Posts Tagged ‘Museum’

Posts Tagged ‘Museum’
AirSpace

Tales of wartime endeavour are Brought to Life during October Half Term.

Every day between 10.30am and 2.30pm, visitors have the opportunity to handle items from the First World War and Second World War, looking at the changing role of the soldier and comparing and contrasting uniforms and equipment from both periods.

By getting hands-on with military equipment, visitors can learn more about warfare as it was fought on the front line.

Visitors can learn more about how bravery in the field of conflict is recognised through the awarding of medals and decorations, making their own individual medals and then finding out the history and meaning behind such honours.

On Wednesday 26, Thursday 27, Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October between 11.00am and 1.00pm, veterans from a wide range of military conflicts will be chatting to visitors about their experiences and sharing their own personal memories of their time at war.

Veterans from the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Army and the Home Front from the Second World War will be present, together with ex-servicemen from the Royal Anglian Regiment and the Parachute Regiment who served in the Malayan Conflict, the Falklands War and Northern Ireland, in addition to veterans of the Korean War.

Men and women of varying ages, backgrounds and experiences, they have fascinating and individual stories to tell about their own personal war. Veterans will have artefacts and photographs with them, which they are happy to discuss with visitors.

Veterans attending include (different veterans will be attending on each day):

· A member of the Royal Anglian Regiment (1986 to 1994) who served in Germany, the Falkland Islands, Northern Ireland, the UK and Canada.

· A member of the Parachute Regiment (1971 to 1974) who completed four tours of Northern Ireland and who also carried out Jungle Warfare Training in Malaya.

· A telegraphist in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, who served on HMS Uganda, took part in the Battle of the Atlantic and was part of an escort that took Winston Churchill to the USA in 1943.

· A member of the British Resistance Organisation (Churchill’s Secret Army) (1940 to 1943) who then joined the Royal Air Force and was a Flight Sergeant until 1947.

· A Petty Officer in the Royal Navy during the Second World War who served in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and with Russian Convoys on Motor Gun Boats and on submarines .

· A Flight Lieutenant in RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War who worked as a bomb aimer and as a navigator in Halifaxes and Mosquitoes, and spent 5 months evading capture in Holland and Belgium.

· A National Service conscripted serviceman who served in Trieste and then in the Korean War from 1951 to 1952.

· A member of the Royal Anglian Regiment and the 2nd Northamptonshire Yeomanry.

· A Sergeant in the Army during the Second World War who served in Sicily, North Africa, Italy, Austria and the British Isles.

· A member of the Home Guard from 1940 to 1942, who then became a platoon commander in a rifle company of an infantry battalion. He served in France, Belgium and Holland, and was wounded in Germany. He was awarded the Military Cross.

· A member of the Royal Navy, from 1952 until 1964, who served on a variety of ships as a Leading Radio Operator and who witnessed H bomb testing near Christmas Island in the South Pacific.

· A member of the 1st Battalion of the 3rd East Anglian Regiment (1959 to 1961) who served in the Malayan conflict.

· A Sergeant in the Royal Marines during the Second World War who provided bombardment support to the Land Forces at major landings.

· A Royal Marine (1978 to 1982) who was in 41 Commando and did a tour of duty with the United Nations in Cyprus in 1979.

· A Royal Marine during the Second World War whose ship was one of the first to land at Sword Beach during the Normandy Landings in June 1944.

· A Gunner with the Royal Artillery during the Second World War, who served in India, Changi, Taiwan and Japan and was held in a Japanese Prisoner of War camp.

· A member of the Royal Air Force (1944 to 1953) who flew with Bomber Command just after the end of the Second World War, then with Fighter Command from 1949 and who flew some of the earliest jets, including the Vampire and Meteor.

· A Second World War schoolchild who enjoyed playing on the bomb sites and later joined the Royal Air Force.

· A Second World War evacuee.

· A member of the Royal Anglian Regiment (1973 to 1979) who was stationed in Peterborough, driving Land Rovers and 4 tonners to transport personnel and equipment for use on deployment.

· An Able Seaman in the Royal Navy during the Second World War.

· A Second World War evacuee who later served in the Royal Navy.

