The Royal Air Force Museum - RAFM, RAF Museum

🌟 Dive into the extraordinary story of Squadron Leader Ian Willoughby Bazalgette, a true hero of the Royal Air Force. In Norman Brice's latest blog, "For Valour," discover the bravery and sacrifice of Bazalgette during a pivotal WWII mission on 4 August 1944 over France.

✈️ As a leading target marker for a crucial raid, Bazalgette faced intense anti-aircraft fire, yet he persevered, ensuring the mission's success despite catastrophic damage to his aircraft. His heroism earned him the Victoria Cross, awarded posthumously for his remarkable courage and devotion.

Read the blog using the Link In Bio.

Image description: Image featuring a historical black-and-white photograph of a smiling man in a military uniform and cap, Squadron Leader Ian Willoughby Bazalgette, overlaid with bold white text that reads "NEW BLOG." The background is a solid blue with red starburst designs on either side. A small red banner at the bottom also states "NEW BLOG."

🚁 Object 48 in our "D-Day in 80 Objects" series: “Air Observation Post” by Denis Barnham! 🎨

Discover how army officers flying Taylorcraft Auster MK IVs directed artillery fire from the skies over Normandy. This teamwork was crucial to D-Day’s success!

Learn more: https://theddaystory.pulse.ly/7lozggziot

🚀✈️ Join us for the Audio Story WW2 Trail at both locations this May half-term! 🎧🐾🐧

📅 Date: Saturday 25 May - Sunday 2 June
⏰ Timings: Drop-in anytime throughout the day - just scan the QR code and go!
🎟️ Tickets: FREE
👶 Recommended Age: 4+

Embark on an exciting journey with Woof Commander Antis the Dog and Flight Lieutenant Percy the Parachuting Penguin! 🐶🐧

✨Experience enchanting narration, the hum of engines, and crucial radio chatter as you uncover the tales of brave men, women, and animals from Britain’s finest hour. All you need is your smart device, headphones, and internet access.💬

👑 We are thrilled to share that His Majesty King Charles III has accepted the role of Royal Patron for the RAF Museum! 🎉
King Charles III has long cherished his connections with the Royal Air Force, from his days at RAF College Cranwell to piloting a Jet Provost T.5, now on display at our London site. His deep appreciation for the RAF's history makes him the perfect ambassador. 🛩️

🎥 Join us for a thought-provoking FREE lecture at the RAF Museum on May 14 at 12 noon when historian Brandon Lewis will delve into the RAF's pivotal imperial role during the interwar years.

Hosted both in-person and via livestream, this discussion promises a deep dive into how the RAF leveraged its imperial engagements to cement its status within the British military. 🛩️

Lewis plans to illustrate the RAF's strategic use of its empire-related activities, not just in military terms but as a tool for public and political advocacy, showcased vividly through events like the Hendon Air Pageant and in recruitment propaganda. 🌍

While other factors like the contemporary geopolitical landscape played roles, Lewis argues that the imperial narrative was central, a point he intends to back with comprehensive research. This lecture, rooted in Lewis's extensive study of early 20th-century RAF history, is not to be missed by those fascinated by military history or imperial studies. 📚🎓

📍 Location: RAF Museum London's Lecture Theatre
👀 Or view remotely on Crowdcast at:

Lunchtime Lecture (London): The Fight to Secure the RAF: The RAF and its Imperial Role 1919-1938 Register now for Lunchtime Lecture (London): The Fight to Secure the RAF: The RAF and its Imperial Role 1919-1938 on crowdcast, scheduled to go live on May 14, 2024, 12:00 PM GMT+1.

🚀📆 Join us live, tomorrow, May 9 at 6:00pm as we delve into a pivotal moment in British history with John Alexander’s illuminating lecture on "The Redeployment of Britain’s V-1 Defences." This virtual event, streamed via the RAF Museum’s Crowdcast, revisits the critical decisions that shaped the effectiveness of Britain's air defense during WWII. 🛩️💥

Discover how the strategic redeployment of AA guns and fighters drastically improved defenses against Germany’s V-1 flying bombs.

📉🎯 Using new archival insights, John Alexander unravels the complex interplay of technology, military strategy, and political maneuvering in this high-stakes wartime scenario.

🎟️ Attendance is FREE, but registration is required. Secure your spot now to gain historical perspectives that resonate with today’s defence strategies!

🔗 Register here to be part of this engaging journey through history: https://www.crowdcast.io/c/vl-2024-alexander

Don't miss out on this compelling re-examination of a historical decision that echoes in modern military tactics! ⏰✨

The decision to redeploy Britain’s V-1 defences Register now for The decision to redeploy Britain’s V-1 defences on crowdcast, scheduled to go live on May 9, 2024, 06:00 PM GMT+1.

