UK Aviation Museum News – Page 71

70th anniversary of the arrival of the Americans at RAF Duxford

In April 1943, the 78th Fighter Group of the US Eighth Air Force moved into RAF Duxford and helped to change the course of the Second World War.

To commemorate this significant event in RAF Duxford’s history, we are hosting a number of events and activities throughout 2013.

Somewhere in England: Portraits of the Americans in Britain 1942 to 1945 is a new temporary photographic exhibition which opens on Saturday 13 April, the anniversary of the first 78th Fighter Group combat mission from RAF Duxford. These striking images have been selected from the Roger Freeman collection of over 15,000 images of the United States Army Air Forces during the Second World War, which has recently been acquired by IWM. Some of the images have not been seen in public before.

Our new Americans in Britain tour looks at the US aircraft flown from RAF Duxford and other USAAF stations in East Anglia during the Second World War. You’ll hear true tales of courageous actions by air crew members and find out how British people reacted to the ‘friendly invasion’.

The Spring Air Show on Sunday 26 May is Remembering the Mighty Eighth on the 70th anniversary of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visiting RAF Duxford to welcome the 78th Fighter Group of the United States Army Air Forces to Great Britain.

The highlight of the Spring Air Show will be the first-ever display by the Eagle Squadron. This historic four-ship display comprises a Mark I Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, P-47 Razorback Thunderbolt and the P-51 Mustang Princess Elizabeth. Princess Elizabeth is being shipped over from the USA specifically for the Spring Air Show.

www.iwm.org.uk

Preparations underway for Tribute to the Lightning

The initial preparations for the Tribute to the Lightning event, which takes place at Newark Air Museum on 18th & 19th May 2013, have recently been completed. This has involved the repositioning of the recently restored Lightning T5, XS417 into the area in front of the museum’s Display Hangar 1, which was formally occupied by the Jaguar T2A airframe.

In this new position the Lightning T5 has gained a fresh prominence on the museum site and it will also allow for the display of a range of temporary Lightning exhibits around the airframe.

In a separate move recently digitised footage of an interview with Roland ‘Bee’ Beamont is now being shown in the cinema area in Display Hangar 2 at the museum. This was filmed at Roland ‘Bee’ Beamont’s home in March 2000 and in the section of film that is being shown he recounts his time test flying the English Electric Lightning.

Regular updates about the Lightning event are still appearing on the news page of the museum website at www.newarkairmuseum.org.

Airfix to unveil new Dambusters kits at Model Show

7th April 2013
10.00am – 4.00pm
FREE entry

Modelling fans from across the Midlands are invited to attend one of the region’s largest modelling events, taking place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on Sunday 7th April 2013. Nestled amongst a world-class collection of aircraft and military vehicles, thousands of intricately detailed models will be displayed alongside many of the real aircraft for the annual Shropshire Model Show.

This year Airfix will be attending the show and launching their brand new 1:72 Lancaster model kits, which go on sale for the first time worldwide to visitors at the Shropshire Modellers’ Show. A specially commissioned display, including 19 Airfix model Lancaster’s, a Wellington bomber, and Photo Reconnaissance Spitfire, depicting the Dambusters Raid will be a focal point at the show. These have been kindly donated by Airfix and built by members of the Shropshire Modellers’ Club. This bespoke Dambusters diorama will remain on display at the Museum throughout April and May, marking the 70th Anniversary of the Dambusters Raid.

Darrell Burge, Airfix and Humbrol Marketing Manager says:

“We’re very excited to be at this show, especially as it gives us the chance to show off our new Dambuster Lancaster model to the public for the first time. It’s always great to work with the RAF Museum Cosford, and this is no exception. We’ll have other new Airfix products on show, alongside new products from our sister brand Humbrol as well.”

With everything any dedicated modeller could want or need, all in one place, thousands of visitors are expected to attend the one day show. More than 80 modelling clubs from across the UK will be exhibiting their pint sized models which have taken hours of dedication to perfect. Plus, it’s not just models of aircraft that will be on show, there will be hundreds of cars, bikes, trucks and science fiction items including Dr Who and Star Wars.

In excess of 40 traders will be selling a range of modelling materials and kits to suit modellers of all ability’s, from young children who are just discovering their passion for modelling, right through to the avid modellers who have been building kits for many years. There will be everything from plastic kits in various sizes along with glues, paints and other detailed sets available to purchase on the day.

Event organiser, Gary Stevens Secretary of the Shropshire Scale Modellers and The International
Plastic Modellers Society says:

“I am particularly delighted that, for the first time in the history of this show, the world famous kit manufacturer AIRFIX and their sister brand HUMBROL will be in attendance, along with the person who creates their box art.

