Tag: Museum

Forthcoming Events at Yorkshire Air Museum

TARGET FALKLANDS – Saturday 17th October.
A superb lecture presentation featuring four well known veterans of the RAF Falklands War air campaign. Barry Neale (from Devon) and Martin Withers (Easingwold, York, who is also Chief Display pilot to the Vulcan to the Sky Trust) will talk about their experiences in the famous Black Buck raids, the bombing of Port Stanely airfield. Martin flew the Vulcan Bomber that actually dropped the bombs on the airfield and Barry is a Victor K2 Tanker pilot, who refuelled Martin on the return. Barry Neale was also involved in the strategic planning of the Black Buck raids, which at the time were the longest range bombing mission ever undertaken by any air force.

Also appearing is John Kennedy, who is one of the pilots to have flown legendary Chinook helicopter ‘Bravo November’, which was the only Chinook to survive the destruction of the Arctic Conveyor. The Falklands was this aircraft’s first theatre of operation and it is still in service, having seen action in Lebanon, Germany, Northern Ireland, Kurdistan, Iraq and now Afghanistan. It is currently the most decorated aircraft in service with the Royal Air Force.

Perhaps the icing on the cake is the recent confirmation that Sea Harrier pilot David Morgan will be joining the discussion, with opportunities to purchase his well received book “Hostile Skies” and have it signed.

There will be other V Force, Chinook and fast jet veterans attending and there will be a Question and Answer session and memorabilia signing opportunity with all of these guests and also author Gordon Ramsey, author of ‘Falklands War – Then and Now.’

Other attractions are Aces High Aviation Gallery sales, Corgi diecast model display, International Plastic Modellers Society display and also the opportunity to sit in the cockpits of the Harrier GR3 and Mirage III. Harriers saw distinguished service in the Falklands was and Mirage III were operated by the Argentine Air Force.

 

NIGHTSHOOT!
The day session is followed in the evening with the exciting Nightshoot, where the Handley Page Victor K2, veteran of the Falklands and Gulf Wars, will be joined by another legend of the skies, the De Havilland Mosquito. This is the only restored Nightfighter version of this aircraft, so this interesting and challenging photographic session provides a unique opportunity to photograph these two aircraft in an evening setting with external / internal lighting on for dramatic effect. Tickets for the Nightshoot include an opportunity to have access to the Victor cockpit for some fascinating aspects of this aircraft.

These events can be booked either individually, or in a package, and prices are as follows:

Target Falklands Lecture presentation £12

Lecture plus Nightshoot £30

Victor / Mosquito Nightshoot £25

Prices include museum admission.

Book online at ‘Shop/Tickets at www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk or send cheque made payable to Yorkshire Air Museum to Target Falklands / Nightshoot, YAM, Halifax Way, Elvington, York, YO41 4AU. For further information, please ring 01904 608595.

 

THUNDER DAY – Sunday 18th October.
The live engine runs of the Blackburn Buccaneer and Handley Page Victor, giving a superb opportunity to see – and hear – these mighty aircraft at close quarters. A thrilling experience.

The Buccaneer will give two performances, morning and afternoon, featuring engine power up of the twin Rolls Royce Spey engines, short taxi run and then the wing-folding, bomb bay rotation, rear airbrake activation and control surface movements, all under power. The afternoon session will be followed by the Victor which will be performing a fast taxi run down Elvington’s runway, providing a magnificent spectacle. All this will be under the watchful eye of the Museum’s fully trained Fire Team, with appliances such as the 38 tonne Pathfinder airport fire tender, six wheel drive Range Rover V8 Tactical Airfield Crash and Recovery vehicle, all providing additional spectacle and interest. The Fire Team will be giving an opportunity for kids to have a go with the fire hoses in the morning, before the engine runs commence. Don’t miss this great day of activity!!

Admission: £6 Adults, £5 Senior citizens and £3 Children.

For further information, please ring: 01904 608595

www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk

The Royal Air Force Presentational Sword Delivered In Style

The Royal Air Force Museum is proud to announce the delivery of the Royal Air Force American Foundation Presentation Sword.The Royal Air Force Officer’s Sword was commissioned by the Royal Air Force Museum American Foundation and kindly donated by one of its board members, Tim Manna of Kennet Aviation.

It is to be presented annually to the Royal Air Force Officer on exchange with the United States Air Force who has made the most significant contribution in that year to Anglo/American relations.

