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Podcast To Honour Polish Airmen

On Monday 11th of October the Royal Air Force Museum will honour those members of the Polish Air Force who fought as part of the RAF in the Battle of Britain with the launch of its latest podcast : ‘ “Repeat Please!”: Poles in the Battle of Britain’.

This date has been specifically selected to commemorate 70th anniversary of the withdrawal of 303 (Polish) Squadron from the front line after a successful tour of duty which recorded the destruction of 126 enemy aircraft in 42 days. This made ‘303′, the most successful of all the RAF Squadrons that defended Great Britain and its peoples during the Battle of Britain.

To enable a wider audience to understand the contribution that Polish airmen made to the RAF during this aerial campaign, a Polish language version of the podcast will also be available from the Museum’s website enabling those Poles who do not have English as a second language to learn about the debt that the British people owe to Poland and its brave airmen.

Peter Dye, Director General of the Royal Air Force Museum, states:

‘The freedoms that we enjoy today were fought for in the skies above Britain during the summer of 1940. The largest of the overseas contingents serving in Fighter Command came from Poland. These airmen had seen their country over-run but were determined to fight on. Some served with the French Air Force only to experience defeat again. Some reached England after a long and perilous journey. All had a burning passion to defeat the enemy. They offered their lives for an ideal, for a land from which they were exiled and for a country that was not their own. Their sacrifice and willingness to defend our nation provides an enduring example of selflessness that resonates down the years. In this podcast we describe a time when the peoples of Europe came to our aid at the time of our greatest peril. We express our gratitude for the bravery and dedication of those many Polish Veterans who served in the Royal Air Force to defend our freedom and to secure the future that we now all enjoy.’ 

‘”Repeat Please!”: Poles in the Battle of Britain’ forms part of a year long series of podcasts which examines the forgotten history of the Battle of Britain from the contribution that women made to the campaign to the strategic importance of Bomber and Coastal Commands to the RAF’s success; and addresses many of the myths and misconceptions that have grown around The Few, Churchill and the Spitfire. Future highlights in this series will include Sunday Times best selling historians Patrick Moorhouse and Roger Bishop examining ‘The Battle of Britain from Both Sides’, plus a podcast on the Blitz whilst past highlights include Sir Richard Branson narrating the biography of disabled Battle of Britain Veteran Douglas Bader and the BBC providing a selection of interviews from its archives from pilots who fought in the Battle.

To listen to this podcast series, please go to http://www.rafmuseum.org/podcasts.

For further details about the Museum’s Battle of Britain Hall and its collection of aircraft please visit http://www.battleofbritainbeacon.org or ring 020 8205 2266. The Royal Air Force Museum London is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Admission to the Museum is free of charge.

Autum Airshow Celebrating Birthday of Sally B

The Autumn Air Show celebrates both the 65th birthday of B-17 Fortress G-BEDF Sally B, and 75 years of the B-17 Fortress. The only B-17 currently flying in Europe, Sally B delights air show crowds with her majestic display and is a favourite with IWM Duxford visitors.She has been based at the Museum, operated by B-17 Preservation, for 35 years.

Closing the air show season for 2010, the Autumn Air Show will feature superb modern and historic aircraft, with an American theme to complement the Sally B anniversary.

The line-up of iconic US aircraft includes the Douglas DC-3 Dakota, Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina, Grumman F8F Bearcat, Piper L4 Cub, leVier Cosmic Wind and USAF McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle from RAF Lakenheath.

The B17’s Boeing lineage is also represented by the Stearman biplane trainer and Apache AH Mk1 from the Army Air Corps Attack Helicopter Force at Wattisham.

Aircraft from the highly productive North American stable include the F-86 Sabre jet, P-51 Mustangs, T-28s and Harvards.

For the first time in more than two decades in UK skies, four American Pitts Special biplanes will be brought together in a flypast salute to the famous Rothmans Aerobatic Team, before performing their two separate paired routines.