· A member of the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War who served in Bomb Disposal and on escort duties for submarines and shipping.

Different veterans will be attending on Wednesday 26, Thursday 27, Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October. Attendance by veterans is subject to availability.

Spitfire Stories Tour

Monday 24 to Friday 28 October

A new FREE tour, Spitfire Stories looks at RAF Duxford’s synonymous relationship with the Spitfire, through the eyes of the pilots and ground crew who worked and lived with this iconic aircraft.

Learn more about the mental strength and aptitude needed to be a successful Battle of Britain fighter pilot.

Find out more about the personal stories behind the operational role of the Spitfire at Duxford, taken from the memories of the men who flew and maintained this legendary aircraft, from its first days in service and throughout the Battle of Britain.

This tour is included in standard admission to the Museum and runs on a first-come, first-served basis. The tour will last for approximately 30 minutes and booking is not required.

War Memorial by Richard Walker

In addition, local artist Richard Walker will be showing his latest work, War Memorial, in AirSpace.

This large-scale painting took two years to paint and a year and a half to research. It is made up of 35 separate canvases, brought together in five panels.

The painting is a war memorial, dedicated to the people who served in the GreatWar.

The images in the paintings are of objects and ephemera from the different branches of the military services, including uniforms, medals, medical kits, signal flags and some weapons. In addition, there are private and personal objects included, which were found in many family archives, such as personal letters, postcards, photographs, memorial plaques, newspapers and commemorative items.

They are arranged in such a way that they imply a sense of cause and effect with personal objects from the Front balanced against objects that reference warfare.

Richard Walker lives and works in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, where he teaches art and art history at Kimbolton School. He studied Fine Art at the Central St Martin’s School of Art, London, graduating in 1989, after which he worked in the medium of sculpture, until about ten years ago, when he started exploring military objects and aircraft through the medium of complex ink drawings.

War Memorial will be on display in AirSpace throughout the October Half Term.

To see examples of Richard Walker’s work go to http://picasaweb.google.com/113993138387162629653

www.iwm.org.uk/duxford

Brought to Life presents the experiences of war through the first-person stories of those who fought so valiantly for their country throughout 20th century conflicts. It gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the ordinary people who experienced extraordinary circumstances, through a range of inspiring activities.
Bookmark and Share

Tags: 2011, Duxford, Imperial, Museum, News, September, War
Posted in UK Aviation Museum News
IWM Duxford features in the exciting new British Airways advertising campaign
Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

British Airways has today launched its biggest brand advertising campaign for a decade. The TV advert showcases the airline’s heritage and highlights the characteristics that makes British Airways so special. Synonymous with heritage in aviation, IWM Duxford was chosen as one of the filming locations for the new British Airways advert.

Filming took place during June 2011 and involved a team of 40 extras and a large film crew. The Museum worked in partnership with a number of on-site flying partners to achieve the complex filming requirements.

The advert shows Duxford Aviation Society’s Concorde cockpit and VC10, Classic Wings’ de Havilland Dragon Rapide and a number of IWM Duxford vehicles, including the Bedford truck on display in AirSpace , the refueller from Hangar 4: Battle of Britain and the BOAC cub and luggage trolley from AirSpace.

A Douglas DC-3 Dakota was flown in from Norway especially for the occasion and several vintage vehicles were brought in from other collections to represent the appropriate historical periods.

The filming involved recreating nostalgic civil aviation scenes from a number of periods during the 20th century. Duxford was transported back to the 1930s, 1950s and 1960s during the filming project.

The stunningly visual advert was launched on Wednesday 21 September on the British Airways Facebook site - http://www.facebook.com/#!/britishairways.

Bookmark and Share


Tags: 2011, Duxford, Imperial, Museum, News, September, War
Posted in UK Aviation Museum News
Al Murrays Spitfire Adventure at IWM Duxford
Friday, September 2nd, 2011

Comedian Al Murray visited Imperial War Museum Duxford yesterday (1st September) for a flight in a Spitfire to promote The Duxford Air Show (Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September) which will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire.

He took to the skies in Aircraft Restoration Company’s Spitfire TR9, piloted by John Romain.

