Flying for the RFC? Its a Piece of Cake
The RAF Museum introduces ‘Albert’s ‘Ripping’ Cake’ on its menu in tribute to one of England’s most legendary First World War pilots.
The legendary English pilot Albert Ball was one of the most iconic heroes of the sky during the First World War. His bravery won him the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished service Order and the Military Cross. At the time of his death in May 1917, he was the country’s leading flying ace, with 44 victories to his name.
One little known fact was that he always flew with his mother’s home-made plum cake on board his aircraft and he requested it many times in his letters home:
“You make me a cake, and I would like it all the more. I so love to have a huge piece of cake to go flying with in the morning. It is fine, and if made by you would be better still.” (Letter to his Mother)
“I was so pleased to get your ripping cake, but I have nearly finished it. I love to take a huge piece with me when I fly.” (Letter to his sister)
The Royal Air Force Museum in association with students from Barnet and Southgate College and with assistance from Centerplate Restaurant have re-developed this age old family recipe for Plum Cake as preferred by Albert Ball.
The recipe was discovered by the Albert Ball’s great niece whilst clearing out her grandmother’s house in Nottingham.
The cake will go on sale at the Museum restaurant from April 20th and will be packaged as if being sent as a parcel to Albert Ball.
In between slices of this legendary cake, visitors can also find out more about aviation during the First World war in the ‘First World War in the Air’ – a new permanent exhibition supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), that enables visitors to discover and explore the unique and often overlooked role of air power during the First World War through the incredible stories of the men and women who served and protected our nation.
Tags: 2015, February, News, RAF Museum London