This year the show will feature a special Dambuster anniversary display featuring 1/72nd scale models of all 19 Lancasters that took part in that famous raid, and I thank Darrell Burge for providing us with the kits. There will also be a model of the Wellington Bomber which carried out the trials for the famous bouncing bomb, the Spitfire which carried out reconnaissance sorties before and after the raid, and some anti-aircraft guns to show what the aircrew were up against.

The show will also feature many other models from exhibitors and traders who travel from all over the country to be with us. With the show getting bigger every year it really is a great family day out.”

To make reaching the Museum even easier, organisers have introduced a free park and ride for the day to cope with the additional visitors. The show will be open to the public from 10am until 4pm and entry to the show is free of charge.

For further information, please call the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit the Museum website at www.rafmuseum.org.

New permanent exhibition at IWM Duxford

Our new permanent exhibition and historic trail opens on Thursday 28 March

Historic Duxford is a brand new exhibition and historic site trail which explores Duxford’s time as an RAF airfield from 1918 to 1961.

It is our first new permanent exhibition since the opening of AirSpace in 2007.

This exciting new exhibition has been under development for almost two decades, with the creation and delivery taking three years to complete.

Steve Woolford, Head of Interpretation and Collections, said:

‘IWM Duxford is famously known for its air shows and large-scale exhibitions, such as AirSpace. For the first time, we are giving visitors an insight into the heart of this historic site, telling RAF Duxford’s own story.

Historic Duxford builds on what we’ve created in AirSpace and in the reconstructed 1940 Operations Room. In AirSpace, the historic objects take the lead in the exhibition, with personal stories supporting the interpretation and understanding of those objects. In Historic Duxford, the personal stories of the men and women who lived, worked and fought for their country at RAF Duxford, take centre stage, supported by the personal objects that help to convey those stories.

We’ve been working for many years to research the stories of the men and women who passed through the gates at RAF Duxford. This gives us the incredible depth and intensity of personal stories that we now tell in Historic Duxford. One of our most famous characters is Douglas Bader, and in the exhibition we not only have his dress cap and jacket on display, but we have a film of him talking about his experiences at RAF Duxford, rare 1930s home-shot film of him off-duty, plus the personal memories of his RAF colleagues.

In Historic Duxford, we’re able to show why Duxford is so important historically and also to help visitors to look at our historic site with fresh eyes.’

Historic Duxford is housed in the original 1930s Watch Office building. In the exhibition, we explore Duxford’s fascinating history. As a typical RAF fighter base, Duxford experienced significant historic events, military developments and social change during the first half of the twentieth century.

RAF Duxford was created during the latter stages of the First World War to train pilots for war.

Between the wars, it was part of ‘the best flying club in the world’ and an important arena for showcasing the RAF’s capabilities to royalty, the press and the public.

RAF Duxford’s Second World War history is perhaps the best known, with the dogfights of the Battle of Britain, and, later, the arrival of the American forces.

Finally, we look at the Cold War era, when many men did their National Service at RAF Duxford, and the station’s eventual closure in 1961.

With many things to watch, listen to, have a go at, wear and even smell, Historic Duxford paints a vivid picture of daily life at RAF Duxford.

Hear and see fascinating personal stories told by the men and women who worked and lived at RAF Duxford, in sound and film. We look at their jobs, living conditions and how they spent their leisure time.

Our interactives will immerse you in the lives of RAF Duxford’s service men and women, as you learn how they spent their working day and the skills they needed to do their jobs to exacting RAF standards.

Personal objects tell the stories of some of the remarkable individuals who served at RAF Duxford.

For the first time in almost a decade, items owned by Douglas Bader will be on display alongside scenes from a rare 1930s home film which shows Bader, alongside his RAF friends and colleagues, having fun off-duty.

See the Watch Office, the forerunner to the Control Tower, as it might have been during the late 1930s. Period details and interactive elements give the impression that the Duty Pilot has only just left the room.

Complementing the Historic Duxford exhibition is a heritage trail around the historic site with eight interactive posts. Each post features audio memories from veterans who worked at RAF Duxford. Pick up a family activity sheet from the exhibition to complete as you follow the trail.

Discover Duxford’s own story – its eventful past and fascinating people.

