Posts Tagged ‘2014’

Unseen First World War Casualty Card Archive and Muster Roll Now Online

Thursday, August 7th, 2014

The Royal Air Force Museum has today launched a new website, rafmuseumstoryvault.org.uk, which enables members of the public to interrogate previously unseen Casualty Cards of members of the Royal Flying Corps who suffered injury during the First World War. In addition to these records online visitors are now also able to search the Muster Roll for the RAF as drafted on 1 April 1918 and the Air Force List as of 1 February of the same year.

This online resource is the culmination of a three-year digitisation project involving over 10,000 hours of work by staff of the museum, who electronically preserved over 300,000 fragile records – all of which are free to examine for anyone with access to the internet.

Karen Whitting, Director of Public Programmes for the Museum stated:

“As part of the Museum’s on-going mission to open up our archives to the public, we felt it was of paramount importance that, as the world unites to commemorate the outbreak of the First World War, our online visitors were able to read these fragile documents which previously would have only been accessible through supervised visits with our curators. Each of the records contained within this digital archive reveals the story of a member of the Royal Flying Corps who suffered injury, often making the ultimate sacrifice to protect their families and their country at a time of major global conflict – heroes such as Albert Ball and Mick Mannock whose names are central to the story of the First World War in the air. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for their grant of £19,000, which enabled the museum to build this site.”

Adam Shepherd, Head of Collections Management at the Museum said:

‘I would l like to thank all the members of the Museum’s Collections Management team who worked so tirelessly on digitising and indexing these important RAF personnel records. Their dedication and sheer hard work on this intricate and intensive project has helped make it such a success. I would also like to thank the project’s main sponsor, the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund, whose generous donation of £64,000 enabled the Museum to complete the rapid digitisation and indexing of so many records, as well as providing for the all-important public access. Without the Fund’s support we would not have been so successful in preserving, developing and opening up these important records, which will help future generations unlock the stories of RAF people.’

Leading the technical development of the site, was Dr Alan Whitfield, CEO of Congruis and Wididi UK:

‘The Congruis-Wididi partnership has worked closely with colleagues at the RAF Museum in one team of many talents, to create a digital environment in just a few weeks that can help everyone in the UK, and across the world, remember and reflect on the bravery and sacrifices of their ancestors and of the many thousands of members of the Royal Flying Corps. We hope that modern digital technology will help rebuild many lost, perhaps previously unknown, connections to those to whom we owe so much.’

Rafmuseumstoryvault.org.uk is part of a larger 4 year project undertaken by the RAF Museum dedicated to engaging audiences with the story of the First World War in the air. The main focus of this project will be a new permanent exhibition at both of the Museum’s Cosford & London sites, the ‘First World War in the Air’, opening December 2014. This exhibition will be supported by a dedicated programme of events at both sites, plus an outreach programme that will work with local communities and schools in London and the West Midlands thanks to the generous support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and BAE Systems.

www.rafmuseumstoryvault.org.uk

Lancaster Corner Redisplay at Newark Air Museum

Sunday, August 3rd, 2014

Newark Air Museum Lanc Corner

Work is nearing completion on the redisplay of the Lancaster Corner display area at Newark Air Museum, which is located on part of the former RAF Winthorpe airfield in Nottinghamshire; close to the border with Lincolnshire.

The major part of this work has seen the fuselage section of IX(B) Squadron Lancaster W4964 WS-J lifted off the ground and turned into a new display position, which allows improved views of both sides of the exhibit.

This particular fuselage section was donated to Newark in 1974. Its ends had been boarded up and it had been used as a workman’s hut for a road repair team and also as a garden shed. W4964 flew 106 Ops and its 100th Op was a ‘Tallboy Op’ on the Tirpitz battleship in Alten Fjord, Norway. It carried the nose art of the ‘Johnnie Walker’ whiskey company and the exhibit still wears its original wartime paintwork and squadron codes.

