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Duxford’s People in the Battle of Britain at IWM Duxford

A new exhibition telling stories of the people who served

Opens to the public on Friday 21 August

Marking the 75th Anniversary, Duxford’s People in the Battle of Britain is a new exhibition which presents the personal experiences and mementoes of seven people who served at RAF Duxford, a pivotal fighter station during the Battle of Britain.

The people represented in the exhibition are David Whitley (Pilot Officer, 264 Squadron), Maria Blewitt (Women’s Auxiliary Air Force), Gordon Sinclair (310 Squadron), Guy Mayfield (Chaplain at RAF Duxford), James Coward (19 Squadron), ‘Woody’ Woodhall (RAF Duxford Station Commander) and Peter Howard-Williams (19 Squadron).*

The exhibition was officially opened today by Chas and Liz Bazeley, cousins of Maria Blewitt and Gordon Sinclair’s son, Alan.

Maria Blewitt was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force at Duxford. Her letter home to her mother, which features in the exhibition, was written by Maria on 11 September 1940, the day that the British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, gave a speech stating:

“‘…a heavy full-scale invasion of this Island is being prepared…it may be launched now… Therefore we must regard the next week or so as a very important period in our history.’

Maria’s letter shows how real and frightening was the threat of imminent invasion. In it, she says: “I have just been listening to Winston. Brilliant, inspiring but just a tiddly bit frightening. He seems quite sure invasion will come within the next week or so. If not I shall be home for 48 hrs on 17th…”

Gordon Sinclair joined 19 Squadron at RAF Duxford on 27 November 1937. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on 25 June 1940 and in late June became ‘A’ Flight Commander of 310 (Czech) Squadron, which became operational on 17 August. Gordon Sinclair was awarded the Czech Military Cross on 24 December 1940.

The exhibition also contains transcriptions from the diary of Guy Mayfield, Duxford’s Chaplain during the Battle of Britain. It was to him that pilots would turn when they were feeling the immense pressures of the battle. One diary entry reads:

“19 Squadron were night flying after dinner… [Pilot Officer Horace Trenchard] crashed while we were there…he had crashed at Whittlesford…he was killed at once. Peter appeared with a beer and questions following on Trenchard’s death. It was a relief to be able to talk realistically to him, not about Trenchard, but about the things which we keep concealed for the most part beneath the surface. What happens when you die? Is it wrong to be frightened of dying? How should you live if you are twenty and will be dead by the end of the summer?”

James Coward’s Pilot’s Flying Log Book, in which he recorded every flight he made with beautiful drawings, also features in the exhibition, turned to the page upon which he has drawn an illustration of the flight on which he was shot down and wounded.

Many of these objects on display in the exhibition have not been previously seen by the public.

Alan Sinclair said: “It is wonderful that these personal items are on display. It seems slightly ironic that the last time I saw it [Gordon Sinclair’s flying suit] he was sitting on a lawnmower wearing it.”

Chas Bazeley said: “It is wonderful to see what Maria was involved in during the war and it’s wonderful to know that she has been chosen as the only woman amongst all those handsome chaps. She would be delighted.”

RAF Duxford was pivotal in the Battle of Britain. The first Spitfires flew from Duxford. Douglas Bader was based at RAF Duxford and it was the home of the controversial ‘Big Wing’ flying tactic. It is through the very different personal stories of the men and woman featured in the new Duxford’s People in the Battle of Britain exhibition that we discover what it was like to work and serve at an RAF Fighter Station in the relentlessly demanding days of the Battle of Britain.

Duxford’s People in the Battle of Britain is a contemplative exhibition in which visitors can learn about people who were instrumental at RAF Duxford, before they visit the Battle of Britain Exhibition to view the aircraft that fought the battle from the skies.

Entry is included in general admission to IWM Duxford.

www.iwm.org.uk

Air Festival ceremony opens with a big bang!

A breath-taking historic flypast, commando crushing Royal Marines, daring Black Cat display, Royal Marine buglers and Army canon announced the fantastic opening of the much anticipated 2015 Bournemouth Air Festival, sponsored by Kier.