Historic Duxford opens to visitors on Thursday 28 March. Historic Duxford is included in general admission to IWM Duxford. Visitors aged 15 and under enjoy free admission to IWM Duxford.

www.iwm.org.uk

Open Cockpits tickets on sale 18th Feb

300 tickets for the popular aviation enthusiasts’ event ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, will go on sale from Monday 18th February through the Royal Air Force Museum’s website. This exclusive evening will commence at 6pm on Saturday 18th May with a wide range of aircraft available for close viewing on the night: including transport aircraft, jet fighters and unique research airframes.300 fortunate visitors will be able to get a feel for what it was like to fly these much loved machines by enter

ing their cockpits and, in addition to this, will have exclusive after-hours access to the Museum which displays a collection of over 70 aircraft, military vehicles, engines and aviation artefacts within three wartime hangars and the award-winning National Cold War Exhibition.

The event, which is held twice a year, was a complete sell out in 2012, with tickets sold out in a matter of days. Organisers are confident that this year’s event in May will be just as popular based on the number of enquiries received so far. Accordingly, the Museum is advising aviation fans to book early to avoid disappointment.

Cosford’s ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ is part of ‘The Museums at Night’ cultural event, an annual international event where hundreds of museums, galleries, libraries, archives and heritage sites across Europe open their doors to the public for special after hours events.

The evening will commence at 6.00pm and finish at 8.30pm, with numbers onto the Museum site strictly limited to 300 people – providing enthusiasts with two and a half hours to examine the Museum’s historic and wondrous aircraft in an exclusive environment. Admission is by advance ticket only; tickets cost £10.00 per person and will go on sale from Monday 18th February available through the Museum’s website. Parking charges are included in the ticket price. Minimum height restrictions of 1.07 metres will apply.

For further information on the ‘Open Cockpits Evening’ or to purchase your tickets online visit www.rafmuseum.org (A detailed list of aircraft open on the night will be issued nearer the time.) A second Open Cockpits Evening will take place on Saturday 21st September 2013.

First Air War gallery receives Heritage Lottery Fund support

Royal Air Force Museum London is pleased to announce that it has received initial support* from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the redevelopment of the exhibitions within the historic Graham White Factory building. This will showcase the Museum’s unique First World War collections to mark the centenary of the conflict in 2014. The initial support of £74,500 will enable the Museum to progress their plans to obtain a full HLF grant of £706,300.

The new exhibition will use the world-class collection of planes, letters, film and photographs to help people understand what it was like to be involved in the earliest days of the Royal Flying Corps and how our world was changed by the technology and innovation during the war.

The content of the renewed exhibition area will be shaped by public participation through the selection of its exhibits through the “100 First Air War Objects” online survey and other initiatives. The project will help local people to understand how much their neighbourhood changed as a result of the development of the aerodrome and aircraft industry in Colindale during the First World War.

The First World War was the first conflict fought in the air. The RAF Museum’s varied and comprehensive, world-class collections will be used to highlight the lives of ordinary men and women who came together to create the world’s first independent Air Force. Important historic documents such as casualty records and personnel lists will be made digitally available to the public, which will help family historians to discover the fate of their ancestors.

Peter Dye, Director of the Royal Air Force Museum, explained the importance of the project: “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support. The aircraft shown in the Grahame-White Factory wing represent a very small part of our vast First World War collections, which includes equipment, art, film and sound recordings, photographs, and a unique archive of documents. The grant will enable us to showcase a larger and more diverse range of collections and our new interpretation strategy will help people to learn about the importance of the first war in the air and to understand the lives of all those who participated.”

Sue Bowers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for London said: “We’re extremely pleased to give initial support to this project. With the approaching First World War centenaries this 5 year project aims to bring to life the vast collections held by the RAF Museum and convey the significance of the first war in the air. We shall watch the developing plans with interest.”

www.rafmuseum.org

The Royal Air Force Museum 2013

In 2013 the FREE to enter Museum will be unveiling an exciting range of new exhibitions and events, some of which include:

Airfix Birthday Parties:

The Museum has introduced an exciting new Airfix themed birthday party package for children. Each booking will include model kit for each child to take and make at home; lunch or afternoon tea in Wings restaurant; storage availability for birthday cake; goody bag for each child with activity trail and extra gift for the birthday boy or girl

For more details contact: groups@rafmuseum.org / 020 8358 4849

Fresh Air – a new perspective on aviation art: January to May

Over the last decade David Bent’s modern and distinctive style of aviation art has won a plethora of devoted fans including the Red Arrows, with whom he has collaborated as Artist in Residence. Big, bold and captivating – whether wittily subverting the destructive power of nuclear arms race, celebrating the sheer joy of pilots in flight or enticing the viewer to work out the hidden imagery contained within his works – David Bent’s style is considered by many to be a breath of fresh air for aviation art.