Other exhibits in this area of Hangar 1 include: a 619 Squadron ME846 Lancaster display; an UPKEEP Mine (Bouncing Bomb); various 617 Squadron artefacts; Lancaster wing-tip from Lancaster R5726; and various turrets.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

RAFs First Jet Powered bomber set to display at Wings & Wheels

Saturday, August 2nd, 2014

Dunsfold Canberra

The world’s only air-worthy Canberra PR9 will be celebrating its 65th anniversary and displaying at Wings & Wheels for the first time on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August as part of the Midair Squadron’s display.

The Midair Squadron’s Canberra XH134 has been restored with an authentic paint scheme which represents the markings worn when the type entered service. Visitors will get to view its all-over silver paint scheme, complete with tri-colour roundels, fin-flash and large black ‘XH134′ markings under each wing, as it displays both days at the Aerodrome in Surrey.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “We are thrilled to confirm the Canberra XH134’s participation at Wings & Wheels. It is the first time we have welcomed the jet to Dunsfold and look forward to the team demonstrating its phenomenal jet power to our visiting crowds.”

The Canberra entered service with the RAF in 1951 as its first jet powered bomber. It was unarmed and relied on highspeed to escape enemy fighters. During its first ten years of service, the Canberra broke nineteen flight records and three altitude records including winning the London to New Zealand Air Race in 1953 with a world speed record and the first jet flight over the North Pole in 1954.

The Canberra is believed to be the world’s longest serving bomber and most recently provided support during conflicts in the Balkans and Middle East. And, because of its ability to fly at nearly 60,000 ft., it was also used for clandestine photo reconnaissance work during the Cold War. The ‘English Electric’ Canberra was sold to air forces all over the world and a total 1,347 were built. The aircraft retired from active duty in 2006.

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster, Spitfire & Hurricane), Vulcan, Chinook, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s (CWHM) prized Avro Lancaster 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.

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 £20 for adults, £45 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £6 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are 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 2014 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Back to Business As Usual on Eastbourne Seafront

Thursday, July 31st, 2014

Eastbourne pier after fire

Eastbourne is back to business as usual as the seafront re-opened this lunchtime following yesterday’s fire on the pier.

With all but 200m of beaches, promenades and the road now fully re-open, visitors and residents are back on Eastbourne beach enjoying the sunshine today, with Bandstand concerts, special events and plans for this year’s airshow continuing in full swing.

The Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Cllr David Tutt commented “We are grateful to the emergency services for their superb response in tackling the fire yesterday and today in the clean-up operation, enabling us to reopen the seafront so quickly.

Despite such a difficult time, I am pleased to say most businesses along the seafront are now re-open and that visitors haven’t been deterred at all today.”

All events along the seafront are continuing as normal with daily Bandstand concerts, including the Swingshift Big Band tonight and last year’s most popular Bandstand concert – the One Direction tribute show, which takes place tomorrow.

This weekend, visitors can also look forward to guided seafront walking tours, a Vintage Bus Running Day, Take That Tribute Show and the opening of a fun children’s military training ground at the seafront Redoubt Fortress, with assault course, monkey bars and bayonet training.

However the resort’s biggest highlight, Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow, kicks off in just two weeks from 14 – 17 August and organisers are continuing with all plans, which utilise much of the length of the seafront.

The free, four day airshow is set to welcome the Red Arrows every day, celebrating their 50 year anniversary, the Eurofighter Typhoon, Chinook, Canberra cold war jet and the UK’s first Lancaster bomber formation in 50 years. The historic display which pays tribute to those who fought in Bomber Command, will feature the last two airworthy Lancaster aircraft in the world, one of which begins its long transatlantic journey from Canada this Monday.

Cllr David Tutt added “The attractions and flying displays at Airbourne are completely unaffected by yesterday’s events and we are continuing with full plans for our live music stage on the beach and our end of show fireworks party, which celebrates 50 years of the Red Arrows.

Viewing areas along the beaches and promenades will be open as usual, so we don’t anticipate space will be compromised.”

Approx 200m of promenade and beaches around the pier will remain closed for several days while essential safety works take place, however it is anticipated these will re-open soon.

Beaches within the lifeguarded safe bathing area west of the Bandstand are also safe to swim.