This year it will be presented on October 28th at a closed ceremony in Washington, D.C., at the home of the British ambassador.

The sword itself was transported to the United States of America on board ‘Grumpy’, the B-25D Mitchell which made its historic return journey to the US after 25 years in the UK. The journey followed the route taken by aircraft travelling to the UK during the war and represented and honoured the flight crews who were unable to complete their missions.

The aircraft was piloted by John T Sessions who started the commemorative journey from Duxford, England and ended at the Historic Flight Foundation’s collection at Paine Field, in Everett, Washington. The flight took five days, with a flight plan that included Ireland, Iceland, Greenland and the Baffin and Hudson Bays.

The Royal Air Force Museum American Foundation supports the work of the RAF Museum and promotes ties of friendship between Britain and America. In the past, it has supported exhibits in the Museum’s galleries such as the Boeing Chinook exhibition in London as well as promoting youth exchanges.

The Royal Air Force sends a number of officers to embed with the USAF each year. They share best practice and promote interoperability between the Services which is vital when on the front line.

The Presentation Sword was created by British company Pooley Swords which makes the ceremonial swords for all three Services, hand-finished at their base in Shoreham, Hants. The inscription on the sword comes from the famous American anthem The Star-Spangled Banner and reads “Oh, thus be it ever when free men shall stand”

http://www.rafmuseum.org/

The Battle of Britain Weekend

Take part in a weekend of special activities at the RAF Museum London, celebrating the bravery of all those who took part in the Battle of Britain.

Dates: 12 September – 13 September

Time: 1000 – 1800

Admission: FREE

 

Attractions/Events 

Re-enactors: Meet the young fighter pilots of 1940 and ask them about their experiences during the great battle in the sky.

Living history area: Visit the scramble tent, to see how the pilots lived. Always on standby awaiting the ring of the bell.

Tableaux will include a “Scramble” and raid interception at 11:30 am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm each day based on events taking place at RAF Hendon on 15th September 1940.

Special film shows: Watch some classic wartime footage, newsreels and propaganda shorts in the Museum’s own 200-seat movie theatre:

Handling Collection: Get in character with four pocket tunics, flying suits and other paraphernalia. Here’s your chance to try on some authentic RAF uniforms and flying clothes and have your photo taken by the Spitfire.

Live music: Kick back and listen to some authentic 1940’s era music. 

Saturday:

The Kew Wind Orchestra will be providing two concerts underneath the Lancaster in the  Bomber Hall at 12.15 and 2pm with the Dambusters March, 633 Squadron, Oklahoma and As Time Goes By forming part of the Orchestra’s programme.

London Pro Arte Choir will round the afternoon off at 3.30pm with a series of haunting and evocative choiral works such as would have been heard by “The Few” when attending concerts with family and friends. 

Polka Dot Dolls performing hits from yesteryear such as “Kiss me Goodnight Sergeant Major” and  “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B

Sunday:

The Barnet Band, back by popular request, will provide rousing musical entertainment on the Sunday.

Polka Dot Dolls performing hits from yesteryear such as “Kiss me Goodnight Sergeant Major” and  “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B

Talks

Taking place in the Battle of Britain Hall at 12.15, 2.15, & 4.15 pm by our resident experts, these will give an added insight into the Battle, The Few and the women so integral to operational success.

Sat & Sun
*12.15 pm – In the Round(al): The RAF and the Battle of Britain.

* 2.15 pm – ‘The Few’: The Fighter Pilots of the Battle of Britain.

* 4.15 pm – Wind Beneath Their Wings: The Women of the Battle of Britain.

Free Tours

Free tours around the Museum’s Battle of Britain Hall will give added insight into the heroes who defended London from the air and the ground.

Children’s activities

There will be a range of activities in the Museum’s Aeronauts Interactive Gallery where children will be able to make, free of charge, their own cut out and keep Spitfire as well as a fun quiz trail that will take them Battle of Britain Hall.

 All this and the permanent ‘Battle of Britain’ exhibition Hall, featuring the emotionally charged multimedia experience ‘Our Finest Hour’.

http://www.rafmuseum.org/

THE MICHAEL BEETHAM CONSERVATION CENTRE

The Michael Beetham Conservation Centre at Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is delighted to announce the following appointments:New Positions:

MBCC Deputy Manager – Mr Darren Priday

MBCC Training Manager – Mr Michael Shepherd

Darren Priday has been promoted from within the MBCC to fulfil this role in the face of increased efforts to address growing conservation tasks and the need for year-round engineering management cover. He commences his responsibilities on the 1st September.