RAF Photographer Exhibition: 13 Jan-30 April

In conjunction with RAF and Ministry of Defence, this is an exciting display of winning photos from currently serving men and women in the RAF. The exhibition as a dynamic birds eye view from inside the RAF.

The Royal Air Force in ‘RAF in Oman’ Exhibition: 1 May-30 September

Celebrating and highlighting the RAF’s achievements in Oman. The exhibition will include first-hand accounts, documents, uniforms and equipment detailing the long standing relationship.

Airfix exhibition: From June 2013:

The Royal Air Force Museum London will be launching in summer 2013, a signature exhibition commemorating and celebrating the national institution that is Airfix. This exhibition will chart the history of this Great British Institution by displaying original Box Art as well as Airfix’s most popular models from the 50s, 60s and 70s in the Museum’s Art Gallery.

Dambusters 70th Anniversary Exhibition: From May

The Museum has a dedicated exhibition area featuring a specially made film, a recreation of the Barnes Wallis office and a life size bouncing bomb. It will also be displaying items from its archives such as Guy Gibson’s DFC and log book. Other commemorative events will include a concert underneath the Lancaster, a 4D Dambuster experience, special podcasts and a model show (see website for full listing).

Family weekend: 13-14 July

An outdoor weekend of fun packed activity and entertainment. One for all the family, the weekend will include outdoor re-enactments, bouncy castle and fairground rides for kids, dance lessons, gym drill, face painting, DJ skills, nail painting and much more. Outdoor activities will include bouncy castle, fairground rides, American Civil War battle re-enactors, Bollywood dance classes,

World War I in 100 Objects: Vote now online for the exhibition in September

Curators from the Royal Air Force Museum have selected 100 artefacts from its rich and diverse First World War collection. Each object is specifically selected to tell a story about the experiences of those men and women, at home and overseas, who lived, fought, worked & died during this cataclysmic period. You are invited to tell us which objects and their stories you find the most inspiring.

Battle of Britain Weekend: 14-15 September

The Museum celebrates our finest hour with film screenings, outdoor re-enactments, temporary exhibitions, special tours and military vehicles.

Black History Month: 1st -31 Oct

The Museum celebrates the Afro-Caribbean contribution to the RAF – the first service to instigate an equal ops policy. Beginning with WWI through to WWII and The Cold War to currently serving members, the exhibition will include personal recollections, photos and more.

Call 020 8205 2266 or visit www.rafmuseum.org

Duxford Special Events 2013

Our exciting special events for 2013 are now on sale. From stunning cars to monster military vehicles; Second World War Spitfire nostalgia to our furry friends in the armed forces, there are some superb spectacles to look forward to next year.

Spring Car Show

Sunday 5 May

The Spring Car Show is the place to be for all car enthusiasts as we play host to hundreds of stunning contemporary and classic cars.

Car owners travel from across the UK to attend the Spring Car Show and will be delighted to talk to you about their four-wheeled pride and joys.

With a wide range of spectacular cars on display, the Spring Car Show is a fantastic day out for all the family.

The Spring Car Show is included in standard admission to IWM Duxford. Visitors aged 15 and under enjoy free admission.

Military Vehicle Show

Sunday 16 June

Celebrate Father’s Day on a grand scale with Military Vehicle Show. See displays of contemporary and historic military vehicles – there are even some that you can get into and onto for a closer look!

See and try on military equipment used by current serving personnel. Meet and chat to a variety of living history groups who will demonstrate equipment, uniforms and vehicles from a wide range of military campaigns.

Enjoy the power, thrill and excitement of Military Vehicle Show – the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day!

Ticket Prices:
Adult (16-59 years) £18.50
Senior/Student £14.80
Child (under 16) Free
Unemployed £14.80
Disabled Adult, Senior, Student £13.85
Carer (one per disabled visitor) Free
Friends of Duxford Adult, Senior Free

Spitfires, Merlins and Motors

Sunday 28 July

Join us for a nostalgic celebration of the legendary Supermarine Spitfire and the unmistakable Merlin engine.

We’ll have a number of Spitfires on static display so that you can have a closer look at these iconic aircraft before seeing them take to the skies to perform short displays.

Adding to the vintage feel will be living history groups, bringing the 1940s to life. Hear the instantly recognisable Merlin engine roar into life and see a number of classic and contemporary cars on display.

Enjoy a fun and nostalgic day at IWM Duxford, the spiritual home of the Spitfire.

Animals in War

Sunday 11 August

Find out more about the surprising and courageous roles played by animals during war and conflict.

Hear about members of the animal kingdom who helped to win the war. Meet some four-legged military mascots and working animals. Learn how animals have always played their part in military campaigns and continue to serve within the Armed Forces today.