The ceremony, announcing the start of the UK’s Tourism Event of the Year, was attended by Major General Martin Smith, RAF Group Captain Sanger-Davies, Brigadier Bennett and the Mayor of Bournemouth Councillor John Adams with guests treated to first class performances by all participating forces.

Bringing a host of land, sea and air assets including a stunning flotilla of ships and hosting the first Proms on the Beach, Major General Martin Smith said; “I’m delighted that we are able to support this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival. It presents a marvellous opportunity for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines to demonstrate some of our capabilities to such a huge audience.”

He added; “I hope you will take time to speak to our sailors and marines, both regular and reserve, and find out more about the Royal Navy. We want you to hear the roar of our helicopters and feel the salt spray from our landing craft as the Royal Marines storm ashore. We belong to you and we are very proud to be able to show you what we get up to when we are protecting UK interests worldwide.”

The RAF, ever present with a stunning line-up of full allocation of aircraft at the festival including the new Hawk T2 Role Demo Team, Typhoon and world famous Red Arrows, welcomed the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hurricane and Spitfire to the launch ceremony. Group Captain Sanger-Davies said; “The Air Festival is one of our annual flagship events. Its sheer size and scale makes it a fantastic stage for us to showcase what the RAF does on a day-to-day basis and hopefully entertain you with some incredible aerial displays. There’s a fantastic allocation of RAF assets here and we look forward to showing you what we can do in the air and on the ground. For those considering career options or ready to make the commitment, there’s a great opportunity to find out more about the exciting range of careers available in the Royal Air Force, both full-time and spare-time. ”

The ceremony was also an opportunity for guests to watch the Royal Marines Commando Recruiting Team perform their unarmed combat demonstrations. Dale Wood, Kier partnership director for Bournemouth and Air Festival Partner sponsor said; “It’s incredibly exciting to be sponsoring this year’s Air Festival and we’re looking forward to enjoying the displays with residents and visitors. We’re now in our third year of sponsoring the event and are very proud to be helping to bring value to the town through the festival and ultimately boosting local economic growth.”

Councillor Lawrence Williams, Tourism Portfolio Holder added; “To have such superb support and ongoing commitment from the Armed Forces, and to be welcoming back the First Sea Lord, really shows how far we have come over the last seven years. We are the National Tourism Event of the year and I can’t wait for the next four days!”

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Countdown to Wings & Wheels Begins!

Yak 52 by Rob Sambles

The skies above Dunsfold were filled yesterday (Tuesday 18th August) as The Blades, MiG 15, and Aerobility’s Yak 52 signalled the start of the 10 day countdown to Wings & Wheels.

The Blades touched down to show off their new livery and take three brave journalists for the ride of their lives. The MiG 15, back in the UK for the first time since the 90s, demonstrated why it will be starring at the airshow – just one of a number of new displays this year. The Yak 52 dropped by to talk about its integral role to the Glider display and hinted at a heart stopping new trick visitors won’t want to miss. They also sent four lucky passengers loopy with some daring aerobatics.

It wasn’t just the sky that was filled; the Wheels Zone showcased 19 of its top cars that will be at the Show over the August Bank Holiday. Brooklands Museum brought down some classic examples from the Museum including the 1907 Berliet Curtis, 1926 Frazer Nash “Boulogne Vitesse”, 1928 Bentley 4.5 Litre, 1957 Jaguar D Type (replica), 1962 Sunbeam Alpine Sport and more modern examples from the 1995 DAM 4100 (a re-bodied Metro 6R4 rally car)to the 2012 AC 378 GT Zagato (a unique AC GT/supercar).

Auto Vivendi demonstrated some of the world’s best supercars including the Lamborghini Huracan, Pagani Zonda, Ford GT, Noble M600, Lamborghini Gallardo and Ferrari 458 Speciale.

Not to be outdone, the Stunt Zone was smokin’ as drift teams Scrape ‘n’ Skid and Team 1340 showcased their winning formula and drivers from Mission Motorsport showed that nothing holds them back in their stunt MX5 cars.