WO Michael Shepherd retires from the Royal Air Force to join the Museum on the 17th August to assist with the further development of the MBCC Apprentice Scheme. He will be tasked with heading up the mentoring programme targeted at young people and attracting aviation enthusiasts from across the globe to participate in planned MBCC Conservation Skills Workshops.

The following appointments are part of the MBCC Apprentice scheme which is now in its 4th successful year:

Apprentice Intake 2009

Mr Martin Purcell-Shaw

Mr Nathan Pugh

Martin and Nathan are both from Telford and they hope to become a significant part of the area’s engineering heritage through the medium of the MBCC Apprentice program. The scheme has already produced an ‘Apprentice of the Year’ (Rebecca Pitts – who met the Queen as part of that award) and this year, it was the turn of Daniel Perks, who recently received the ‘2009 TCAT Student Achiever Award’.

The MBCC is committed to preserving Aviation Heritage through its conservation of aircraft and associated exhibits, whilst recognising the need to ensure that unique skills are retained, nurtured and developed amongst the younger generation in respect of fostering ongoing aircraft conservation efforts for the foreseeable future.

http://www.rafmuseum.org/

NEW Chief of the Air Staff to Attend Battle of Britain Commemoration at Yorkshire Air Museum

We can now confirm that the newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Stephen Dalton KCB ADC BSc FRAes FCMI RAF will be Guest of Honour at the forthcoming Battle of Britain Commemoration Service and Parade, taking place at the Allied Air Forces Memorial (Yorkshire Air Museum) on Sunday 6th September. This will be amongst Sir Stephen’s very first public engagements since taking up the senior position of Chief of the Air Staff on 31st July, and he is attending in his capacity as Vice President of the Allied Air Forces Memorial, Elvington.Organised in conjunction with Royal Air Forces Association, the event will mark the 70th Anniversary of the outbreak of WWII and the famous battles that were fought in the skies and fields of Europe and other occupied territories. The event will feature a huge parade of veterans old and young and National Standards of RAFA and other Service Associations. During the event, Sir Stephen Dalton will present a brand new trophy, the Regional Young Person of the Year Award, to the most outstanding Air Training Corps cadet nominated by regional ATC Squadron’s, which will be a high honour for the chosen recipient.

The Service will be also be attended by The President of the Royal Air Forces Association, Air Marshal Phillip Sturley. The Revd (Sqn Ldr) David Norfield, Station Chaplain RAF Linton on Ouse and Yorkshire Air Museum Chaplain Revd Neill Mackay, will lead the Service of Remembrance in the Canadian Memorial hangar, with the stunning background of the unique WWII Halifax bomber.

Other dignitaries include the Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Air Commodore William Gambold, the York Civic Party and Station Commanders of RAF bases Linton on Ouse, Group Captain Mike Longstaff, and Fylingdales, Wing Commander Greg Hammond, amongst many others.

A formal Military Parade, March-past and Salute will take place with veterans, serving airmen and women and ATC. The York Railway Institute Band are providing music for the Service, whilst the Air Training Corps Northern Group Band will accompany the Parade and March Past.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire & Hurricane will be flying at the event which concludes with the emotional Sunset Ceremony and Lowering of the RAF Ensign with the Piper playing the Evening Hymn.

This is a last call for veterans and Squadron Associations / Service Groups from across the country to register their wish to take part in this poignant ceremony in the presence of the Chief of the Air Staff, the most senior position in the RAF, and other high profile guests. We urge you to take this opportunity and enjoy this great occasion with us. Please contact John Allison, Hon. Secretary RAFA on 01904 761077 or contact the Yorkshire Air Museum on 01904 608595.

www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk

Twitch Inn Door Returns to Famous Wartime Haunt of Fighter Aces

The cellar door to the legendary ‘Twitch Inn’ at Douces Manor is today being returned to its former home by the Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial, to complete the restoration of this famous wartime haunt. This unusual artefact was donated to the Museum through the Aircrew Association in January 2002.

Douces Manor was the Headquarters and Mess for officers flying from RAF West Malling, in Kent. The cellar bar was frequented by many brave young fighter pilots and, typical of the dry sense of humour of the time, became colloquially known as the ‘Twitch Inn’, due to the nervous affliction that affected many pilots. This noticeable twitch that many displayed was a result of the immense stress, strain and fatigue they experienced during this time of national crisis.