As a temporary precaution for a few days, swimmers are being advised not to swim to the East of the Bandstand, in case of debris.

For more information visit www.visiteastbourne.com/airbourne

Midair Squadron to display at RNAS Culdrose Air Day alongside Hunter WV372

Thursday, July 31st, 2014

The world’s only airworthy Canberra PR9 (XH134), along with her display partner Hunter XL577, will be joined by Hunter WV372 in a unique display at the RNAS Culdrose Air Day tomorrow, Thursday 31st July 2014.

Marking a new phase in the development of the Midair Squadron, this display will give the Cornwall crowds a taste of what is to come in the much-anticipated three ship display of the Midair Squadron.

Midair Squadron owner, Mike Davis, comments: “To fly the Midair Squadron alongside WV372 is a brilliant insight into the highly awaited and inimitable display formation on the air show circuit. Our second Hunter, XL600, continues to go through a thorough maintenance programme, and due to the unprecedented booking schedule for the Squadron’s Canberra and Hunter, it has taken slightly longer than initially projected. The sight of all three liveried Midair Squadron aircraft will be a spectacular sight and XL600 will be flown in formation shortly.”

The next scheduled display of the Midair Squadron will be next week at Festival of Flight, in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, where the Canberra and her counterparts will also overfly the Ulster Aviation Society’s collection, featuring XH134’s sister, at Long Kesh.

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/where-we-are/air-stations/rnas-culdrose/air-day-2013

The First Sea Lord to attend Bournemouth Air Festival

Thursday, July 31st, 2014

Bournemouth Air Festival has confirmed it will be hosting The First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff , Admiral Sir George Zambellas KCB DSC ADC at next month’s event. The professional head of the Royal Navy, Sir George will be here Friday 29th August visiting, amongst others, the flotilla of ships in the bay, meeting members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and seeing the Reserves and Cadets at work throughout the festival site. 

Commodore Jamie Miller, Naval Regional Commander, said; “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming our leader, The First Sea Lord, to the biggest community engagement event in the Royal Navy’s calendar. We are incredibly pleased to be showcasing our work here – the interactive village areas, beach assault demonstrations, music programmes and work of both the Cadets and Reservists – and lots of ships and aircraft too. This really will be cementing the partnerships and relationships we have made over the years and for years to come. And we do like Bournemouth lots too!”

It will be first time Sir George has experienced the incredible Air Festival – added Councillor Lawrence Williams, Tourism Portfolio Holder; “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to demonstrate how the event itself and people of Bournemouth work with and support the Armed Forces. The Royal Navy has played an integral part in making the Air Festival the success it is today and we’re extremely grateful. Year-on-year the event continues to grow with more ships, people and assets. And to have Sir George here to experience this first hand is a real accomplishment for us all!”

The Air Festival introduced a charity wristband in 2011 and has supported forces charities for the last three years. The Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) has been the Navy nominated charity since 2011 and on Friday night the Hotel Miramar will be hosting the official Navy Blue Party in the presence of Sir George Zambellas. Tickets cost £40 per head, for more details call the Hotel Miramar 01202 556581.

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

AIR DAY ALL SET FOR TAKE OFF

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2014

Vulcan Bomber at RNAS Yeovilton Air Day

Final preparations are taking place to welcome over 30,000 visitors to the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton’s annual International Air Day on Saturday 26 July. Few events can rival the intensity, drama and spectacle on offer at the award winning show, one of the Southwest’s largest one day events. It promises to be an action-packed day out for all the family with thrilling flying displays and plenty to see and do on the ground.

RNAS Yeovilton’s Air Day will be celebrating Carrier Aviation following the recent naming of the Royal Navy’s largest ever aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. Visitors will experience over five hours of amzing flying displays which will include naval aircraft through the ages from rare historic warbirds like the Swordfish, Sea Fury and Skyraider to classic jets such as the mighty Sea Vixen and Hunter. The resident squadrons will perform spectacular role demonstrations such as the famous Commando Assault Finale, full of pyrotechnics. The ground displays will showcase modern Royal Navy assets and equipment with interactive displays showing the qualities, skills and professionalism of Royal Navy personnel working as a team to provide Front Line support to Protect Our Nation’s Interests.

