Plans are underway at the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands for the wing section of an iconic Second World War Dornier Do 17 to go on public display in early 2025. Salvaged after more than 70 years submerged beneath the waters of the Goodwin Sands, this rare artefact offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past.

Nicknamed the ‘Flying Pencil’ due to its slender fuselage, the Do 17 played a pivotal role in the early stages of the Second World War and is best remembered for its involvement in the Battle of Britain. Of more than 1,500 Do 17 bombers produced, over 400 were deployed by the Luftwaffe during the pivotal battle. Today, only one remains complete.

The wing section set to be displayed comes from this sole surviving Do 17, recovered in a landmark operation led by the RAF Museum in 2013. The dramatic moment the aircraft was lifted from the seabed and surfaced from the waters was broadcast live, capturing global attention. The recovery and subsequent conservation efforts have since fascinated not only aviation enthusiasts and historians but also scientists and engineers, all intrigued by the challenge of preserving this historic airframe for future generations.

Dr Harry Raffal, RAF Museum Head of Collections and Research said:
‘This is a remarkable moment for aviation history in Britain. After more than tens of years of intensive conservation, treatment and stabilisation, the Do 17 will go on public display. It represents not only the culmination of an extraordinary salvage operation but a unique way of understanding the Battle of Britain. The new year will see the Do 17 wing section, propellers, and engines situated alongside a Boulton-Paul Defiant, the very type that delivered the final blows to this Do 17. Our audience will see first-hand the thin edge of technology which enabled the RAF and Luftwaffe to fight out the most important battle of a generation.’

Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the wing section, propellers, and engines, through enhanced interpretation and delve deeper into the aircraft’s story. Uncover the aircraft’s historical significance in aerial warfare, the events leading to its demise, and the extraordinary salvage operation and unique preservation techniques employed to safeguard its legacy.

The Do 17 wing section will be available for public viewing from early 2025, subject to suitable weather conditions for the move. The Museum invites aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and families alike to explore this unique addition to the collection. This extraordinary exhibition will be a chance to reflect on the aircraft’s role in one of Britain’s most defining moments in history.

The fuselage will remain in store for the time being, owing to space constraints in the hangars, but the Museum retains the option to display it in future alongside the wing section.

For more details or to plan your visit go to www.rafmuseum.org/midlands.

The RAF Museum London is honoured to open a new display that shares the story of Noor Inayat Khan GC, who served under cover in Paris during the Second World War with the Special Operations Executive (SOE), and ultimately gave her life for the Allied cause.

Born to an Indian father and an American mother, Noor was living in Paris when Germany invaded France in 1940. She escaped to Britain where she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and trained as a wireless operator. As a follower of Sufism, Noor was a pacifist. However, she believed that it was her duty to support the fight against Nazism.
Noor’s technical skills and fluency in French led to her recruitment by the SOE and her deployment to Paris as a special agent in 1943. After Noor’s SOE colleagues were identified and arrested, she was given the option to return from enemy territory. However, she chose to remain at her post as the only SOE wireless operator in Paris. Noor was later betrayed and arrested. She endured a long period of interrogation before being executed by the Nazis at Dachau Concentration camp on 13 September 1944. Her last word was ‘Liberté!’

The Museum is displaying the George Cross that was posthumously awarded to Noor for her bravery while operating in German occupied France. It has been generously loaned to the Museum by Noor’s family. The George Cross is the highest award bestowed on civilian or military personnel who have carried out an act of bravery while not under enemy fire. Noor was one of only three women to receive the George Cross.

The citation for Noor’s George Cross reads: Assistant Section Officer Inayat Khan displayed the most conspicuous courage, both moral and physical over a period of more than 12 months.
The new display is integrated within the Museum’s ‘Strike Hard, Strike Sure: Bomber Command, 1939-1945’ exhibition. The exhibition explores the story of the incredible bravery of those in Bomber Command during the Second World War, sharing the stories of the people, aircraft and technology that enabled Allied victory.

The Westland Lysander Mk III, presented within this exhibition, is integral to Noor’s story, and the new display is located beside it. On 16 June 1943, Noor, codenamed Madeleine, was flown into France by Squadron Leader Frank ‘Bunny’ Rymills in a Westland Lysander. A record of this flight was recorded in his logbook, which is the RAF Museum’s archive collection and on display beside Noor’s George Cross.

