

Over 6,000 schoolchildren have already taken part in the museum’s national curriculum-linked science, technology and engineering workshops, with younger visitors also enjoying fun children’s trails around the exhibition, hands-on interactive exhibits, and even an aviation-themed outdoor play area.

Find out more about Aerospace Bristol at www.aerospacebristol.org.

Cessna 310 Repaint Completed

Monday, October 15th, 2018

Cessna 310

Recent good weather has enabled the restoration and repainting work on Newark Air Museum’s Cessna 310 to be completed
The Cessna 310, G-APNJ aircraft has been repainted into a representative USAF colour scheme that the type wore operationally as a U-3 ‘Blue Canoe’ utility communications aircraft.

As previously reported, the selected colour scheme is similar to the last civilian colour scheme worn by G-APNJ and it is hoped that the change of markings will stimulate additional interest in this particular aircraft.

Recent information released via the museum indicates that this aircraft will be one of several to feature in a Night Photo Shoot to be hosted by the museum in spring 2019.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Cosford commemorates Armistice Day with Service of Remembrance

Monday, October 15th, 2018

NCWE Poppies

Date: Sunday 11 November 2018
Time: 10.30am arrival / 10.45am service commences
Cost: FREE

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will hold a Service of Remembrance on Sunday 11 November, paying respect to those service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during their tours of duty.

Visitors who wish to pay their respects and reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave service men and women are invited to join the service, led by the Station Chaplain at RAF Cosford. Those attending will also be treated to renditions from the Cosford Military Wives Choir, who will perform for visitors on arrival and during the service.

The service will take place in the Museum’s Hangar 1 and visitors are politely requested to assemble no later than 10:30am ready for the Service to commence at 10.45am. As well as readings, there will be hymns and the sounding of ‘The Last Post’, followed by a two minute silence.

Students from Castle Bromwich Junior School in Birmingham will also be in attendance, reading poems they have written especially for the service. Year six students recently took part in a workshop delivered by the Museum’s Access and Learning team, exploring the history behind Remembrance Sunday and the significance of the poppy, using a handling collection to spark discussion. A wall of poems written by the students will go on display in the Museum’s ‘War in the Air’ Hangar over the remembrance period for visitors to view.

RAF Museum Cosford Events Executive, Nathan Davis said:
“The Royal Air Force’s centenary year has been a reminder of the vital role our armed forces personnel have played and still continue to play in all our lives. As the celebrations draw to an end, we invite visitors to join us on Remembrance Sunday for a poignant service so we can remember together. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the RAF, the Station Chaplain and the Cosford Military Wives Choir again this year and I’m confident visitors will enjoy the special service we have planned.”

During the service, wreaths will be laid by representatives from RAF Cosford, RAF Museum staff and volunteers, Cosford Military Wives Choir and Castle Bromwich Junior School in honour of those who have fallen in the line of duty. Following the service visitors are free to explore the Museum at their own leisure.

If you would like to find out about Service Personnel who fell serving in the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force during the Great War of 1914 to 1918, or to dedicate a digital poppy, please visit the RAF Museum’s online story vault: www.rafmuseumstoryvault.org.uk

The Museum is open daily from 10am and entry to the Museum is FREE of charge. For further information please visit www.rafmuseum.org/cosford.

‘Weeping Lancaster’ Commemoration in Lancaster Corner at Newark Air Museum

Monday, October 15th, 2018

Weeping Lancaster

A revitalised version of the ‘Weeping Lancaster’ commemoration has again been added to the artefact display in Lancaster Corner in Hangar 1 at Newark Air Museum, which is located close to the Nottinghamshire / Lincolnshire county border.

‘Weeping Lancaster’ features a stream of poppies that have been added to the floor of the Lancaster fuselage section from IX(B) Squadron Lancaster W4964, WS-J that was donated to Newark in 1974. These complement the added air gunner figure and will form a fitting reminder of the aircrew that trained at RAF Winthorpe during World War II with 1661 HCU (Heavy Conversion Unit).

The inspiration for this commemoration came from the various poppy displays around the country and they were installed in the Lancaster fuselage section by Nigel & Jude Bean.

The fuselage section is of major significance to the history of Bomber Command as it came from Lancaster W4964, that flew 106 Ops and its 100th Op was a ‘Tallboy Mission’ on the Tirpitz battleship in Alten Fjord, Norway.

W4964 carried the nose art of the ‘Johnnie Walker’ whiskey company and the exhibit still wears its original wartime paintwork. Its ends had been boarded up and it had been used as a road repairers ‘mess hut’ and also garden shed before being donated to the museum in 1974.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Date Confirmed For The Royal Navy International Air Day 2019

Friday, October 5th, 2018

Rafales at Yeovilton

Planning is well underway for one of the Royal Navy’s premier public events – the International Air Day at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton in Somerset. As the Royal Navy’s only air show, it will now be known as the Royal Navy International Air Day and will take place on Saturday 13 July 2019.

The Royal Navy has been at the forefront of technological innovation in Maritime Aviation for over 100 years. This is destined to continue with the first landing, this autumn, of an F-35B Lightning II on HMS Queen Elizabeth – the world’s first aircraft carrier designed around operating a fifth-generation fighter jet. The subtle but significant name change reflects this but also the aspiration to build on the growing reputation of the airshow by attracting further participation by foreign naval air arms and maritime aircraft.

Commodore Nick Tindal, Commanding Officer, RNAS Yeovilton, states that:

“The Royal Navy International Air Day will celebrate modern and historical Air Power in its many forms not least its central role for Maritime Capability and for the capabilities of our sister services, the Army and Royal Air Force. 

It is also an opportunity to welcome our NATO, European and other close Allies and Partners from across the globe underlining the importance of international cooperation and the international nature of Royal Navy and UK military operations.”

RNAS Yeovilton, the spiritual home of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, will open their gates to up to 40,000 visitors to enjoy the magnificent five hour flying display, meet our Armed Forces personnel and see their equipment up close. There will also be a huge array of educational ground attractions from interactive Service displays to engineering fairs and state-of-the-art defence technology exhibitions. Families will also be able to enjoy trade stalls, arena displays, helicopter pleasure flights, simulators and fairground rides. Further information on tickets will be announced in due course.

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday

Newark Air Museum Indoor Aeroboot Aviation & Avionics Sale

Friday, October 5th, 2018

Newark Aeroboot

Saturday 13th October 2018

The next Newark Air Museum Indoor Aeroboot / Aerojumble Sale at the museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire takes place on Saturday 13th October 2018. This charity fund raising event has attracted interest from a wide range of sellers and once again is a sell-out event.

The funds that the museum raises from organising the event will be used to support the development of facilities at its Gateway Aviation Site, which is located in eastern Nottinghamshire close to the Lincolnshire border.

Forty eight (48) tables, featuring a host of different sellers, who come from around the UK will be arranged amongst the aircraft in Display Hangar 2 at the museum.

Buyers / visitors who attend this fund raising event will have the opportunity to search through a varied selection of aviation and avionic items: including books, paintings, prints, DVDs, plastic kits, die-cast models, clothing, radio equipment and aircraft parts. Regular updates / seller’s information are being posted on the news page of the museum website www.newarkairmuseum.org

Buyers / visitors at this event will be able to access the museum site on Saturday 13th October, 2018 at a special discounted admission price of just £4.50 per person.

The museum opening times will be 09.00 to 17.00 hours; with the sale taking place between 09.00 and 14.00 hours; to get the best bargains we suggest that you get there early.

Further details are available on the Events Page of the museum website www.newarkairmuseum.org or by telephoning 01636 707170.