On landing back at Duxford, a beaming Al said, “That was the most extraordinary thing. I haven’t had time to digest it yet. It was just mind-boggling.”

Al is a huge fan of Duxford and a great enthusiast of aviation and Second World War history generally.

About Duxford, he said, “Duxford is brilliant because it’s a historic site where history is being kept alive with an amazing collection of aircraft and dedicated people keeping them going.”

The Duxford Air Show on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire at the home of this iconic aircraft.

A spectacular flying display includes the only UK appearance in 2011 of the United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, a thrilling aircraft to watch in action and a true highlight of the flying programme. On Thursday 1 September, the F-15E Eagle rehearsed its flying display in the skies over Duxford. (Photo attached).

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire, Duxford marks the technological development of this legendary fighter with static and aerial displays by a range of Spitfires, from the original Mark I Spitfire through to the Mark XVI.

Never-seen-before displays at Duxford include the Royal Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron de Havilland Vampire T.55 and FB6 Pair and the RAF Beech King Air B200.

Fun is not just to be had in the air as there are plenty of activities for all the family to enjoy throughout the day, including living history groups bringing the Second World War to life; Colonel Richard Graham hosting talks next to the SR-71Blackbird in the American Air Museum; an Airfix Make and Paint zone and more fun activities for all the family.

With the Museum open as usual, this fun-packed day out will ensure that the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire is celebrated in unforgettable style!

Al Murray is one of the most recognisable and successful comedians in the UK with his alter-ego The Pub Landlord. His British Comedy Award-winning ITV1 series Al Murray’s Happy Hour has delighted both viewers and critics alike with his no-nonsense treatment of his celebrity guests.

Out of character, Al has hosted Al Murray’s German Adventure (BBC Four), a historical series about the art and culture of Germany, as well as appearances on What’s So Funny… (Channel 4), That Sunday Night Show (ITV), Frank Skinner’s Opinionated (BBC 2), Have I Got News For You (BBC 1) and The Road to Berlin, a 10-episode documentary series on the Second World War for Discovery.

Tickets for The Duxford Air Show can be purchased on each day of the air show (advance booking has now closed). For further information go to www.iwm.org.uk/duxford

Bookmark and Share

Tags: 2011, Imperial, Museum, News, September, War
Posted in UK Airshow News
Polish & Czech RAF Veterans Honoured
Friday, September 2nd, 2011

Brothers in Arms:

Poles and Czechs in the Battle of Britain & Beyond.

Free Exhibition - 16th of September to 4th March 2012

During the Battle of Britain one fifth of Fighter Command’s aircrew came from overseas with 16 nations represented in its many squadrons. Arguably the RAF’s most prolific and successful pilots of the campaign were the dispossessed Polish, Czech and Slovak pilots who had fled their homelands to fight, as brothers in arms, against the tyranny that dominated most of Continental Europe. The Royal Air Force Museum will honour the efforts and sacrifice of these selfless individuals in a new multi-media exhibition, ‘Brothers in Arms’, which will be on display to the public in the Museum’s new temporary exhibition Gallery from 16th September onwards.

In this exhibition, created in association with the Polish Institute of National Remembrance, visitors will be invited to explore through drawings, archive film footage and sculpture the bravery of the men of No 303 Polish Squadron and individuals such as Czech Fighter Pilot Josef Frantisek. Sadly, many of those who survived the war were later deemed criminals and outcasts in Poland & Czechoslovakia for fear that they might oppose the new communist regimes of Eastern Europe

As well as historic uniforms, personal documents - including original combat reports and private diaries - and other artifacts, the Museum will also have on display the remains of the first German aircraft shot down by No 303 Squadron during the Battle of Britain, as well as exhibition panels created by the Polish Institute of National Remembrance.

To engage younger visitors, a giant board game commemorating the role of No 303 Polish Squadron, the top scoring squadron of the Battle of Britain, will be on display in the Museum’s Reception Area. Created by Dr Tomasz Ginter & Karol Madaj from the Institute of National Remembrance’s Public Education Office in Warsaw the game’s aim is to engage children with the history of No 303 Squadron through play - inspiring them to learn further about all the nationalities who contributed to the Royal Air Force during World War 2.