Maggie Appleton, CEO of the RAF Museum said:
“We are privileged and humbled to share Noor’s George Cross with our visitors. Her story of bravery and determination sings to us across the decades and we know will inspire people of all ages and from all backgrounds. The generous loan of the medal by her family, alongside the logbook that records her flight into occupied France and our Special Duties Lysander are a powerful representation of her service and sacrifice.”

www.rafmuseum.org/london

Date: Sunday 10 November
Time: 10.30am arrival / 10.45am service commences
Cost: FREE (pre-booking required)

On Sunday 10 November, the Royal Air Force Museum Midlands will host a Service of Remembrance to honour members of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice during their tours of duty.

Visitors are warmly invited to join the service, led by RAF Cosford’s Station Chaplain, John Mbayo, and reflect on the sacrifices of service personnel past and present. The service will begin with a formal welcome from RAF Cadets and a marching contingent from the School of Physical Training, RAF Cosford. This moving ceremony will include readings, hymns, and the traditional sounding of ‘The Last Post,’ followed by a two-minute silence in tribute.

Throughout the service, attendees will be treated to hymns performed by the Cosford Military Wives Choir. Wreaths will be laid in respect by representatives from the Museum, RAF Cosford, Cosford Military Wives Choir, and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, in memory of those who have fallen in service to their country.

The service will be held in the Museum’s Hangar 1, set against a backdrop of historic aircraft. Admission is free, but to ensure a place, guests are encouraged to book one of the 450 available tickets in advance at rafmuseum.org/midlands. Visitors are asked to arrive by 10.30am in preparation for the service, which will begin promptly at 10.45am.

The RAF Museum Midlands is open daily from 10.00am, with free admission. After the service, visitors are encouraged to explore the Museum at their leisure. For more details or to book your free ticket, please visit www.rafmuseum.org/midlands.

Shuttleworth is excited to announce its Events & More season of wider events set to take place in 2025. From their hugely popular seasonal markets and wedding shows to a behind-the-scenes look at the engineering workshop, and an all-important Easter Bunny airborne arrival, there really is something for all the family to enjoy. These events follow the previously announced 2025 air show season.

One of the Shuttleworth Collection’s most keenly anticipated annual events is the Engineering Open Workshop. This February weekend offers visitors a chance to get a look behind-the-scenes at what it takes to restore, rebuild, maintain and operate one of the world’s most extensive collections of working vintage agricultural exhibits, veteran and vintage vehicles, and aircraft from the earliest days of flight. With exhibits allowing visitors to look under the surface at some of these incredible machines, demonstrations, talks, and STEM activities for all ages, it promises to be an activity-packed weekend.

For a unique way to enjoy Easter weekend, families can catch the Easter Bunny flying into Shuttleworth in a fantastically quirky event. Let the children watch their favourite furry friend arrive in style before heading off on an Easter egg hunt through Swiss Garden,rounding off their visit with a chance to meet the Easter Bunny himself. And there will, of course, be chocolate.

For Father’s Day, the Collection gives lucky ticket holders the opportunity to take a seat in Shuttleworth’s very own Spitfire. As part of the experience, visitors can find out more about the history of this specific aircraft and get a great photo too.

Shuttleworth’s annual Scale Model Exhibition also returns for 2025, with plenty of keen modellers showcasing their work in the hope of taking home one of the many awards up for grabs.

Over at Shuttleworth House, 2025 starts off with the January Wedding Show. Whether they’re just starting their planning journey, or grabbing those last finishing touches for the big day, visitors can meet Shuttleworth’s trusted industry traders, take a tour of the venue hire possibilities on site, and make the most of the knowledge and experience of the Shuttleworth wedding team.

In February and April, Shuttleworth House opens its doors for a look back to when the Shuttleworth family lived there. Through guided tours, volunteers will help visitors to explore the space and explain what the House may have been like in its previous life. The ever-growing seasonal markets also return to Shuttleworth House. The Mother’s Day Market gives visitors plenty of ways to treat Mum while spending some much-deserved quality time together – who doesn’t love a bit of retail therapy? Then, the Summer Fete (including scale model elements as a new feature for 2025) offers visitors a vibrant summer day out with plenty of traders, catering and activities for all the family.

As part of the Events & More season, Shuttleworth proudly hosts external events from a range of organisations. Following the huge success of the first Murder at the Mansion event in 2024, RAW Theatre Productions will be back with another vintage murder mystery dining experience in February. For petrol heads, stretching over Shuttleworth’s sweeping parkland, the NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals are back in August. And then, for those who prefer steam power, in September, local favourites, Bedfordshire Steam and Country Fayre, return to the parkland with a huge exhibition event celebrating life at the turn of the 20th Century when steam was in its heyday.

Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations, said, “Shuttleworth has such a fantastic breadth of offer – from Weddings to our beautiful Swiss Garden, the House and Parkland – and it’s great to be able to showcase that through our Events & More season. For 2025, we’re excited to see some Shuttleworth staples, like the Engineering Open Workshop and Easter Bunny flying in, but also to see us building on the success of some of our other events, like our popular seasonal markets and Wedding Show. We hope that these events inspire new visitors to see what Shuttleworth has to offer, as well as encouraging our regular visitors to try something new on site. You’ll also need to watch this space for a few more exciting events that are yet to be announced.”

The Events & More season accompanies the previously announced 2025 Air Show season. To find out more about any upcoming events at http://www.shuttleworth.org/eventsShuttleworth, visit www.shuttleworth.org/events

After a short set of negotiations, the Newark Air Museum has completed the purchase of Short Tucano T1, ZF372 from Everett Aero of Sproughton, Suffolk. Funding for the acquisition was made possible thanks to a legacy from the Estate of John Dove, a former museum member and RAF Winthorpe veteran.

On Wednesday 23rd October, 2024 the airframe was delivered to the museum’s site in eastern Nottinghamshire, which is close to the border with Lincolnshire by a team from Everett Aero. As part of the purchase agreement the wings were refitted to the aircraft by the Everett Aero team, thereby assisting the museum volunteers to reposition it on its undercarriage.

The Tucano fills yet another important gap in the museum’s themed display of training aircraft. Whilst in service, Tucanos were a familiar sight in the sky above the museum; when they were retired from RAF service in October 2019 the museum was unsuccessful in an attempt to acquire an airframe for its collection.

“By adding Short Tucano T1, ZF372 to its collection the museum has fulfilled the desire to add the type to its display,” commented museum trustee, Dave Hibbert, he continued, “It’s addition is in line with one part of the museum’s stated Collecting Policy, of acquiring. “Aircraft used in a Training role.” He concluded, “We are extremely grateful to the Everett Aero team, who did an excellent job with the main reassembly work on the aircraft, our volunteers will continue this work in the coming days.”

The airframe retains its last operational configuration and volunteers ZF372 will be moved inside Hangar 2 at the museum. Museum staff and volunteers will complete its reassembly and start the long process of sourcing instrumentation to complete the cockpits. In Hangar 2 it will be displayed alongside several other training airframes, like the Jetstream, Dominie, Bulldog, Gnat and Jet Provost. ZF372 is expected to retain its current training scheme markings.

Tucano T1, ZF372 was one of several airframes that had been in deep storage at RAF Shawbury Shropshire and is believed to have been moved to Sproughton in October 2024.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

Following a successful grant application to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the Learning Team at Shuttleworth are excited to be launching a new project focused on developing and enhancing the visitor attraction’s special education needs and disabilities (SEND) provision.

On 5 November, invited guests – including Autism Beds, Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum, EPIC – Luton Parent Carer Forum, EMBRACE – formerly Beds & District Cerebral Palsy Society, Special Schools Forum – convened by Central Beds Council, CBC SEND Team (early years and schools), Mencap – Bedford & Luton, and more – will attend a launch event for the project, which will see Shuttleworth actively engaging in consultation and co-production with ‘critical friends’ to understand the developments required to make the visitor attraction a more inclusive place of heritage, learning, and excitement.

The receipt of this UKSPF funding will allow the team to access expert support during this project, including commissioning award-winning sensory consultants Collar & Cuffs as facilitators. The project will also involve: co-creating workshops and developing sensory resources, establishing a pilot group of local SEND school representatives, community groups, families and providers, creating a bespoke ‘What to expect’ video with supporting print resources, and establishing bespoke communication symbols to better reflect the Collection and Garden at Shuttleworth.

The project is intended for people of all ages with SEND, as the team hope to make Shuttleworth a go-to destination for everyone.

Learning Co-ordinator, Matthew Studdert-Kennedy, said, “We’re really excited to be launching SENsing Shuttleworth on 5 November. We hope that we will be able to significantly improve our SEND offering in order to be an accessible and appealing cultural space for all audiences.”

You can find out more about learning opportunities at Shuttleworth by visiting www.shuttleworth.org/learning

Shuttleworth is delighted to have received the H. Hughes & Son Ltd navigational compass from the infamous R38 airship. The artefact was recovered from the wreckage of the R38 – the then largest airship ever built – after it crashed in Howden, in 1921 whilst on its way to America. It was originally presented to Dr William Impey Baker, whose Grandson, Robert Hattersley, has now gifted the item to Shuttleworth.