A special flypast is being mounted in honour of Sally B, which flies as a memorial to the 79,000 US airmen who lost their lives in Europe during the Second World War. In acknowledgement of the United States Air Force’s historic relationship with the airfields of Eastern England, she will be escorted by three P-51 Mustangs. She will then be overflown by two F-15C Eagles of the 493rd Fighter Squadron to signify the region’s ongoing contemporary relationship with the United States Air Force.

Additional flying participation includes the BAE Systems Hawk, Embraer EMB-312 Tucano, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Supermarine Spitfire, Red Hawks Fournier Duo, Hawker Sea Fury and The Black Cats, the Royal Navy’s Lynx helicopter display team.

RAF Duxford was handed over to the United States 8th Air Force in April 1943, becoming Base 357, the headquarters of the 78th Fighter Group. The Group flew P-47 Thunderbolts and, from December 1944, P-51 Mustangs. It provided fighter escort to the large US bomber raids against occupied Europe and Germany itself.

B-17 Fortresses were flown by the 91st Bombardment Group from nearby RAF Bassingbourn from 14 October 1942 through to June 1945. The Group operated primarily as a strategic bombardment organisation during the Second World War.

On the ground, living history groups recreate the role of the B-17 Bomber crew. There will be activities for all ages, including childrens rides, tank rides and demonstrations. The Parachute Regiment will be offering aerial bungee jumps from its jump tower, alongside performances from the Parachute Regiment band and guest appearance from the Parachute Regiment mascot.

The relaxed atmosphere at the Autumn Air Show is equally appreciated by pilots and crowds and makes for a perfect Sunday outing.

Tickets for all events can be purchased online at www.iwm.org.uk/duxford or by calling the box office on 01223 499 353.

All flying is subject to weather, serviceability and operational commitments.

Many Commemorate the Few at RAF Museum london

Over 6,000 happy visitors flocked to the Royal Air Force Museum to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in a special weekend of activities and events.

The visitor numbers reached 6,330 over Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September as the Museum celebrated its Battle of Britain Anniversary Weekend. As well as the exciting aircraft exhibits, visitors enjoyed live action Scramble displays, living history tableaux, period re-enactors, vintage bus rides, ‘make your own Spitfire’ activities, special film shows, debates and talks, marching band performances, farm yard animals, a model show and more.

The highlight of the weekend was a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire which circuited above the Museum on Sunday afternoon. The display left the thousands of gathered visitors breathless and emotional.

Councillor Lisa Rutter, Deputy Mayor of Barnet was present on Sunday and after watching some outdoor displays, she enjoyed a tour of the Museum and also judged the best 1940’s child, fancy dress competition. Says Councillor Rutter:

“I believe the RAF Museum is a great asset in the Borough of Barnet and this is something which I believe should be maintained and treasured as it provides the stimulus for young people to understand the history of the Battle of Britain.”

Museum Director General Peter Dye:

“The Museum is committed to working for and within the local community and the Battle of Britain Weekend is our way of strengthening this relationship. We are proud to share the success of the weekend with all our visitors.”

The end of Summer theme weekends have taken their place as an eagerly anticipated annual event for the local community. Work has already begun on next year’s event which promises to be bigger and better.

The Battle of Britain Anniversary continues at the Museum with a special concert at 1439 on Saturday 18th September by the Hendon Chapter of the Salvation Army Band.

www.rafmuseum.org

Battle of Britain 70th Anniversary & Allied Air Forces Day

This year’s Annual Allied Air Forces Day held here at the Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial, Elvington, on Sunday 5th September was once again the largest event of its type in the North, and this year marked the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Over 450 veterans, ex service personnel and serving members of the RAF took part in the Parade and Commemoration Service, followed by the March Past, Salute and Sunset Ceremony.

The Head of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton KCB ADC BSc FRAeS CCMI RAF, Chief of the Air Staff, took the Salute and he was attending in his capacity as Vice President of the Allied Air Forces Memorial. HM The Queen was represented by the Lord Lieutenant of East Yorkshire, the Hon. Mrs. Susan Cunliffe-Lister.