The eagle eyed won’t have missed the purple Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II that is travelling the country this year promoting Together for Short Lives, a leading UK charity for all children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions and all those who support, love and care for them. The car was donated to the charity by Simon Cowell in June and will be one of 300 cars at Wings & Wheels for visitors to view.

The day was rounded off with the roar of the VC10 which fired up and taxied down the runway.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “The launch was just a teaser for all the exceptional air and motoring action that will be happening at the Show. Each year we work hard to improve everything on the ground and in the air and we have so much for visitors to see and do that they might not be able to fit it all in in one day! Tickets are selling fast so pre-book now at www.wingsandwheels.net.”

Organisers were joined by Help for Heroes and its Band of Brothers as well as Brooklands Museum Trust and Age UK Waverley, all charities that the Show is supporting through a variety of initiatives.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, RAF Eurofighter Typhoon, RAF Eurofighter Typhoon & Spitfire (Synchro Pair), Vulcan, Chinook, MIG 15, B25 Mitchell, The Blades and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the five hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum, and over in our Wheels Zone you can expect an array of interactive and static displays to wander around.

The show also includes over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, 2 bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.

Tickets start from £22 for adults, £50 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £7 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2015 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Help for Heroes and Brooklands Museum Trust.

Super Saturday Brings Biggest Ever Crowd to Airbourne

The sun came out for Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow over the weekend with the show’s busiest ever day in its 23 year history.

The free four day airshow welcomed its biggest ever audience on Super Saturday as hundreds of thousands watched the Vulcan bomber fly for a final time over the town, along with the first ever free-to-watch flight of the world’s only flying Blenheim bomber.

The culmination of the 12-hour Super Saturday extravaganza saw stunning twilight pyro-aerobatics, Scouting For Girls on stage and a new Saturday night firework display. 12,000 watched the chart topping band from the managed beach stage area alone, with thousands more lining the seafront to see the firework spectacular, sponsored by Ansvar and Frontier Fireworks.

The Airbourne souvenir programme had its best ever sales day on Saturday, over a third more than the previous best on Vulcan day in 2012, and by the end of Saturday, parking was already 22% up on previous years with more cars than ever before using the car parks and Beachy Head Park ‘n’ View areas. On the sea on Saturday, over 150 boats passed through the locks to view the displays, with late night queues at the locks on their return.

Friday proved popular too and many stayed into the evening to watch De’Vide on the Airbourne Live stage, sponsored by TJ’s Nightclub, or to see Toyah at the Bandstand, which proved to be a sell out success.

Eastbourne Borough Council Senior Head of Tourism and Enterprise, Phil Evans said “After a damp start, Airbourne certainly caught up after the rain with three awesome days of flying. It was fantastic to see so many families enjoying the show and many more around town dining into the evening. The atmosphere on Super Saturday evening was amazing, we’ve never seen the seafront look so vibrant!”

More than 200 volunteer bucket collectors were in force during the show, with collections organised by the Rotary Clubs of Sovereign Harbour and Hailsham, along with support from the clubs of Eastbourne, Eastbourne AM, Eastbourne Sovereign and Beachy Head.

Airbourne returns from 11 – 14 August, and exclusive seating is available to book now. In the meantime work continues throughout the week to count in all of the bucket collections, which will help to fund next year’s flying displays.

Airbourne fans can still donate at Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre in Cornfield Road, at the Seafront Office or online at www.eastbourneairshow.com

Cold War Classic Jet at Wings & Wheels

Mig-15

For the first time since the late 1990s the MiG-15, a Cold War classic jet fighter belonging to the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron, will be displaying in the UK and will be thrilling visitors to Dunsfold Wings & Wheels on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August.

The Mikoyan-Gurevich, MiG-15, was one of the first successful swept-wing jet fighters, and achieved fame in the skies over Korea, where, early in the war, it outclassed all straight-winged enemy fighters in most applications.

The MiG-15 is believed to have been one of the most widely produced jet aircraft ever made. In excess of 12,000 were manufactured and licensed foreign production may have raised the production total to over 18,000. Some among them were Polish-built variants of which the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron’s example is one. The MiG-15 is often mentioned, along with the North American F-86 Sabre, as the best fighter aircraft of the Korean War, and among the best fighter aircraft of all time. The MiG-15 remains in service with the North Korean Air Force as an advanced trainer.