The R38 airship was originally commissioned in spring of 1918 as a counter weapon to the Zeppelin. However, building was not completed at the Cardington hangars until the war had ended. Instead, a deal was struck with the United States of America for the purchase of the airship – then, the largest airship ever built at 699ft long, 86ft in diameter, and with a capacity of 2,750,000ft³.

After successful flight tests that saw the airship reach speeds of 71mph, the commissioning flight was set for 24 August 1921 from Howden in Hull, up the River Humber and on across the Atlantic to America. With a great deal of media attention and huge crowds of spectators along the river, the R38 took flight but shortly split in two as it turned. As the fuselage broke in half, an enormous explosion led to awful scenes. One of the nearby spectators, Dr William Impey Baker, attended the rescue party to help as many of the injured crew as possible. 44 of the 49 British and American crew lost their lives. Following the incident, the H. Hughes & Son Ltd compass was recovered from the wreckage and presented to Dr Baker in recognition for his unpaid work in the rescue effort on that fateful day.

Over 100 years later, on 10 October 2024, Robert Hattersley, the Grandson of Dr Baker, presented the navigational compass to Jean Munn, Head of Engineering, and Stuart Gray, Vehicle Manager, at Shuttleworth.

Stuart Gray, Vehicle Manager, said, “We are so delighted to have received this navigational compass from Robert Hattersley and the Baker family. As well as being made by the company responsible for some of the navigational equipment installed in WWI aircraft, the R38 itself was constructed just a short distance from Shuttleworth at Cardington. We hope that our visitors will enjoy being able to see this remarkable piece of history on their visits to the Collection.”

Visitors can see the compass on display in Hangar 1 at Shuttleworth; to book a 30-day return admission ticket to the Collection and Garden, visit www.shuttleworth.org

Following the huge success of the 2024 season, which has welcomed 27,000 visitors to date, Shuttleworth is excited to announce their 2025 season of air shows. With themes celebrating military history, the best of British engineering, their hugely popular Flying Proms and Festival of Flight events, a relaxed Summer air show, and an action-packed Race Day, Shuttleworth has something to entertain the whole family.

Shuttleworth is continually reviewing their event structure to ensure that their offering appeals to as broad an audience as possible. 2025 will see further exciting format updates with traditional Sunday shows opening and closing the season, and daytime and evening split flying displays over three Saturday events, offering visitors the chance to experience evening flying set against the backdrop of the beautiful setting sun – perfect for keen photographers.

The Season Premiere Air Show kicks off the season in a traditional Sunday format on 11 May, with flying taking place between 2pm and 6pm. As with all Shuttleworth displays, you can see their working collection of vintage aircraft take to the skies above Old Warden aerodrome.

On 31 May, Shuttleworth’s first split flying Saturday format takes place through their Military Air Show (flying 2-5.30pm and 7.30-8.30pm). This show specifically celebrates all of those who have given their service on land, in the air, and at sea.

Festival of Flight returns by popular demand on 28 and 29 June. Shuttleworth’s biggest event of the year offers two fully packed days of family entertainment, including a host of
fantastic ground entertainment around the most spectacular split flying air displays of the season (flying 2-5.30pm and 8-9pm both days).

The second split flying Saturday format of the season takes place on 26 July with the Summer Air Show (flying 2-5.30pm and 7.30-8.30pm). Visitors can soak up the warmth of the summer evening whilst taking in more brilliant aerial displays.

16 August sees the welcome return of Flying Proms, an event that features a stunning aerial display choreographed to live music from a symphony orchestra, and pyrotechnics to boot. Following the display, visitors can enjoy fireworks and music, with all the pomp and circumstance you’d expect from a Proms-themed event.

Shuttleworth presents the Best of British Air Show on 30 August – the third split flying Saturday of the season – where visitors can marvel at the incredible achievements of aviation and automation in Great Britain (flying between 2-5.30pm and 7-8pm).

Rounding off the season, with a traditional Sunday format, is the ever-popular Race Day on 5 October (flying 2-6pm). With high-speed sprint demonstrations, both on the ground and in the air, this adrenaline-fuelled event honours the skill and passion of their patron Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth, a true racing spirit.

Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations, said, “Building on the achievements of our 2024 season, we’re excited to announce this new season of air shows for 2025. We are
delighted that our visitors have so warmly embraced our new show formats, and we will continue to provide a visitor experience that is second-to-none in its entertainment offer and affordability. We are proud to often be referred to as the best kept secret in Bedford, but now’s the time to let the secret out!”