Undoubtedly, the stars of the show for many will be roaring displays by the Swiss Air Force F/A-18 Hornet and the award winning Belgian Air Force F-16 representing the cutting edge of modern global fighter technology. Further participants include a trio of foreign military aerobatic teams from Belgium, Jordan and Denmark. Amongst the helicopter displays the Royal Navy Black Cats Display Team will incorporate the Wildcat into their routine and the unbelievably agile RAF Chinook will return to amaze all. The RAF will also be represented by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane. The Dakota’s debut Air Day appearance will be particularly poignant with it being the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landings. One of the nation’s favourite aircraft, the iconic Vulcan bomber XH558, will also be firing up her four mighty engines for another majestic performance over the Somerset skies. Another notable classic jet will be the world’s only airworthy example of the Canberra which will be a display not to be missed!

Although the aircraft and their amazing displays take most of the limelight at Air Day there is plenty to entertain the family on the ground. The Sporting Bears Motor Club has arranged a special static display for Air Day consisting of 40 rare and expensive cars. There will be arena displays from HMS Heron Volunteer Band and the fiercely contested Field Gun Competition between HMS Heron and HMS Seahawk (RNAS Culdrose). In the hangars, the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir will be performing and you will also find engineering fairs presented by My Future My Choice and Imagineering. These two organisations aim to inspire the next generation in a fun, hands-on, interactive way towards a career in engineering. A Forward Operating Base will be set-up by the Commando Helicopter Force with plenty of equipment and demonstrations to demonstrate how the Force supports the Royal Marines in theatre. There will also be trade stalls, funfair, simulators and pleasure flights if you manage to take your eyes off the sky.

Advance tickets are still available from local Tourist Information Centres until 25 July. Visit www.royalnavy.mod.uk/yeovilton-airday or call the Ticketline on 08445 781 781 for more details.

*Photo by Jason Bryant

New exhibition on the History of Friendship between the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Force of Oman

Sunday, July 20th, 2014

RAF Oman

Dates: 16th July 2014 – 14th July 2015

Entrance: FREE

Great Britain and Oman have enjoyed an enduring relationship for over 200 years that stretches back to a Treaty of Friendship in 1798. This broader relationship has been replicated in the close professional co-operation that has developed between the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Force of Oman. It is a relationship that continues to develop into the 21st Century with the Royal Air Force of Oman’s purchase of the Eurofighter Typhoon and the latest Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer from BAE Systems.

Formed in 1959 from a nucleus of Scottish Aviation Pioneers and Hunting Percival Provosts, and manned by Royal Air Force loan officers, the Royal Air Force of Oman (originally named the Sultan of Muscat and Oman’s Air Force) has grown into one of the most capable air forces in the Middle East. This achievement has been supported throughout by mutual respect, friendship and encouragement between the Royal Air Force and the Royal Air Force of Oman.

In a brand new exhibition, curated with the support of the Archives Division of the Royal Air Force of Oman, the Royal Air Force Museum tells the story of this enduring relationship through the experiences of officers and men, from the Royal Air Force, the Royal Air Force of Oman and British industry who have played an important part in creating a modern, professional and highly effective air force.

The story ranges from the Royal Air Force’s involvement in the Middle East from its formation in 1918 and includes highlights such as the visit of Sultan Taimur bin Faisal to Royal Air Force Hendon in 1928 as the guest of the British government to watch an Air Pageant as well as the vital support offered by Oman to Great Britain during the Second World War through the purchase of Spitfires flown by the Royal Air Force.

The Commander of the Royal Air Force of Oman AVM Matar Al Obaidani, conducted the opening ceremony which was also attended by the RAF Chief of Air Staff ACM Sir Andy Pulford. The opening event at the Museum included traditional Omani musicians, a cultural display and souk providing coffee and dates to guests.

Aviation Historian and exhibition curator Ross Mahoney: “Throughout its history, the Royal Air Force has supported the development of a family of air forces that share a common set of values. The RAF’s relationship with RAFO is proof of the enduring importance of this shared set of values based on respect and friendship, which began with the latter’s formation in 1959 and continues to this day and into the future.”