The name was ‘officially’ inscribed into the top half of the swing door by officers of 29 Squadron in 1944, using metal which could possibly have come from aircraft of the time. The bar, which was also adorned with candle soot ‘graffiti’ in the form of signatures and cartoons carved by the airmen into the walls and ceiling, has witnessed many tales of aerial battles won and lost.

Many illustrious air aces have frequented Douces Manor, including ‘Sailor’ Moran, Stanford Tuck, Guy Gibson and Wing Commander John ‘Cats Eyes’ Cunningham with his navigator Jimmy Rawnsley. Together, this pair had become the most successful defensive night fighter team, flying Mosquito aircraft with 85 Squadron and protecting the skies over the Home Counties during 1943. As Commanding Officer of 85 Squadron, John Cunningham actually lived in the Manor House.

The door and other photographic panels were initially donated to the Aircrew Association by Norwich Union, who had been using Douces Manor as a Training Centre, until they vacated the premises. The Yorkshire Air Museum, as the Allied Air Forces Memorial, is now the national repository for items donated to the Aircrew Association and the Twitch Inn artefacts arrived in January 2002. Since then, the Douces Manor site has been redeveloped by Beechcroft Developments, but the cellar bar (Twitch Inn) has now been leased to West Malling Parish Council for a long period for use as a Heritage Centre, managed by the Malling Society. Beechcroft undertook the restoration of the cellar bar in a high quality and sympathetic manner.

Ian Reed, Director, Yorkshire Air Museum, comments: “It is fantastic that these artefacts that have been in our safekeeping for a number of years can be returned to their original home, and complete the restoration of this historic room, which has been witness to so many tales of bravery in the defence of our nation in its darkest hour.”

On behalf of the Malling Society, Margaret McCarthy (Secretary), said: “We are indeed very grateful that the Twitch Inn door panel was saved in the first instance and protected by the Yorkshire Air Museum and the enthusiastic reception to the idea of bringing these artefacts back ‘home’ to Douces Manor on long-term loan is much appreciated. They will be the finishing touch to the restoration project.”

The Douces Manor Heritage Centre will open to the public on certain days and times, and information on this can be found by calling Margaret McCarthy on 01732 220 563 or e-mail: mccarthy804@aol.com

www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk

Americans in the Royal Air Force

The Royal Air Force Museum, in the run up to American Independence Day, has launched a new online exhibition honouring those American men and women who joined the Royal Air Force during both World Wars to defend Britain against hostile attack.

View the online exhibition by clicking: here

Men such as Olympian and playboy Billy Fiske “an American who died so that England might live” and women such as aviatrix and pioneer Jackie Cochrane who was instrumental in recruiting American female pilots to serve in the Air Transport Auxiliary.

In this online exhibition the Museum recounts their stories, often, in their own words and the cultural challenges they faced; from not wishing to be considered “bragging Yanks” by their new comrades to potentially being branded traitors to their own countrymen for joining a foreign military service.

Stuart Hadaway, Curator of the exhibition states:

“It is amazing how many Americans served with the British flying services during both of the World Wars. Hundreds served with the RAF in the Great War – far more than in the more famous French Escadrille Lafayette.”

During the Second World War tens of thousands volunteered, and they made a valuable contribution. Their efforts were far from limited to the celebrated Eagle Squadrons; they served in every part of the RAF all around the world, and others, including women, flew as civilians with the Air Transport Auxiliary.

They came through a sense of adventure, or more often simply because they felt something must be done to stop the Germans.

Some, like Pilot Officer Billy Fiske, were rich and well-to-do people who literally gave up everything to come and fight for what they believed in. They may have broken American laws to do so, but long before Pearl Harbour these people were fighting for freedom, liberty, and every other American ideal. They were, and remain, the best of their country and true American heroes.”

Both of The Royal Air Force Museum’s sites in London and in Cosford are open daily from 10am to 6pm. Admission is FREE. For further details visit the Museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org

French Veterans Mark Anniversary of Squadron Formation at RAF Elvington

Five veterans of the unique French Squadron’s that operated out of the WWII Bomber Command Station of RAF Elvington made a pilgrimage back to the former airbase, now the Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial, to mark the 65th Anniversary of the formation of their Squadrons. These Squadrons were formed around the remnants of the French Air Force, under the name of Groupes Lourds (Heavy Groups), flying near obsolete Leo 45 aircraft in missions alongside allied forces in North Africa against the Nazi Afrika Korps. Under the RAF designation of 346 Guyenne Squadron and 347 Tunisie Squadron, they were officially formed on 16th May and 20th June 1944 respectively.The visiting veterans, whose ages range from a ‘youthful’ 87 to a grand 91, have recently all taken part in the production of a French film documentary about their lives and loves in York and on the operations over Europe conducted from RAF Elvington. It will not be lost on many people that it is also the 65th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion, one of the greatest operations in military history, but what is often overlooked is the vital role played by the two French Squadrons of Bomber Command in this strike for liberty and victory.