Animals at War is a great family day out for all animal lovers!

Remembrance Sunday

Sunday 10 November

Free admission

Remembrance Sunday has a special significance in the IWM Duxford calendar. On this day, we offer free admission to the museum for all and we very much hope that people will take the opportunity to visit us as we remember members of the Armed Forces who gave their lives in active service.

In addition to the traditional two-minute silence and Service of Remembrance, we’ll be hosting hands-on activities across the museum, where visitors of all ages can learn more about commemorating remembrance.

There may also be the opportunity to meet veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces.

We hope that you can join us at IWM Duxford to remember those who gave their lives in conflicts past and present and to actively commemorate those serving men and women who are no longer with us.

www.iwm.org.uk

Museum Curator Tracks Down Lost Historic Local Artefact

RAF Museum curator Andy Simpson recently followed a trail from Colindale to Stanbridge and unearthed a rare wooden carving once owned by Claude Grahame-White.

The carving which is in the shape of the Grahame-White logo, was built around 1916 and used as the central motif of the large electrical panel currently on display in the Watch Office at the Museum in Colindale.

After WWI the site was handed over to the War Office and became an RAF station (RAF Hendon). At some point in the site’s history, the carving was mysteriously removed.

Recently Mr Simpson uncovered documents from the Defence Land Sales and discovered that the item was actually removed when the RAF were vacating the site, in order to protect it from vandalism. Along with other items it was being kept at RAF Stanbridge

Following on from this Mr Simpson met representatives from RAF Stanbridge who were only too happy to return the carving along with other items so that it could be displayed in its rightful place.

The carving is currently at the Museum’s site in Cosford undergoing restoration work by our National Award winning apprentice Laura Pringle and will be on display at the Museum in Colindale next year.

Mr Simpson: “The discovery of the wooden carving is important as it represents the history of the local community. More than that it also completes the display of the electrical panel in the Watch-Office. We’re glad to have it back in its rightful place!”

www.rafmuseum.org

The First Air War in 100 Objects

With the Centenary of the First World War just 18 months away, the Royal Air Force Museum is asking members of the public what objects from its archives they would like to see displayed in a narrative that will explain the role of aviation in this momentous event. The most popular items voted for by the public will be selected to form part of a trail woven through a new permanent exhibition highlighting the personal experience of the young men and women of the newly formed Royal Air Force (and its parent organisations, the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service) and their contribution to the Allied victory.

Curators from the Royal Air Force Museum have selected 100 artefacts from its rich and diverse First World War collection, with each object specifically selected to tell a story about the experiences of those men and women, at home and overseas, who lived, fought, worked & died during this cataclysmic period.

The collection includes objects ranging from the Baron Manfred von Richthofen’s lucky charm – a blue glass dog – to Lt Frank McNamara’s Victoria Cross, awarded to the Australian pilot for rescuing a fallen comrade despite being gravely wounded himself. Members of the public are invited to vote for, debate and explain which objects should be given greatest prominence in the Museum’s new First World War exhibition (opening to the public in Spring 2014) by logging into the Museum’s Flickr and Pinterest Channels.

Peter Dye, Director General of the Museum stated that:

‘The Royal Air Force Museum is justifiably proud of its First World War collection, which contains the most comprehensive collection of aircraft from the period – anywhere in the world. Just as importantly, we also hold a large range of other artefacts that tell the stories of the thousands of individuals caught up in the dangerous, costly and traumatic struggle that became ‘The First War in the Air’. Over the past four years, the Museum has been developing its plans and acquiring objects to form the first comprehensive exhibition on the role of aviation, and the impact on those thousands of individuals who flew in or supported the air services – at home and overseas – during this momentous period.

To help us in our aim of making all the Museum’s exhibitions as accessible as possible, we would like to invite the public – our future visitors – to tell us which objects and their stories inspire them, and those that they would like to hear more about, by viewing our Flickr and Pinterest Streams. These views will not only determine the content of the exhibition but also enable us to engage with a much wider audience – many of whom we hope will be able to provide their own stories through the letters, photographs and artefacts left by relatives who served in the Royal Air Force, or supported its efforts, during the First World War.’

To view the above streams please go to www.rafmuseum.org and click on the picture links located at the bottom of any page of the website.

The museum would also welcome general input from the public about as part of a consultation process for the redevelopment of the Museum’s London site about the types of future displays visitors would like to see. This consultation document can be found on survey monkey by accessing the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/593MW9L

The Royal Air Force Museum London is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Admission is free. For further details about the Museum please call 020 8205 2266 or visit www.rafmuseum.org.