The MiG-15 which will be displaying at Wings & Wheels wears the markings of the aircraft flown by famed Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin before he became the first man to visit outer space in 1961.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “The sight of the MiG in the UK skies is a rare one so we are thrilled to be able to bring this display to our visitors at Wing & Wheels. We have a host of fast jets at the Show and equally fast supercars on the ground. 2015 is definitely shaping up to be our most spectacular show yet.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, RAF Eurofighter Typhoon, RAF Eurofighter Typhoon & Spitfire (Synchro Pair), Vulcan, Chinook, The Blades and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the five hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum, and over in our Wheels Zone you can expect an array of interactive and static displays.

The 11th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th August 2015, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £150 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2015 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Spitfire soars into action at Wings & Wheels for worthy cause

Spitfire Ale

Wings & Wheels has more cause for celebration this week as the air and motoring Show renewed its partnership with Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale. For its eleventh consecutive year, Spitfire ale will be at the 2015 Show supporting the team through ale supplies and sponsorship of key air displays and facilities for veterans.

That’s not all though, Spitfire is also offering visitors the chance to win a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience: flying an historic Spitfire aeroplane.

The exclusive prize is up for grabs as part of a year-long campaign by Spitfire to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Limited edition bottles of Spitfire Ale featuring the heart roundel of the RAF Benevolent Fund on their crown instead of the traditional RAF roundel, will have promotional bottle collars inviting drinkers to enter the special anniversary competition.

The Aerolegends Spitfire that the winner will fly will be at Wings & Wheels where visitors will get the chance to check out the plane and enter the competition.

The winner will join a pilot for a tandem flight in the iconic British fighter aircraft, with an opportunity to actually take the controls. And their memorable day will also include flying two other historic Second World War planes – a Tiger Moth and a Harvard.

Consumers simply have to enter their details at www.spitfireale.co.uk/win to be included in the competition, which runs from July 1 to September 30.

The back label of every bottle will also encourage drinkers to donate £3 to the RAF Benevolent Fund by texting the word SPITFIRE to 70660.

Spitfire is also producing limited edition RAF Benevolent Fund Spitfire t-shirts priced £10, which will be available at selected airshows and events throughout the year, and online at www.shepherdneame.co.uk/shop. There will also be 75th anniversary wristbands, priced £2, available from selected Shepherd Neame pubs in London and the South East.

Spitfire Ale brand manager William Upfield said: “The chance to fly a Spitfire is an experience that money can’t buy, and we are delighted to be able to offer such a special prize to our customers. Spitfire Ale is a proud partner of the RAF Benevolent Fund, and an official partner of the RAF, and we hope that as many people as possible will support us in our year of fundraising to mark this significant anniversary and support those helped by the charity.”

Jamie McAllister, Wings & Wheels Event Director comments: “As the airshow has evolved and continues to grow in strength and reputation, Spitfire has been with us every step of the way. We’re delighted they are joining us again and offering our visitors the chance to win such a fantastic prize.”

www.wingsandwheels.net

Explosive Hawk demo will set Wings & Wheels on fire!

Hawk Role Demo

We have not one but two Hawk T2s in the line-up at Wings & Wheels on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August. And, as if two Hawks weren’t enough, the team will delight crowds with an explosive demonstration of fire power.

One of only a handful of shows to have the Hawks’ full display, pilots Flight Lieutenant Ben Polwin and Flight Lieutenant Toby Keeley will be flying Ninja 1 and Ninja 2 respectively.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, comments: “With the Hawk’s historical links to the aerodrome, it’s always a pleasure to see the team back in the skies over Dunsfold. The display they are planning is not only loud and visually impressive, but the skill with which the pilots handle their jets will ensure it’s a display our visitors won’t want to miss!”

The role demonstration aims to present the dynamic capability of the Hawk T2 and provide an insight into UK Military Flying Training System, giving the public and future generations of pilots an idea of what to expect during RAF fast jet flying training.