The poignant Service, led by YAM Chaplain the Revd. Taff Morgan MBE BA BSc RAF Rtd. reflected the fact that Winston Churchill’s famous speech, in which he stated that ” ..never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few” is actually directed at all British and Allied aircrews, not just those in Fighter Command, to whom the words have largely been attributed. Churchill’s speech actually pointed out that it was the bomber crews, undertaking their deadly missions to fly into heavily defended occupied lands to destroy enemy airfields and factories, that bore the brunt of the burden on the air force and would go on to “.. play an invaluable part in the case of invasion.”

With the loss of 998 aircrew RAF Bomber Command and Coastal Command lost more air crew during the period of the Battle of Britain, than the 544 pilots of Fighter Command, a fact very rarely reflected in articles about this epic battle of the skies.

Fittingly therefore, one of the veterans participating in the Parade was 89 years ‘young’ Ron “Bram” Bramley, who flew dangerous missions with 22 Squadron Coastal Command during the Battle of Britain in October 1940. He counts himself as one of the ‘Forgotten Few’ who seldom get the recognition they deserve. One of the few remaining Members of the Turret Committee, Ron attended as part of the Nottingham & Derby Air Crew Association contingent.

The Parade was made up of members of many regional Royal Air Force Associations, Royal British Legion Branches, Royal Observer Corps Association and other forces associations and also included a large contingent of serving personnel from 609 (West Riding) Squadron RAuxAF from RAF Leeming. This Squadron was first formed in 1936 in Yeadon (now Leeds / Bradford Airport), initially as a Bomber Squadron, but then designated to Fighter Command and one of the first Squadrons to be equipped with the new Spitfire Mk1a, went on to play a significant part in the Battle of Britain, claiming 85 ‘kills’ and going on to be the first Squadron to reach 100 victories – quite some going for what was initially a civilian Squadron. The Museum houses the fascinating 609 Squadron Memorial Room.

The Parade was led in style led by the Massed Bands of the Northern and Eastern Region Air Training Corps, and, unusually, a contingent of 9 members of the East Yorkshire RBL Riders Group on motorcycles taking part, with Standard. In all, 28 Standards were presented. The occasion culminated with a truly spectacular flypast by a Spitfire Mk 9 from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, swirling around magnificently in the sunny skies on the day, bringing an end to another wonderful day at Elvington.

www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk

German Bomber Located on Goodwin Sands

A rare German wartime bomber has been discovered on the Goodwin Sands, seventy years after it was shot down during the height of the Battle of Britain. With a crew of four and loaded with 2000lb of bombs, the aircraft, a twin-engined Dornier 17 – known universally as ‘The Flying Pencil ‘- was part of a large enemy formation intercepted by RAF fighter aircraft at midday on 26 August 1940 as they attempted to attack airfields in Essex.
 
Boulton Paul Defiant fighters attacked the Dorniers at 13,000 ft over Deal in Kent before they had reached their intended target. They claimed at least six Dorniers destroyed and one damaged for the loss of three of their own aircraft and two air gunners killed.

 One of the Dorniers, flown by Feldwebel (Flt Sgt) Willi Effmert, attempted a wheels-up landing on the Goodwin Sands. He touched down safely and the aircraft sank inverted. Effmert and his observer were captured but the other crewmen died and their bodies were washed ashore later.

The aircraft is in remarkable condition – considering the events surrounding its loss plus the effects of spending so many years under water. Other than marine concretion it is largely intact, the main undercarriage tyres remain inflated and the propellers clearly show the damage inflicted during their final landing.

Since the Dornier emerged from the sands two years ago, the RAF Museum has worked with Wessex Archaeology to complete a full survey of the wreck site in preparation for the aircraft’s recovery and eventual exhibition at Hendon where it will form a centre-piece in the recently-announced Battle of Britain Beacon project.

Work to conserve and prepare the Dornier for display will be undertaken at the RAF Museum’s award-winning conservation centre at Cosford. Here the Dornier will be placed alongside the Museum’s Vickers Wellington which is currently undergoing long term restoration.

Air Vice-Marshal Peter Dye, Director General of the RAF Museum said that “The discovery of the Dornier is of national and international importance. The aircraft is a unique and unprecedented survivor from The Battle of Britain. It is particularly significant because, as a bomber, it formed the heart of the Luftwaffe assault and the subsequent Blitz.”