Air Commodore Musallam Al-Zeidi, Royal Air Force of Oman: The outstanding and deep-rooted relations between the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) signify the close cooperation and mutual understanding between the two services in various fields in general and the field of defence in particular. Under the umbrella of this distinguished relations, the Royal Air Force has contributed greatly to Oman through providing expertise and technical knowhow to our personnel and we are sure that Royal Air Force will spare no effort in providing the requisite training which will put our fledgling Air Force in a good stead and enable it to keep abreast with the latest technological advancements. The close cooperation has carved a worldwide niche as unique relation and will continue to be so for years to come.

BAE Systems’ Vice President in Oman, Sir Simon Bryant, commented: “It is a great honour for BAE Systems to be supporting this exhibition. We, along with our predecessor companies, have taken delight in working with the Omani armed forces for decades. Through our current Hawk and Typhoon programmes we are looking forward to continuing with this relationship. The exhibition will provide the many people that visit it with a wealth of information of how the Royal Air Force of Oman has developed into the great Air Force that it is today.”

www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Chinook, Canberra and Transformers Truck Joins Airbourne 2014 Line-Up

Friday, July 18th, 2014

The RAF Chinook and historic Canberra cold war jet will join the Airbourne line-up this August, along with the Optimus Prime Transformers truck which will display on the ground, as the Hollywood blockbuster is released in cinemas this month.

The show already features the Red Arrows on all four days celebrating their 50th anniversary, along with the arrival of the much anticipated Canadian Lancaster, which returns to Europe after 50 years, joining the only other Lancaster in the world for their first display together as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The huge twin rotor Chinook helicopter, a firm favourite with Airbourne fans, will return demonstrating its superb agility and heavy lifting capabilities during Eastbourne’s international free airshow which returns from 14 – 17 August.

Brand new for Airbourne on Sunday, will be a display by the World’s only airworthy Canberra, a 1950’s jet aircraft with immense power and noise. The RAF’s first jet bomber, the Canberra had nuclear capabilities and such was its strength, that it continued in service until as late as 2006 and has only recently begun to display again.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure & Sports Services, Cllr Carolyn Heaps commented “The Canberra has an amazing history and a powerful, low rumbling display that will captivate both historic aircraft fans and fast jet fans. I am delighted we will get to see it here for the first time, it is an exciting addition to the Red Arrows 50th year and the much anticipated arrival of the Canadian Lancaster.”

On the ground, fans of the Transformers will be able to see a full scale replica of the Optimus Prime truck featured in the latest film Transformers Age of Distinction, released in UK cinemas last weekend. As the film maintains its number one position in the US Box Office, Airbourne was chosen to host the truck on its UK tour, after the success of last year’s Disney Planes display at Airbourne. The giant truck joins an impressive list of attractions, which also features the Delorean time travel car from Back to the Future.

Shadow Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure & Sports Services, Cllr Philip Ede said “This is set to be a fantastic year for Airbourne both in the skies and on the ground. The Chinook has been such a valued workhorse for our troops in recent campaigns and I look forward to seeing the return of this huge but remarkably agile helicopter. With a strong family audience at the show, I am sure the Optimus Prime truck will be a huge attraction and great fun for children and fans of the film.”

Latest Flying Line-Up

The Canberra and Chinook join an amazing line-up with the Red Arrows displaying on all four days, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary with some new moves and new look Union Jack tail fins. Another first, will be the arrival of the Canadian Lancaster TCAF FM213, as the last two Lancaster bombers in the world display together for the first time in 50 years, with Eastbourne chosen for this poignant once-in-a-lifetime display alongside the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight which will consist of the British Lancaster, Hurricane, Spitfire and Dakota.

Fast jet fans can also enjoy the resounding heavy metal of the Eurofighter Typhoon and precision aerobatics from The Blades, Breitling Wingwalkers, Gnats, Rv8tors, Jet Provost, O’Briens Flying Circus, Tucano, Tutor, Lynx and Sea King. An impressive historic line-up includes the Mustang, Vampire, solo Spitfire and parachute displays from the Army Tigers and the Royal Navy Raiders freefall parachute display teams, who will be dropping in on the beach throughout the show.