346 Squadron was immediately drawn into the invasion operations and it’s first missions were on the night of 1st/2nd June 1944 in a raid on the strategically vital radar installations at Ferme d’Urville on the Normandy coast. This mission, involving aircraft from other Squadrons and locations, was led by Group Captain Leonard Cheshire (617 Squadron). Then on the night of 5th/6th June, 346 was involved in raids against the heavy German Gun Battery just outside the small fishing port at Grandcamp Maisy, on the western tip of what was designated as ‘Omaha’ Beach, for the landings. Operations also took place against the railway marshalling yards at Caen and St. Lo. One of the veterans attending, Louis Hervelin, 87, took part in these missions.

The success of these operations was crucial to the overall outcome of the battle ahead, but the anguish that those first French crews must have gone through in bombing their own homeland is revealed in the documentary, overcome by their determination to ‘kick the Nazi enemy out of their beloved homeland’.

346 Squadron was augmented by the formation of 347 Tunisie Squadron on 20th June, and from this point they together took the war to the Ruhr, known ironically as the ‘Happy Valley’ because of the immense danger from flak and fighter intervention, and the German industrial heartland.

Ian Reed, Museum Director, said, “These young men, far away from their homes and their families had the unenviable task of often bombing their own country, and 50% never made it home. They were brave men and well known throughout York. Their stories in this new film are exceptionally heart-warming, especially about the English people and we are pleased to welcome them “back to base” once again”.

All of these veterans are united in their admiration in respect for the way they were welcomed and received in England, despite the language barriers, being treated as one of the family in the network of homes operated by Friends of the French Volunteers, when taking leave in places as diverse as London, Leeds or Lossiemouth. Locally, they learned to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the English pubs and the dance halls in York and the surrounding area. This exuberance in the face of the hostility of the times amazed them, as public dancing had almost ceased in France from the onset of the war.

They were impressed by the spirit and organisation of the British people and the way the old and the young, all pulled together in one united objective, all focused around the major figure of the time, Winston Churchill. Something else they had never encountered were the WAAF’s, and other branches of the women’s services, and the many and varied roles they took part in maintaining aircraft and keeping the bases running efficiently. This they found simply incredible.

What is very important to these survivors is what they refer to as the English Hommage and the ceremonies that are organized each year to pay tribute to those that did not return. Louis Hervelin recalls the services in York that he has attended: “At the commemorative service in York that I have been to several times, four Officers of the Royal Air Force take the Book (of Remembrance), and show it to the congregation, and then they turn the page. It is called The Turning of the Page and then they put it back in its place. That is a real memory, it gets you right here! When the English clergyman explained to me, when I saw the names of my chums – they are all there! I left in tears.”

Similarly, Pierre Patalano notes, with a tear in his eye: “In Elvington (York) in the village there is a War Memorial dedicated to the French. Every year, the schoolchildren keep a day (Remembrance Sunday) to visit the Memorial … that’s all! What else can be added?!”

The veterans who took part in the trip to Elvington are:

Group Guyenne:

Louis Hervelin – 87. Radio Operator / Air Gunner. 32 missions. Took part in raids on Grandcamp Maisy Caen and St. Lo.

Lucien Mallia – 88. Air Gunner. 23 missions. Survived from aircraft being shot down on night of 3rd/4th March 1945 when in ‘Operation Gisella’, German fighters lay in wait above air bases as the bombers returned. Lucien’s Halifax was shot at on approach to Elvington, but was able to divert to Croft where attacked again but made crash landing. The Luftwaffe JU88 that initially attacked this Halifax over Elvington crashed nearby, making another strike at the airfield, becoming the last German aircraft to crash on British soil.

Group Tunisie:

André Guédez – 88. Air Gunner, 23 missions.

Pierre Patalno – 88. Air Gunner. 29 missions.

Hervé Vigny – 91. Air Gunner. 35 missions.