The RAF Museum, with the support of English Heritage and the Ministry of Defence, is now developing a recovery plan to protect the aircraft from any further damage and to provide for its long term preservation. There is concern, however, that material has recently been removed illegally from the wreck site – although a number of items have now been retrieved.

Air Vice-Marshal Dye stated that “The Dornier will provide an evocative and moving exhibit that will allow the Museum to present the wider story of the Battle of Britain and highlight the sacrifices made by the young men of both air forces and from many nations.”

More information about the recovery plan, together with film of the aircraft, will be available at the RAF Museum’s Battle of Britain weekend to be held at Hendon on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 September 2010.

http://www.rafmuseum.org

Watch Grand Firework Finale from Iconic Landmark

Airbourne visitors are being offered the opportunity to enjoy the airshow’s spectacular firework finale with exclusive seating at the Bandstand on Sunday evening.

The renowned grand firework finale sponsored by Eastbourne Pier is a huge draw for visitors to the four day free event providing the ultimate finish to the action-packed airshow on Eastbourne seafront.

New for 2010, visitors are being given the chance to book a seat on the upper balcony of Eastbourne Bandstand to watch the dazzling display.  

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “We are delighted to offer visitors and airshow fans the chance to enjoy the wonderful firework finale with their own seat at the Bandstand. With hundreds of visitors expected to line the seafront to watch the display, the upper balcony at the Bandstand offers unrivalled views and provides a great way to enjoy the end of another year at Airbourne.”

Visitors can book exclusive viewing seats for the firework finale from the Seafront Office next to the Bandstand or by calling 01323 410611 and for just £2.50, they offer excellent value for money. 

Exclusive viewers can take their seats from 9.30pm ready for the 10pm display to be launched from the end of the Pier.

With exclusive seating available during the day on all four days of Airbourne as well offering uninterrupted views of the flying line, avid airshow fans can enjoy their own seat for the day with prices starting from £7 per person per day.

For more information on exclusive seating at Airbourne go to www.eastbournebandstand.co.uk or call 01323 410611.

Airbourne Evening Extravaganzas

Visitors to the world’s biggest free flying extravaganza can enjoy the event all day and night long in 2010 with new evening entertainment every night at Eastbourne Airbourne from 12-15 August.

Eastbourne International Airshow is offering visitors the opportunity to extend their Airbourne experience into the evening with a packed programme of evening entertainment including Bandstand concerts, live bands and a spectacular firework display.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “Airbourne is a fantastic event promising four thrilling days for the hundreds of thousands of visitors that are on their way later this week. With so many visitors enjoying the free event, we are very excited to extend the choice of evening entertainment for 2010 and offer visitors the opportunity to stay on the seafront and watch live concerts and evening flying too! Our new event, Picnic on the Proms, taking place on Saturday evening promises to be spectacular and we are very pleased to be welcoming The Shades of Blue Big Band for this special performance.”  

Starting this Thursday 12 August, the evening entertainment at Airbourne kicks off with a Big Band Night at Eastbourne Bandstand with Swingshift playing classic hits from this memorable era.  

Friday night really does offer non-stop Airbourne action all day, with Swing Street Band playing live in the arena from 6-8pm to a backdrop of flying displays from the Eurofighter Typhoon, Gnats, Blades, Spitfire and Hurricane Bomber for Come Fly With Me. Visitors will be invited into the arena to enjoy performances ranging from Frank Sinatra to Amy Winehouse, with Easy Company exhibiting their military vehicles.

Visitors can then hot foot it down to the Bandstand for a Night of Dirty Dancing, with the audience invited to get up and dance at the tribute concert based on the popular 80s movie.

Saturday night offers a brand new experience for Airbourne in 2010, with visitors invited to Picnic on the Proms. This special evening event offers families the chance to bring a picnic and enjoy the sun setting on another day out at Airbourne with The Shades of Blue Big Band, part of The Band of the RAF Regiment, performing a free arena concert from 6-8pm. 

From Big Band to Rock n Roll, the Bandstand extends the musical experience at 8pm with an Elvis tribute concert bringing the seafront to life. 