🌟 Special Lecture Event - Americans in the RAF: The Cultural Legacy of 1940-42 Eagle Squadrons 🌟

🗓 This Bank Holiday Monday, May 6, join us at 12.00 pm to delve into the thrilling history of the Eagle Squadrons with expert historian James Fortuna! Tune in virtually on Crowdcast.

🛩️ Discover the saga of those valiant American pilots who joined the Royal Air Force in 1940, bravely contributing to the Battle of Britain during our nation's darkest hours, before their amalgamation into the U.S. Army’s Eighth Air Force in 1942.

🎥 Explore how these heroes have been immortalized in films, music, and memorials, recording their enduring impact on Anglo-American cultural ties as we approach their 85th anniversary.

🎟️ Reserve your spot now at https://www.crowdcast.io/c/lll-2024-fortuna

And experience the legacy of the Eagle Squadrons and their timeless bond of bravery and brotherhood. 🦅

✨ Don’t miss this captivating journey through history! ✨

🍾50 years ago, this weekend, on 7 April 1974, the historic aircraft collection at RAF Cosford had its first public opening. 🍾

📣Here, we give a brief history and our thanks to visionaries who opened the collection up to the public establishing, over time, the second site of the Royal Air Force Museum. 🥳

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had already opened the Royal Air Force Museum on the site of RAF Hendon on 15 November 1972. The 36 aircraft that were initially on display at this site were just a small part of the Museum’s historic aircraft collection, which were stored at various sites around the U.K.

By 1974 these non-display aircraft had moved to RAF Cosford and in 1974, the responsibility for the stored historic aircraft at our Midlands site rested with RAF Cosford's Training Aircraft Maintenance Team, under Chief Technician Brian Le Brun. Public interest in the growing collection led to suggestions from the team for opening Cosford’s airfield site to the general public.

The Station Commander at the time, Group Captain C L Parkinson, gave a favourable response. It was therefore decided to open the collection to the public on the first Sunday of the month from April to October. The main concern, however, was the lack of heating in some of the hangars, which could become very cold during the winter months.

A committee led by Squadron Leader Warren, with Flight Lieutenant Josh Wort as Deputy, worked tirelessly to prepare the aircraft collection at Cosford for its inaugural public opening. Chief Technician Wilf Howcroft served as Curator/Secretary, overseeing the organisation of the exhibits.

Chief Technician Brian LeBrun and others played key roles in sorting and arranging the collection. Despite initial challenges, including securing resources for refreshments and souvenir sales, the team pressed on.

They gathered historical information and photographs for display boards, creating a captivating experience for visitors. Local support, including a generous donation of photographs and a propeller, added to the collection's allure.

With meticulous planning, the team opened the collections doors to the public in 1974, attracting enthusiastic crowds. The success of the open days enabled them to pay off loans and invest in further improvements. Despite early reliance on volunteers, the site soon became a self-sustaining institution, the Aerospace Museum, drawing visitors from far and wide.

Today, from those humble beginnings and thanks to the hard work of its passionate staff and volunteers throughout the last five decades the Museum has grown into the institution it is today, the RAF Museum Midlands and now welcomes over 433,000 visitors a year.

We’d like to thank those early visionaries for this first opening on 7 April 1974 and look forward to ensuring that their legacy continues to thrive for future generations to enjoy. 👏👏🥰

Searching for the perfect family adventure this Easter break? 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Look no further! ✈️ Take off to the RAF Museum Midlands and enjoy a great day out for all the family. Best of all, entry is absolutely FREE! 😃 Explore our huge hangars packed with aircraft and interactive displays. Or try on some of our uniforms and strike a pose for a memorable photo op! 👩‍✈️📷 We cant wait to see you!

🎫Book your free entry ticket online https://org.pulse.ly/uaclryrbs5

✈️

✈️🧹When the suspended aircraft at the RAF Museum Midlands need a spring clean, it calls for a specialist team of dustbusters with a head for heights to carry out the work! ✈️🧹

Suspended from the ceiling, up to 100ft in the air 😲, eight aircraft including a Vulcan bomber, will all be given a light dusting this week as part of the annual clean and inspection. Other aircraft being spruced up include a Canberra, Meteor, Sabre, Hunter, Lightning, Dakota and Javelin.

Strapped into harnesses and with nerves of steel 💪, the specialist cleaning team climb the rafters of the building and abseil down to access the aircraft 🧗‍♂️. No cleaning solutions are used on the aircraft, just a good dusting using large soft fibre mops. 🧹 In addition to cleaning the aircraft, the team will also be inspecting the suspension cables supporting the aircraft in their flying display positions. ✈️

During the clean the Museum will remain open to visitors who can see the high-flying team from Rappel , industrial rope access specialists, in action. 💙

Captain Swales: A Hero's Sacrifice in the Skies ✈️

Did you know a South African pilot played a crucial role in one of WWII's most successful bombings? ️ Captain Edwin Swales, VC, DFC, led a daring raid despite his plane being crippled by enemy fire. His bravery cost him his life, but saved his crew & ensured mission success.