Peter Dye, Director General of the Royal Air Force Museum stated, “It is important to remember that the ‘Few’ contained many nations, including pilots from across occupied Europe. These brave men died defending their adopted country while those that survived were often unable to return home and, if they did, found themselves treated as criminals. It is vital that their efforts and sacrifices are not forgotten and that their example continues to inspire a new generation to work together in defence of democracy and our shared values. The Royal Air Force Museum is honoured to host this exhibition and to recognise the debt owed to those thousands of Polish, Czech and Slovak veterans who fought for Britain in its darkest hour.”

As a companion piece to this exhibition, the Museum has also created an online exhibition ‘For Your Freedom and Ours’ which narrates the History of 303 Polish Squadron and other Polish Pilots who served with the Royal Air Force during World War 2 together with a Polish language podcast on this topic. Polish & Czech RAF Veterans, their families and friends are invited to contribute to their stories to this exhibition through an online form. To visit this online exhibition please go to www.rafmuseum.org.uk/online-exhibitions

The Royal Air Force Museum London is open daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm with last admission to the Museum being at 5.30pm. Admission to the Museum, and to ‘Brothers in Arms’, is free of charge. For further details about this exhibition please call 020 8205 2266 or visit www.rafmuseum.org.uk

Bookmark and Share

Tags: 2011, London, Museum, News, RAF, September
Posted in UK Aviation Museum News
The Duxford Air Show Celebrating the Spitfire in Style
Sunday, August 28th, 2011

The Duxford Air Show (Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September) celebrates the 75th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire, at the home of this iconic aircraft.A spectacular flying display includes the only UK appearance in 2011 of the United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, a thrilling aircraft to watch in action and a true highlight of the flying programme.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire, Duxford marks the technological development of this legendary fighter with static and aerial displays by a range of Spitfires, from the original Mark I Spitfire through to the Mark XVI.

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will display its Avro Lancaster, Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane while a Hispano HA-1112 Bouchon and Hawker Hurricane will recreate the dog fights of the Battle of Britain in the skies over this historic fighter base.

Never-seen-before displays at Duxford include the Royal Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron de Havilland Vampire T.55 and FB6 Pair and the RAF Beech King Air B200.

Aerial excitement will be provided by aerobatic masters The Aerostars, the largest civilian formation aerobatic team in the world. The SWIP Twister Duo performs graceful aerobatics in the Silence Twister which, with its elliptical wings, strongly resembles the Supermarine Spitfire. The SWIP Twister Duo is aerobatic experts Peter Wells and Guy Westgate.

The Piper Cub Truck Top Landing is a spectacle not to be missed! As a large truck drives down the runway, pilot Brendan O’Brien lines up a Piper Cub and lands it on the roof - a feat of skill and precision that amazes audiences.

The RedHawks Duo formation display team performs elegant glider displays to music, a gentle and graceful contrast to the more powerful aircraft displays.

Other highlights include the French Air Force Dassault/ Dornier Alpha Jet (Saturday only), Augusta Westland Apache AH Mk I, RAF Westland Sea King, Royal Navy Historic Flight Fairey Swordfish, B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B, Curtiss P-40F Warhawk, Curtiss P-40B Warhawk, Hawk 75, North American Fennec T-28 (x2) and the Hawker Nimrod (x2).

On static display will be the Polish Air Force M-28 and Historic Aircraft Collection’s newly restored Hawker Fury Mk I, the only one of its kind in the world.

Fun is not just to be had in the air as there are plenty of activities for all the family to enjoy throughout the day.

The Second World War will be brought to life by various re-enactment groups, who will be meeting and chatting to visitors across the Museum. Ops 1939-45 will be recreating an RAF Fighter Pilots’ dispersal position and giving visitors a glimpse of 1940s Bomber briefings in action.

The Military Equipment Collectors will be recreating the role of the RAF ground crew who kept Spitfires constantly at scramble readiness throughout the Battle of Britain and beyond. They will be displaying an RAF Mobile Mechanic Unit with early Second World War field equipment.

The March Re-enactors will be recreating a Home Guard checkpoint, so have your identity cards at the ready!