And as the bumper filled airshow comes to an end on Sunday, visitors have one last chance to enjoy Airbourne into the night with an RAF Military Concert at the Bandstand from The Band of the RAF Regiment and a Spitfire flypast at 8pm, followed by the free dazzling firework finale from Eastbourne Pier at 10pm. 

Tickets for all Bandstand concerts are on sale now from the Seafront Office, next to the Bandstand, or by calling 01323 410611.  

For more information on the evening entertainment at Airbourne 2010 visit www.eastbourneairshow.com or call 0871 663 0031.

Spectacular South Downs Steal Photo Competition

A spectacular image capturing an iconic Red Arrow Hawk flying over the South Downs has triumphed in the 2010 Eastbourne Airbourne Photo Competition beating off more than 200 entries.

The winning photograph taken by Andrew Campbell was a favourite amongst the judges showcasing one of the most popular flying displays against a backdrop of Eastbourne’s thriving beaches and breathtaking South Downs countryside.

Attracting a record number of entries this year, the Airbourne Photo Competition received an outstanding selection of images this year, with entrants showcasing the busy beach setting, the iconic Pier and Bandstand, fantastic smoke formations, wide range of aircraft and white chalk cliffs of Beachy Head.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “What a fantastic number and range of entries we received this year! The standard of entries was really high, which made it very tough to pick a final winner but we feel the winning photograph really captures what a fantastic event Airbourne is. Not only can you see the busy beaches reflecting Airbourne’s status as the world’s biggest free seafront airshow, but you can also see one of the most popular flying displays zooming past the magnificent backdrop of the South Downs. I’m sure we’ll see this image flying around the world as a postcard this summer!”

Andrew’s winning image is being turned into a limited edition souvenir postcard available for visitors to buy from the Information Tent at this year’s Airbourne, which starts next Thursday 12 August.

Promising a thrilling line up of flying over the four day event, including fast jets the Red Arrows and The Blades, the Eurofighter Typhoon, Cataline, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, F-16, Breitling Wingwalkers, Tigers Parachute Display Team, Vampire and more, there will be plenty of opportunities for photographers and airshow fans to get snapping again this year.

With the arena line up also promising action-packed displays such as the Essex Dog Display Team with their canine friends leaping through hoops of fire, and the Globeriders performing gravity-defying motorbike stunts inside a giant steel ball, it’s not just the skies that will capture photographers’ attention next week.

With the free event taking place from 12-15 August now just a week away, visitors can join the final countdown and purchase a copy of the official 2010 souvenir programme for just £3, and get expert information on all of the displays coming up this summer.

For more information on Eastbourne Airbourne visit www.eastbourneairshow.com or call 0871 663 0031.

Thrilling Flying at Eastbourne Airbourne Next Week

There’s just a week to go until Eastbourne International Airshow zooms back to the UK’s sunniest place with visitors ready to enjoy hours of spectacular flying, seven days of live Radio Airbourne broadcast, 35,000 ice-creams, brand new Picnic on the Proms and a dazzling firework finale! 

Airbourne returns to Eastbourne seafront next week from 12-15 August and now in its 18th year, promises to be bigger and better than every before with fantastic flying, evening entertainment, arena displays, Bandstand concerts and more!

Headlining this year’s event is four days of displays from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, commemorating 70 years since the Battle of Britain was fought out over south east England with Saturday evening offering a special anniversary display. Visitors can look forward an exciting Dogfight re-enactment between the Spitfire and Bucon Messerschmitt 109 in an attack on a pleasure boat before a new evening extravaganza.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Cllr Neil Stanley said “I am extremely excited for this year’s Airbourne and the fantastic programme of displays and entertainment coming up next week! Not only do we have a brilliant flying programme and the chance for visitors to get their hands on the latest flying schedule when they buy the souvenir programme, but there are great new evening events, the popular Bandstand concerts, the wonderful RAF Village and of course, the acclaimed firework finale to round off four bumper packed days! Set on our stunning seafront, with lots to see and do, Airbourne is the perfect event to keep you entertained for a long weekend by the coast!”