➡️ Read his incredible story in our latest blog:

For Valour: Captain Edwin Swales' Victoria Cross - RAF Museum This post covers Captain Edward Swales who earnt the Victoria Cross on 23 February

👀On Sunday 7 April Michael Odd, one of our Access and Learning Officers, will be running 🏃‍♂️the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise money for The Royal Air Force Museum London. 🏛️

If that wasn't enough (!) as part of his training he will be running 80km this weekend as part of our Operation Percy - Fitness Challenge, but given his love of running he has also decided to make it part of a larger challenge to run 80 miles over the next month, part of which he will be doing by running repetitively around the central pathway of our London site on Saturday and Sunday.

If you're dropping in on us over the weekend and spot him on his run around our site please give him a massive hand. 👏 🙌

🚀 Our pocket rocket is doing both challenges to raise funds for the valuable work that the Museum does preserving historic aircraft, developing innovative exhibitions, connecting with our local community and inspiring the next generation.

If you would like to support him in his fundraising efforts you can make a donation here: https://bit.ly/3UPYN1l

And yes, he will be back in work on Monday teaching our younger visitors. 🧒🖍️🏫😊

London Landmarks 2024 and Operation Percy for RAF Museum Help Michael Odd raise money to support RAF Museum

We're so proud of Oliver, who is undertaking Operation Percy all the way from down under 🇦🇺🦘

Thanks for sharing these great photos - you're an inspiration.

If you want to take part, there's still two weeks to complete the challenge: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/support-us/ways-to-give/get-active-fundraise/operation-percy/

💖✈️ Looking for a unique Valentine's Day gift that soars above the rest? Look no further! 🎁✨

Treat your special someone to a personalised present from our shop. From engraved RAF memorabilia to bespoke aviation-themed keepsakes, we've got the perfect gift to make their heart take flight. 🛩️

💕 Explore our collection now and make this Valentine's Day one to remember! Shop here: https://rafmuseumshop.mymerchr.com/

🚀✈️ Sky’s The Limit at RAF Museum! 🚀✈️

Join us from February 10th to 18th for an exhilarating journey through over 100 years of RAF history! Experience thrilling theatre shows, storytelling sessions, and creative workshops for the whole family!

Check out our in-demand activities:

🎭 Interactive Family Show: Aircrew Needs You!
Train for World War Two planes in this interactive show! Can you pass all six tests and gain your skills to survive? Feb 15-18, 11am, 1pm & 2:30pm.

🌟 Fun Family Theatre: Through Adversity… and Beyond!
Travel back in time with Astra to ensure the RAF's creation and survival! Feb 11-13, 11am, 1pm & 2:30pm.

📚 Free Story Sessions: Sky’s the Limit Stories with Peter Chand
Join storyteller Peter Chand for flight and adventure stories! Feb 14-16, sessions throughout the day.

✂️ Messy Crafts Workshop: RAF Crafts with Garry
Make aeroplanes, flight helmets, and more with local artist Garry Jones! Feb 13, 14, and 16, various timings.

🎨 Family Art Workshop: Imagine If We Could Fly
Encourage creativity and imagination with artist Kanj Nicholas! Feb 17, 11am and 2pm.

Book your tickets now for an unforgettable experience! Don’t miss out on these amazing activities for all ages!

Find out more: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/midlands/whats-going-on/events/raf-museum-presents-skys-the-limit-2/

Sky's The Limit! - RAF Museum Explore the stories of the RAF with brand new shows and storytelling sessions amongst our world-beating collection of aircraft.

🎉 New Year, New Blog! 📝

✨ Kicking off 2024 with first of our new blog series, which delves into the incredible stories of the 29 RAF personnel whose valour earned them the Victoria Cross.

Our debut post shines a light on Flight Sergeant George Thompson, a true hero who, on January 1, 1945, earned the Victoria Cross. 🎖️✨

https://org.pulse.ly/jawhts3n8n

Looking for an unforgettable and FREE family day out between Christmas and New Year? Look no further! 🎉

Embark on a thrilling journey through aviation history with your loved ones at the RAF Museum 🌟 Explore iconic aircraft, experience interactive exhibits, and discover the fascinating stories of our personnel.

🚀 Why us?
✅ FREE Admission: Because epic family adventures shouldn't break the bank
✅ Interactive Exhibits: Get hands-on with history and let the kids' imaginations soar
✅ Historic Aircraft: Marvel at legendary planes that shaped the skies.

Set your sights on the RAF Museum for an extraordinary day out—because memories are meant to be made together. 🛫✨