Colonel Richard Graham will be hosting his ever-popular talks about the SR-71 Blackbird in the American Air Museum next to the SR-71 Spyplane that he flew. In Land Warfare, visitors can meet and chat to veterans of the Burma Star campaign, who will be talking about their personal experiences of warfare.

There are lots of fun things for all the family to do together. At the Airfix Make and Paint Zone, visitors can make their own model aircraft, paint it in a range of colours and take it home as a souvenir of a fabulous air show day.

On the Hangar Base, there is Second World War paintballing, 1940s outfits for children to try on and mini-tank rides. The RAF Recruitment Team will also be on the Hangar Base, inviting visitors to climb aboard the replica Tornado model. For any daredevil visitors, the Parachute Regiment will be offering jumps from the Airborne Forces Jump Tower.

The Military History Hands on History Zone in Hanger 4: Battle of Britain offers the chance to meet a costumed interpreter acting the role of a wartime character and to hold and handle historic objects.

There is also the chance to learn more about historic objects in the American Air Museum.

Duxford Radio Society has displays of Second WorldWar radio equipment where visitors can get hands-on and have a go at transmitting and receiving messages.

Visitors can enhance their day by enjoying a tank ride, a flight in a classic 1930s aeroplane or a children’s fun ride.

With the Museum open as usual, this fun-packed day out will ensure that the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire is celebrated in unforgettable style!

The IWM Duxford Air Show App 2011

Following the launch of the IWM Duxford Air Shows App at the Spring Air Show and some enthusiastic feedback from users, we have refined the Air Shows App for use at The Duxford Air Show.

The App will now run faster and more seamlessly, providing real time, up-to-the-minute information about what is flying at The Duxford Air Show, as the aircraft display.

Available for both Android and iPhone platforms, the App also includes an extensive library of photography, statistics and information about classic aircraft you can see flying in the 2011 air shows and where in the Museum you can find out more about them.

The App is currently FREE to download. It will be available for download prior to The Duxford Air Show and on the day itself - IWM Duxford will be providing wifi access at the museum for live downloading.

This dynamic guide to The Duxford Air Show, and our other air shows throughout 2011, is a first for Duxford and demonstrates the Imperial War Museum’s commitment to innovation in new technologies. It aims to be the most innovative air show app around.

For further information go to www.iwm.org.uk/duxfordairshows

Bookmark and Share

Tags: 2011, Air, August, Duxford, Imperial, Museum, News, Show, War
Posted in UK Airshow News
Sir Richard Branson Helps To Kick Start RAF Museum Fundraising Campaign
Thursday, August 25th, 2011

The Royal Air Force Museum has launched a fundraising campaign to rescue the sole surviving example of the WWII Dornier Do-17 aircraft.

The Museum is now appealing to the public to raise the remaining £250,000 to complete the recovery and restoration project. The public fundraising campaign is also endorsed by Sir Richard Branson who is a supporter of the Museum.

Sir Richard Branson: “The discovery of the Dornier is of international importance. Please support the RAF Museum’s appeal to save this unique aircraft as a tribute to the loss of life on both sides of the Battle of Britain.”

The German wartime bomber was shot down during the height of the Battle of Britain exactly 71 years ago and has since then been submerged in the waters of the Goodwin Sands. It is currently at risk from tidal forces, the effects of salt water corrosion and is exposed to looters. Therefore it is imperative that the aircraft is recovered and conserved urgently.

With a crew of four, and loaded with 2000lb of bombs, the aircraft, a twin-engine Dornier Do-17 - known universally as ‘The Flying Pencil ‘- was part of a large enemy formation intercepted by RAF fighter aircraft at midday on 26 August 1940 as they attempted to attack airfields in Essex.

The aircraft is in remarkable condition - considering that it was damaged in air combat and has spent so many years under water. Other than marine concretion, it is largely intact, the main undercarriage tyres remain inflated and the propellers clearly show the damage inflicted during the aircraft’s final landing.

Since the Dornier emerged from the sands two years ago, the RAF Museum has worked with Wessex Archaeology and English Heritage, as well as Imperial College London and the Dornier Museum, to complete a full survey of the wreck site in preparation for the aircraft’s recovery and eventual exhibition.