Crowd favourites the Red Arrows, whose display is sponsored by TravelInsured.co.uk, are back for three days of flying on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a special ground appearance on Saturday afternoon finishing with a flypast on Sunday. And the Reds will be joined by a top line up of international aircraft over the four days including the Belgian F-16, Eurofighter Typhoon, P-51 Mustang, and Catalina.

With such a vast line up of flying, Airbourne is going into the evening on both Friday and Saturday night in 2010. Come Fly With Me! returns on Saturday evening with the Typhoon, Gnats, Blades, Spitfire and Hurricane Bomber performing an evening display from 6-8pm while the Swing Street Band perform in the arena playing a variety of music, from Frank Sinatra to Michael Buble!

Brand new for 2010, Saturday evening offers another evening extravaganza with Picnic on the Proms. Following the special Battle of Britain 70 display, The Shades of Blue Big Band, part of The Band of the RAF Regiment, will perform in the arena and visitors are invited to bring a picnic to the lawns and chill out as the sun goes down on a busy day at Airbourne.

With plenty of reasons for visitors to have their eyes to the skies, there is also lots to look forward to on the ground including the RAF Village on the Western Lawns offering a fascinating insight into life in the Royal Air Force. Children can sit in a replica Red Arrow cockpit or climb aboard a replica Chinook, while the RAF Careers team speak to budding young pilots, and the Mobile Catering Unit carry out field cookery demonstrations.

For those who want their own personal soundtrack to the airshow, visitors can buy Airbourne radio headsets from the Information Tent at the event and tune into Radio Airbourne on 87.7FM promising 165 hours of live commentary, pilot interviews, music, weather and travel updates with a programme and radio headset available together for only £6.  

The airshow opens from 10am – 6pm each day from Thursday 12 – Sunday 15 August, with extended flying until 8pm on Friday, a live band until 8pm on Saturday, and a firework finale launched from Eastbourne Pier at 10pm on Sunday night.

For more information on Airbourne 2010 visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk or telephone 0871 663 0031.

Battle of Britains Hidden History To Be Revealed

Free Event 11th and 12th September

The Royal Air Force Museum London, the former site of RAF Hendon, is to examine the hidden history of the Battle of Britain, this September, as part of an open air living history festival dedicated to ‘The Few’.

As part of the weekend’s programme of events Sunday Times bestselling historian Patrick Bishop will explore the myths and realities of the Battle of Britain, examining the legends that have grown around ‘The Few’, the Spitfire and Winston Churchill; with members of the public welcome to join in the debate and question Patrick about mistaken common beliefs held by the public.

On the Saturday, he will be joined by Roger Moorhouse, the author of ‘Berlin at War’, to debate ‘The Battle of Britain – From Both Sides’. Here both historians will explore whether it was RAF determination and the ingenuity of British scientists that prevented invasion against a numerically superior enemy force or whether it was a lack of comprehension by Luftwaffe Commanders of the strategic importance RADAR and the RAF that enabled British Forces to claim victory in this campaign.

Further talks given by members of the Museum’s Department of Research and Information Services will explore the many challenges – including language – that had to be negotiated by the most successful Squadron of the campaign, 303 (Polish) Squadron in the talk ‘Repeat Please’. Whilst in ‘September 15th’ the museum explores this tumultuous day in 1940 and asks whether it was a pivotal to the outcome of the campaign as some historians believe.

Members of the public are invited, after each talk, to ask questions and to further debate each talk’s conclusions with each presenter. Additionally, the museum will be showing throughout the weekend, in the museum’s cinema, rare archive footage from the Battle of Britain – including ‘ White Eagle’ which examines the Polish contribution to the campaign and ‘Fighter Pilot’ which follows the day in the life of an actual Battle of Britain Squadron, during the campaign.

As part of the weekend activities, members of the public will be able to interact with re-enactors and question them on their roles and to witness a Scramble, as it would have been executed at RAF Hendon in 1940.

The Battle of Britain Weekend runs at the Royal Air Force Museum 11th and 12th of September from 11am to 5pm. The site itself is open from 10am to 6pm. Admission to the museum and to the Battle of Britain Weekend is free of charge. For further details, visit www.rafmuseum.org/whatson or call 020 8205 2266.