Fireworks

Also celebrating the Red Arrows 50 years, Airbourne will close with a special red, white, blue and gold firework display on Sunday night.

New Music Stage

A new music stage on the beach will entertain the crowds with live music well into the evening, including Britain’s Got Talent boy band The Mend, a DJ set with Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing and a performance by X-Factor finalist Luke Friend. On Sunday night, the end of show party with Heart Breakfast will close a fantastic four days with the Red Arrows themed firework display at 10pm.

The Heart Angels will also be on the beach every day of the airshow with a special Heart viewing zone by the stage, and the opportunity to have your photo taken in Heart’s giant deckchairs, in a fun photo competition.

WWI Display

BBC History will be bringing their WWI tour to Eastbourne on 16 – 17 August. Visitors can try their hand at making ID permits, learn about communications, become a war reporter and meet experts from the Imperial War Museum to search their families’ connection to the war.

Alongside the new BBC tour, the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment Living History Group will be at Airbourne over all four days giving visitors the chance to experience life as a soldier, including uniforms, weapons, equipment and training. Featured in both TV and film, the Living History Group have appeared in shows such as ‘Downton Abbey’ and advised on the film ‘War Horse’.

On the Ground

The RAF, Army and Navy village returns with a bigger exhibition than ever before featuring a new field hospital, an inflatable assault course, AAC Gazelle and a tank. In addition to the Transformers Age of Distinction display and Delorean time travel car, will be the Barny Bear Interactive Digital Wall and the Haribo Big Bag Tour – a fun-filled sensory experience in giant inflatable bags of sweets, and little drivers can get behind the wheel of a mini tank for the ultimate driving experience!

Children’s entertainment beaches provide non-stop fun throughout the day and top flight display line hospitality in the Aviator Club offers 3 course lunch from £85 per person and Cirrus Rooms buffet from £66 per person. Exclusive seating can also be booked online at £12 per adult and £8 per child.

Fans can also get a birds eye view of the flying from iconic beauty spot Beachy Head or take to the skies with a helicopter pleasure flight over the scenic South Downs National Park.

Airbourne returns from 14 – 17 August from 10am every day with free entry and live music until 7.30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, followed by Bandstand concerts each evening. On Sunday evening an end of show party with the Heart Breakfast team kicks off at 6pm, with a fantastic firework display at 10pm.

For more information visit www.EastbourneAirshow.com or telephone the Tourist Information Centre on 0871 663 0031.

Three iconic First World War Aircraft arrive at RAF Museum Cosford

Tuesday, July 15th, 2014

WW1 aircraft arrive at Cosford

On Tuesday 15 July staff at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford received three iconic First World War aircraft, which will form the centre of a new First World War Exhibition. The Bristol M1c, the Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter and the Sopwith Pup are due to go on display within the Museum’s War Planes Hangar in December 2014.

The Sopwith Pup is an original aircraft which was active during the First World War. The Pup, thought of by its pilots as the perfect flying machine, was used extensively by the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps both at home and abroad. The Bristol M1c and Sopwith 1 ½ Strutter are full scale reproductions.

The aircraft were transported from the RAF Museum London, along the M1, M6 and M54 motorways by two low loader lorries. Delighted members of the public and Museum staff welcomed the aircraft arrivals late afternoon, before they were placed inside the Museum’s Conservation Centre. The Sopwith Pup will undergo some minor fabric repair work to the tail before going on public display later this year.

The three aircraft are to be exhibited as part of the Museum’s First World War Exhibition, opening in December 2014 which will allow museum audiences 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 took part. The exhibition ‘First World War In The Air’, was made possible with a grant of £898,558 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Alex Medurst, RAF Museum Cosford General Manager said:

“These three iconic aircraft will provide a dramatic focus for our upcoming First World War exhibition. The Museum at Cosford looks forward to sharing them with its visitors and marking the historic anniversary.”

www.rafmuseum.org