Work to conserve and prepare the Dornier for display will be undertaken at the RAF Museum’s award-winning conservation centre at Cosford. Here the Dornier will be placed alongside the Museum’s Vickers Wellington which is currently undergoing long term restoration.

Air Vice-Marshal Peter Dye, Director General of the RAF Museum said that “As a survivor of the Battle of Britain, the Dornier Do-17 is a unique aircraft of national and international importance and our long term plan is to conserve it for display at the Museum. We very much hope that this exciting and unique project will receive support from the public and become the focus for a collaborative effort by apprentices from across the world.”

Other major donors to this project include EADS (£7,500) and the RAF Museum Society of Friends (£6,000).

Public donations can be made at: http://www.justgiving.com/Dornier17

Bookmark and Share

Tags: 2011, August, London, Museum, News, RAF
Posted in UK Aviation Museum News
Special delivery flight to mark 100th Anniversary of the first Air Mail Letter
Thursday, August 25th, 2011

One hundred years ago Claude Grahame-White launched the World’s First Aerial Post, flying mail from Hendon to Windsor to celebrate the Coronation of King George V.

On September 9th this year The Royal air Force Museum takes part in the centenary celebrations for the first ever Air Mail flight with a commemorative flight and letters to Her Majesty The Queen!

In a world before emails, texts and social networking the first ever Air Mail flight in the world took place between the London Aerodrome in Hendon North London to Windsor on September 9th 1911.

The historic 15 minute flight was piloted by Gustav Hamel in a Bleriot aircraft and as well as letters from the general public it also carried a number of official ones to reigning monarchs, emperors and world leaders.

Today the Royal Air Force Museum stands at the grounds of the original London Aerodrome and on 9th September, a commemorative helicopter flight will leave the Museum at 1100 flying over the original 1911 route to Windsor Great Park. It will be carrying mail, anniversary cards and covers produced by Buckingham Covers. Air Marshall Sir Ian Macfadyen, the Constable and Governer of Windsor Castle will be on board and it is hoped that a Bleriot will fly again in the park at Windsor (weather permitting), piloted by Henk van Hoorn.

Also in attendance at Windsor, will be Eric “Winkle” Brown who holds the record of the largest number of aircraft flown) and Tony Iveson - the only Battle of Britain pilot to have won a medal as Bomber Captain (Tirpitz).

The Museum is also inviting its younger visitors to write a brief message to Her Majesty the Queen, telling her what they like the most about growing up in 2011. Letters should be brought to the Royal Air Force Museum where there will be a special post box and all letters posted there will be carried by helicopter to Windsor on Friday 9 September.

Letters can be written on site at the Museum on a special letterhead and placed in a postbox at the London site.

The Royal Mint will also be issuing a miniature sheet of stamps, Tower Mint have struck a commemorative medallion and Buckingham Covers are producing commemorative presentation packs and covers.

http://www.rafmuseum.org/

Bookmark and Share

Tags: 2011, August, London, Museum, News, RAF
Posted in UK Aviation Museum News
Museum commemorates Battle of Britain with family weekend
Thursday, August 25th, 2011

10-11 September 2011

Spitfire Flypast on Saturday (weather permitting)

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will be commemorating the Battle of Britain, considered the most important event in Royal Air Force history, with a family weekend of events and activities for the whole family to enjoy, including a flypast on Saturday from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire (weather permitting).

Activities taking place over the weekend include real life working Merlin & Griffon engine demonstrations lasting approximately 30 minutes and a chance to see how a WWII Ops Room operated. A land army re-enactment group will be digging for victory in the wartime garden with Hoo Farm bringing along sheep, ducks, chickens, goats and a sheep dog as part of the land army experience.

A main highlight of the weekend will be a Question and Answer session with Battle of Britain veterans. Come along and listen to their remarkable tales and ask those in the know, what it was really like to be in the RAF during the Battle of Britain era. The Q&A session plus screenings of outtakes from the 1969 epic film Battle of Britain will be taking place in the Conference Room located in the Visitor Centre.