While the air displays are not to be missed, Shuttleworth has plenty of other activity going on across the site on air show days. Hop aboard one of their beautiful vintage buses, grab some delicious food and drink, take in fantastic vehicle parades, and make the most of regular fun fairs. Let the kids explore and learn in Discovery Zones or set them loose on an inclusive play area – kids go free to all events(excluding Flying Proms) and all activities are inclusive of entry price.

Early bird tickets for Shuttleworth’s 2025 air show season are now on sale via www.shuttleworth.org. Kids go free to all events excluding Flying Proms. Early bird pricing ends on 31 January 2025.

The Royal Air Force Museum is thrilled to announce its new partnership with Virgin Atlantic, naming the esteemed airline as the Museum’s official airline partner.

The collaboration between the RAF Museum and Virgin Atlantic highlights a shared dedication to inspiring everyone with the RAF Story, while preserving and celebrating aviation history, and strengthening transatlantic connections.

The new partnership will see Virgin Atlantic flying Museum representatives between the UK and USA, enabling the team to attend events hosted by the RAF Museum American Foundation that support the Museum’s fundraising opportunities in the United States.

Edward Sharman, Head of Development at RAF Museum, said:
‘We are thrilled to welcome Virgin Atlantic as our first Official Airline Partner. They join us in our mission to inspire everyone with the RAF story, the people who shape it and its place in our lives. Their strong connections between the UK and the USA will significantly enhance our engagement with supporters in the United States. As a registered charity, this additional support for the Museum will help ensure the continued care of our exhibitions and collections. With a shared passion and dedication to aviation, I am very excited about the benefits this partnership will bring as the Museum continues to grow and honour the legacy of the RAF.’

Virgin Atlantic, who celebrated their 40th anniversary in June, finalised the agreement during a recent visit to the RAF Museum’s London site. The Virgin Atlantic Corporate Team received an extensive tour from the Museums volunteers and made use of the Museums meeting facilities. As part of the new partnership, Virgin Atlantic employees will gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, public events, venue hire discounts, and corporate volunteering opportunities at the RAF Museum sites in London and the Midlands.

Thomas Maynard, Director of Global Corporate Sales at Virgin Atlantic, said:
‘The USA is Virgin Atlantic’s heartland, so we’re delighted to support the RAF Museum as its Official Airline Partner, flying guests across the Atlantic in style. Our mission is to inspire everyone to take on the world and our partnership will further enable the RAF Museum to educate guests about the RAF’s incredible history and its role in the fascinating world of aviation.’

www.rafmuseum.org

Date: 15 September / Time: 10.00am – 5.00pm / Cost: Free

Experience the spirit of the Midlands on Sunday 15 September, as the RAF Museum Midlands throws open its doors for a vibrant, free Community Day in partnership with the Telford and Wrekin Interfaith Council.

This exciting event will bring together communities from every corner of the region, celebrating the rich tapestry of talent and history that makes the Midlands unique. Expect a day bursting with lively music, dance performances, have-a-go activities, fascinating displays, street food, and so much more!

Throughout the day a spectacular line-up of dance, music, and spoken word performances will light up the stage! Immerse yourself in Dhol drumming, Polish dancing, and live jazz music—guaranteed to get everyone up on their feet. Marvel at the jaw-dropping African acrobatics show that will have you joining in and feast your eyes on the mesmerising Chinese dance and music. Surrounded by aircraft, families will be enthralled by captivating storytelling, inspiring poetry, and energetic rap performances. It’s an unforgettable day of live entertainment!

Join in on a lively assortment of interactive workshops where the whole family can get involved! Get hands-on with Dhol drum classes, unleash your artistic side in art workshops, or learn the energetic moves of Bhangra dance. You can also test your strength, balance, and agility with a thrilling African acrobatic circus skills experience. Plus, have a go at shooting hoops on the pop-up basketball court—there’s something fun for everyone to try!

The Museum will highlight the inspiring stories of local people who have served, or are currently serving, in the RAF. Visitors can explore a range of displays that showcase the deep connections between the RAF and Midlands communities, featuring a special exhibit on the Polish Air Squadrons.

Beyond the Community Day activities, families can explore the Museum’s unique collection, ranging from bi-planes to fast jets, in four vast display hangars. Experience the excitement of flying in the interactive Flight Zone, let the little ones go wild in the aviation themed playground, or try on some of the RAF uniforms and pose for a selfie. The Museum is packed with flying entertainment for the whole family!

Entry to the RAF Museum Midlands and the Community Day is free. For more details and to pre-book your arrival time, visit www.rafmuseum.org/midlands