The display will showcase a variety of manoeuvres, from close formation to simulated attacks and basic air combat; exactly the type of flying students practice to set them up for their future careers in the Typhoon, Tornado GR4 and eventually F-35.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 5 go free. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2015 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Eastbourne Gears Up for Final Vulcan Display

Eastbourne gears up for its final Vulcan display next week as the world’s only flying Vulcan bomber makes its last trip to Airbourne, the town’s four day free seafront airshow from Thursday 13 – Sunday 16 August.

Thousands will bid a fond farewell to the cold war jet at 2.32pm on Saturday 15 August which retires at the end of the season, before welcoming the world’s only flying Bristol Blenheim, in its first ever free display.

Along with Eastbourne’s first ever Norwegian MiG-15 jet fighter display, the Belgian NH90 helicopter, Typhoon, Chinook and the RAF Red Arrows, Airbourne crowds will be in for a treat.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said “This is an astounding year for historic jets and international teams. The Vulcan is adored by many and Airbourne is one of just a handful of opportunities left to ever see this aircraft in the sky.”

The Blenheim joins an impressive historic line up which also features a Norwegian Vampire duo, Kittyhawk, Jet Provost, Bulldog, Spitfire, Mustang and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Local Heroes to Close Day One

Local men Flt Lt Ben Polwin and Flt Lt Toby Keeley, will be returning to home ground after their Hawk duo display on Thursday, as both pilots hail from Sussex. Former Park College student Toby, began his flying career at Hailsham Air Training Corps and has since flown the Tucano, Hawk and Tornado GR4.

Known under the call signs of Ninja 1 and Ninja 2, Ben and Toby will close the show on Thursday with their brand new Hawk duo display and will be meeting fans on the ground during the show.

The Blades Celebrate 10 Years

Celebrating 10 years in the sky, former Red Arrows pilots The Blades, return with a very special display and a chance to win a flight with the team in the Airbourne £1 lottery, with all proceeds supporting the future of Airbourne.

French team Patrouille Reva also bring a highly technical display in their purpose built aerobatic aircraft, along with a packed line-up featuring the Tutor, Royal Navy Sea King, Rv8tors, Breitling Wingwalkers and The Tigers parachute team.

Super Saturday

The Airbourne Live stage on the beach returns thanks to TJ’s Nightclub with live music from 11am to 7.30pm each day, including talent show stars De’Vide of BBC1’s The Voice UK on Friday. The party continues on Super Saturday, a 12-hour extravaganza of flying and entertainment, in a Heart hosted evening presented by Tom, Nicola and Jack from Heart Breakfast. Entry is free, however numbers are limited, so music fans are advised to arrive early.

Featuring dazzling twilight pyro-aerobatics from brand new flying duo AeroSPARX, chart topping band Scouting for Girls headline on stage at 9.15pm, before explosive Saturday night fireworks close the day’s events at 10pm, sponsored by Ansvar Insurance and Frontier Fireworks.

On the Ground

The four day show also features plenty of fun on the ground, including an RAF, Navy and Army exhibition on the Western Lawns with Harrier, Chinook and Gazelle cockpits to climb aboard, children’s entertainment areas and Transformers star car Autobot Bumblebee makes an appearance (Sat & Sun only).

Helicopter pleasure flights offer spectacular views from Beachy Head and at the Bandstand, evening concerts include Big Band Night on Thursday and the legendary pop-punk princess Toyah, on Friday. BBC South East Today also broadcast live from the show from 6.30pm on Friday, as their Festival Friday tour hits town.

Give a Quid

Entry is free, with flying displays part funded by public donations each year, including generous support from Sussex residents David Dickens, Brian Bunce and Jayne Howard. This year collections will be organised by the Rotary Clubs of Sovereign Harbour and Hailsham, with 30% of the proceeds passed onto local charities Kent, Sussex & Surrey Air Ambulance, Riding for the Disabled and Friends of Eastbourne Hospital.

More ways to support Airbourne include donating online, buying an Airbourne Lottery ticket or buying a Souvenir Programme featuring daily updated flying times and money off vouchers for just £4, available from the Tourist Information Centre, Seafront Office, selected newsagents and from programme sellers around town.