Over this weekend children and adults can find out what it was like to be a 1940’s RAF pilot by sitting inside a replica Spitfire, complete with flying jacket and goggles; and will have the opportunity to have their photo taken professionally as a memento of the day (charges apply). Also on display over the weekend will be a range of 1940’s military vehicles and a Guild of Aviation Artists exhibition displaying 51 paintings themed around the Battle of Britain will be on display in Hangar 1.

And to keep the children entertained the Museum will be running its popular ‘Step Back In Time’ workshop where children and adults alike, will write with a dip pen using old fashioned inkwells and have a go at pounds, shilling and pence arithmetic and fill in a replica evacuee label and identity card. But, be prepared to evacuate the class quickly at any time in order to make it down to the Anderson Shelter to escape a day time bombing raid. Other children’s activities including colouring in Spitfires and Union Jack flags, will be taking place throughout the site over both days.

The Museum Restaurant will be offering some culinary delights with their wartime menu and visitors will be able to dine in true street party style. Visitors are also welcome to dress up for the occasion in their 1940’s clothing. For more information about the Battle of Britain Weekend event please contract the Museum on 01902 376200 or visit www.rafmuseum.org.

Bookmark and Share

Tags: 2011, August, Cosford, Museum, News, RAF
Posted in UK Aviation Museum News
A little bit of the United States at Duxfords American Air Day
Sunday, August 21st, 2011

Thousands of visitors enjoyed a day out at IWM Duxford stateside-style today, Friday 19 August, at American Air Day.

Visitors met and mingled with men and women from the Third Air Force of the United States Air Force in Europe, based at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in East Anglia.

There were a wide range of fascinating demonstrations, from the K9 dog display team, to the Birdman with his stunning birds of prey. There was a display by the USAFE Operational Support Service showing how they prepare a fighter aircraft for readiness, using Duxford’s own static F-15 Eagle for true authenticity, and a display of Security Forces Humvee vehicles and equipment.

In a poignant Missing in Action ceremony, the USAFE Honor Guard remembered United States personnel who are missing in action or lost their lives in active service.

Imperial War Museum Duxford was delighted to welcome back SR-71 Blackbird pilot Colonel Richard Graham who hosted walk-around tours of the Blackbird spy plane that he flew, which is now in pride of place in the American Air Museum.

There were also displays by the USAFE weather display team and medical team. Visitors also had to the chance to see some stylish American cars and motorbikes.

The USAFE C-130 aircraft flew in, landed and opened for very popular public tours.

In the skies there were exciting fly-pasts and displays. There were a series of United States Air Force fly-pasts, comprising two F-15E aircraft, followed by a fly-past of a KC-135. This was followed by a fly-past of two F-15C aircraft.

Duxford’s historic American aircraft then took to the skies, with displays by a pair of North American Harvards, followed by a Boeing Stearman, and then a pair of S1 Pitts aircraft.

The final flypast of USAF F-15E aircraft was followed by a second display of Duxford aircraft, including the North American F-86 Sabre, Beech Staggerwing and Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina.

It was a fantastic day of Anglo-American celebration, enjoyed by visitors from both sides of the pond!

http://www.iwm.org.uk/duxford

Bookmark and Share

Tags: 2011, Air, American, August, Day, Duxford, Imperial, Museum, News, War
Posted in UK Aviation Museum News
United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle Demonstration to make UK appearance at Duxford Air Show
Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

Imperial War Museum Duxford is delighted to announce that the United States Air Force (USAF) F-15E Strike Eagle demonstration will display at The Duxford Air Show (Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September) in its only UK appearance in 2011.

The F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter aircraft with two crew members, a pilot and a weapons systems officer, performing air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. An array of avionics and electronics systems gives the F-15E the capability to fly at low altitude, day or night, and in all weather. It also gives the aircraft the ability to destroy enemy ground positions and fight its way out of combat situations.

The F-15E Strike Eagle is a thrilling aircraft to watch in flight and its presentation at The Duxford Air Show will provide an exciting highlight to an amazing programme of aerial activity. The F-15E Strike Eagle Demonstration will be performed by Major Mike “Cash” Maeder, the Air Combat Command’s Strike Eagle Demonstration Team Pilot and Commander.