Of these veterans, two have not been back to Elvington since the end of the war – Pierre Patalano and Hervé Vigny. Both were overwhelmed by the experience.

Louis Hervelin and André Guédez have not visited since 13th September 1996, but Lucien Mallia is a more regular visitor, who has attended the Remembrance Day services over the past few years.

During the visit to the Yorkshire Air Museum, the veterans had the opportunity to go inside the unique restored Halifax bomber, the only complete example in the world and see their former crew positions, recalling many memories. They toured the Museum and the many exhibits housed in original wartime buildings, including the Control Tower and French Officers Mess display. They were also shown for the first time, the documentary that they have all contributed to.

The trip culminated with a Civic Reception with the Lord Mayor of York and the High Sherriff at the Mansion House, York.

In Bomber Command, losses were one in two. The French Squadrons themselves lost 216, comprising of 41 crews plus those killed on training, exercise and bomb loading. After hostilities had ceased, and patrolling missions ended, these two French Squadrons left Elvington in October 1945, for Bordeaux, Mérignac, with their Halifax bombers, to form the basis of the new, and current, French Air Force.

www.yorkshireairmuseum.co.uk

Dakota Flypast To Honour Veterans

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota will be flying across the RAF Museum to honour the Veterans gathered from all three services.On the 13th of May the Royal Air Force Museum is inviting Veterans of all three Services to join as one to celebrate Veterans’ Day. During this special reunion, hosted by the Museum staff, the veterans will be treated to a full day of events and activities including talks, special films screenings and tours.

The event will be marked by a flypast of a genuine wartime Dakota, as flown by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The aircraft will arrive over the skies of the Museum, from a northerly direction at 1500hrs.

Also as a special treat, there is a FREE programme of music by The Jive Aces swing band from underneath the Lancaster (at 1130 and 1400hrs).

The Bomber Command Association will be supporting the event and will be holding a special raffle. There will also be exhibition stands by The RAF Benevolent Fund Enterprises and The Royal British Legion.

Every year this exclusive day gives Veterans the chance to catch up with each other, reminisce over shared experiences and enjoy themselves in the authentic atmosphere and surroundings of the Royal Air Force Museum. The annual event usually attracts over 500 veterans and with Service men and women joining in from across the country, it is set to be a truly memorable and sentimental gathering.

… AND IT’S ALL FREE

· Please note that this is a private event for the Veterans and their guests

· Veterans’ day will be celebrated at the Royal Air Force Museum, Grahame Park Way, London, NW9 5LL

· Entrance is free to all Veterans of the three services and guests

· Veterans wishing to register for the day should call the Museum on: 0208 358 4849

 

Old Comrades Unveil Tribute To Old Friends

On Wednesday 13th May members of the ‘601 Squadron Old Comrades Association’ will unveil a memorial plaque at the RAF Museum (formerly RAF Hendon), to recognise the long standing association between the two units.Prior to the Museum opening in 1972, the site was an active RAF station and home to amongst others, 601 (County of London) Squadron for a total of fifteen years. The sculpture celebrates the historic association of RAF Hendon and 601 Squadron as well as the bravery of its personnel and their importance to London.

601 Squadron was RAF Hendon’s longest serving squadron it also had the honour of being recognized as ‘the County of London’ Squadron. It fought in many theatres across WWII notably in North Africa and Italy. The squadron was also active in the Battle of Britain and the defence of London.

Aircraft flown by the squadron include Hawker Harts, Hurricanes and Spitfires. Nicknamed ‘the Millionaire Squadron’, its ranks include renowned pilots such as Roger Bushell (the driving force behind the Stalag Luft III ‘Great Escape’), Max Aitken, Stanislaw Skalski (Polish veteran of the Battles of France and Britain) and the legendary American, Billy Fiske whose Bentley will also be on display during the day.

The sculpture was designed by Sam Bofey and is being installed in the grounds of the Museum. 1.5 metres in height, it is represents the squadron’s crest with a bronze cast sword and wings resplendent on a plinth of stainless steel.

The unveiling ceremony will be attended by members of the squadron’s ‘Old Comrades Association’ with Air Marshal Ian Macfadyen (Head of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force) as lead speaker. The Deputy Mayor will also be speaking and representing the squadron’s long standing relationship with the city of London. Other notable attendees include Squadron Leader Iveson DFC of the Bomber Command Association and Jack Riddle, a squadron pilot during the Battle of Britain.

http://www.rafmuseum.org/