5
John Murcutt 15 months ago
I have looked forward to visiting this museum since reading about it last year.
On entering the Museum you are welcomed by the huge selection of outside exhibits of superbly preserved Aircraft, that look like they could be brought to life and Flown. These show a great cross section of the History of the Jet in military service, the MIG 15 Bis, Super SABRE, Gloucester Javelin, the first delta wing RAF Interceptor, Dassault MYSTERE. There are too many stars of Military Aviation to list, you need to have the experience as just the external display takes time to walk around and enjoy. My personal favourites were the Vickers Valleta and the Bristol Bloodhound Missile and Control unit.
The displays in the Museum display hangers was breath taking as you are welcomed by the Sea Harrier and English Electric Lightning. Even with my growing up on RAF Stations, the selection of Aircraft that I had never seen outside of books and magazines was amazing. There are Cockpit sections that can be sat in, with very knowledgeable staff (all volunteers, experienced with the aircraft)
For those who enjoy the historical side of Aviation or Military Modellers there are cabinets full of artifacts from the dark days of World War Two, many from recovered crashes, both mechanical with clear identification and models of the aircraft types, to those of a more personal nature bringing the cost of those that fought and sadly died in the conflict who deserve to be remembered. Some of these people are identified with a photograph and service history, reminding us that War is cruel, both to the servicemen, but also their families.
There was so much to see that I found that the time I allowed for this visit was too short as time seemed to fly (no pun intended) and I had to just quickly look through the the Wing Commander Ken Wallace Hall, treating many exhibits as a Reconnaissance for all day and better planned visit(s) as I am fortunate to only have under an hours travel.
The NAAFI, offers a wide selection of beverages and snacks and does NOT as at many attractions you visit, have vastly Inflated prices. It is immaculately clean and offers plenty of seating and tables, all undercover, with a nearby second hand bookstall.
However as you walk around outside you find that there are other satellite exhibitions, The Sea Shall Not Have Them, RAF Air Sea Rescue with superb displays of this important role played by RAF Coastal Command.
Across from this is a Bomber Command exhibition which played such an important role in preparing the ground at enormous cost in lives, preparing the way for the subsequent 'D' Day Invasion and eventual Victory against the Third Reich.
The Royal Observer Corps Museum brings us up to date from their reporting of enemy aerial attacks by German bomber Forces to the Nightmare that never happened of Nuclear War.
There is a museum remembering the 108th Bomb Group of the United States Army Air Force. This remembers and commemorates those brave Allies that joined us and suffered so many losses of young men in beating the Third Reich in freeing Europe from tyranny, whilst fighting in the Pacific along with the Allies of so many nations.
I would highly recommend at least one visit as this museum is run and staffed by so many dedicated volunteers, who are there to help their visitors.