As the Demonstration pilot, Mike showcases America’s F-15E Strike Eagle to more than seven million people at approximately 65 shows around the world every year. He is currently assigned as an F-15 Eagle instructor pilot.

The F-15E Strike Eagle Demonstration Team operates from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina and is part of the United States Air Force 4th Fighter Wing. It has the distinction of being the only Air Force unit that can trace its history back to Great Britain.

The lineage of the 4th Fighter Wing can be traced back directly to RAF Duxford during the 1940s. Prior to the United States officially entering the Second World War, American volunteers were already serving in combat with the Royal Air Force Eagle Squadrons.

There were three Eagle Squadrons - Nos. 71, 121 and 133. No.133 Squadron, reformed as the 3rd RAF Eagle Squadron on 31 July 1941, was based at Duxford from August to October 1941. On both occasions, it operated from Fowlmere, Duxford’s satellite fighter station.

When the United States entered the Second World War, the Eagle Squadron units, and their American pilots, were transferred to the United States Army Air Forces 8th Air Force, forming the 4th Fighter Group on 12 September 1942. The 4th Fighter Group was redesignated as the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing in July 1958.

Today, the 4th Fighter Wing is one of two on-call rapid response aerospace expeditionary wings. The 4th Fighter Wing was the first to assume this mission on 1 October 1999.

The historic link between Duxford and the United States Air Force continues to the present day.

The only UK appearance by the F-15E Strike Eagle Demonstration forms a key highlight of a superb flying programme at The Duxford Air Show. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Spitfire, Duxford marks the technological development of this iconic aircraft with static and aerial displays by a range of Spitfires, from the original Mark I Spitfire through to the Mark XVI.

Aerobatic excitement is provided by the Aerostars on Saturday 3 September and the Red Arrows on Sunday 4 September.

Additional highlights include the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane French Air Force Alpha Jet (Saturday only), RAF Sea King, Army Apache, RAF King Air, Royal Navy Historic Flight Swordfish, SWIP Twister Duo, B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B, T-28 Trojan (x2), Curtiss 75 Hawk, Hawker Hurricane, Bouchon 109, Curtiss P-40F, Curtiss P-40B and, on static display, the Italian Air Force C-27J and the Polish Air Force M-28.

With such a spectacular air display, The Duxford Air Show, celebrating the legendary Spitfire, is not to be missed!

The IWM Duxford Air Show App 2011

Following the launch of the IWM Duxford Air Show App at the Spring Air Show and some enthusiastic feedback from users, we have refined the Air Show App for use at The Duxford Air Show.

The App will now run faster and more seamlessly, providing real time, up-to-the-minute information about what is flying at The Duxford Air Show, as the aircraft display.

Available for both Android and iPhone platforms, the App also includes an extensive library of photography, statistics and information about classic aircraft you can see flying in the 2011 air shows and where in the Museum you can find out more about them.

The App is currently FREE to download. It will be available for download prior to The Duxford Air Show and on the day itself - IWM Duxford will be providing wifi access at the museum for live downloading.

This dynamic guide to The Duxford Air Show, and our other air shows throughout 2011, is a first for Duxford and demonstrates the Imperial War Museum’s commitment to innovation in new technologies. It aims to be the most innovative air show app around.

For further information go to www.iwm.org.uk/duxfordairshows

Military History supports Duxford’s 2011 Air Shows

Imperial War Museum Duxford is delighted that Military History is supporting its 2011 air show season.

In addition to brand positioning across the Duxford air shows, Military History is supporting the new Duxford Air Shows App and a ‘Hands on History’ zone, which gives families the opportunity to learn
about history together in a fun and interactive way during Duxford’s air shows.

Military History is the only channel dedicated to the conflicts, people and technology that shaped our modern world. With programmes that feature expert interviews, eyewitness accounts, astonishing archive and re-enactments, we take you into the war rooms, in the seat of a fighter jet and onto the battlefield.

Military History is available in the UK on Sky 531 and Virgin Media 236.

Bookmark and Share

Tags: 2011, August, Duxford, Imperial, Museum, News, War
Posted in UK Airshow News