Watch, Listen & Tweet

Airbourne is open from 10am each day, with Red Arrows displays at 4pm on Friday, and 4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The Bandstand offers exclusive seating in the centre of the display line at £12 per adult, and Park and View areas at Beachy Head cost £5 per day for a birds-eye view of the displays.

Fans can post their airshow selfie to the Tweetwall giant screen on the beach using #eastbourneselfie, tune into Radio Airbourne 87.7FM, supported by Specsavers, for live commentary and updates, or watch online for live coverage by Planes TV at VisitEastbourne.com/AirbourneTV.

Parking

Parking is available at Five Acre Field in Lottbridge Drove costing £4 per car with a bus service running to and from the pier. Additional parking is also available to the west of town at St Andrew’s School field, with a bus to Airbourne (Sat & Sun only), and donations to Eastbourne Sovereign Rotary Club. Or beat the traffic and come by bike, using the free cycle park in Howard Square.

For more information visit www.eastbourneairshow.com or telephone 01323 415415.

IWMs newly-painted North American B-25J Mitchell aircraft is revealed

Mitchell IWM Duxford

Today (Thursday 6 August) IWM’s newly-repainted North American B-25J Mitchell was revealed in its new paint scheme for the first time.

The aircraft now represents North American B-25J Mitchell 43-4064, which served with the 488th Bomb Squadron of the 340th Bomb Group, 12th Air Force, United States Army Air Forces, in the latter stages of the Second World War.

The 340th Bomb Group was the inspiration for the Bomb Group represented in American author Joseph Heller’s satirical novel Catch 22. Heller served as a bombardier in the 488th Bomb Squadron. Crews were not allocated a specific aircraft in the 340th Bomb Group and personnel were interchanged between crews and aircraft. As a result, Joseph Heller flew in almost all of the aircraft operated by the 340th Bomb Group.

Missions carried out by Heller and his fellow crew members in B-25J Mitchell 43-4064 formed the inspiration for some of the events in Heller’s classic novel Catch 22.

North American B-25J Mitchell 43-4064 can be seen at IWM Duxford in the Conservation in Action hangar and will be displayed in the newly-transformed American Air Museum, at IWM Duxford, when it reopens in spring 2016.

Chris Knapp, Section Head, Industrial and Large Object Conservation, IWM Duxford, said: “The Conservation Team carried out a structural survey and then a team of three Conservation staff repainted the aircraft within a six week period. I’m really pleased with the work they have done. The only element of the repainting that we didn’t undertake in-house was the nose art as we don’t have a sign writer on our staff. We have carried out painstaking research to ensure that the aircraft matches the original 43-4064. All lines and colour changes are taken from original photographs of the aircraft during the Second World War.”

www.iwm.org.uk

Take a Seat in Our Spitfire

RAF Museum Spitfire

Dreams come true at the RAF Museum this August as we unveil our new sit-in ‘Spitfire Experience’.

For the first time ever, visitors can now climb inside our Mk XVI Spitfire, take the pilot’s seat, learn about the Aircraft and feel the thrill of sitting in one of the most iconic cockpits

Tickets: £4 per person (BoB 75th offer limited to end of September)

Location: Historic Hangars, RAF Museum London

September is the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain and to mark this occasion, we are offering a special price of £4 per person to access to Spitfire MK16 Cockpit.

All tickets for the Spitfire Experience contribute towards the ‘Historic Hendon Appeal’.

The RAF Museum receives funding from the MoD that allows the Museum to open its doors to visitors. In order to conserve our collection and improve the Museum we rely on the museum’s supporters – the Museum needs your help. 2018 will mark the 100th anniversary of the RAF and we are looking to transform the Museum through 4 new exhibitions, new learning programmes and better facilities for visitors.

We have already completed part of this project through the new First World War in the Air exhibition and have raised over £12milion towards future works (out of £23milion).

All donations made through the ‘Spitfire Experience’ will support the ‘Historic Hendon’ phase of the project which will tell the story of the museum’s former life as an airfield, it was on the airfield where the museum now stands that Spitfires departed for the Battle of Britain and Winston Churchill first learnt to fly. Donations will also help to ensure that the museum is enjoyed by the local community for generations to come.