RAF Museum London News

Car Parking Charges To Be Introduced From 1st April 2010

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT

From 1st April 2010, a small car parking charge will be payable by visitors to the Royal Air Force Museum’s London site. The income generated will be used to assist in meeting the costs of maintaining the Museum’s national collection and of operating its sites. The decision has been taken by the Museum’s Trustees in order to help maintain the national collection. Free admission to the museum will continue as normal. The fees for vehicles will be introduced on the 1st April 2010 and will be £2.50 for up to 3 hours parking and £3.50 for 3-6 hours.

Our Battle Of Britain Podcast Series Continues

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT

This month we have released as part of our Battle of Britain podcast series, two new podcasts: 'The RAF in 1939' and 'Robert Stanford Tuck - Battle of Britain Ace' The RAF in 1939: As early as 1933 Winston Churchill had warned Parliament of the resurgent threat from Germany. This warning was initially dismissed only for fears about Britain's national security to resurface when, in direct convention of the Treaty of Versailles, Germany announced in 1934 the formation of the Luftwaffe, thus beginning an arms race between both nations for supremacy of the skies. Robert Stanford Tuck was considered to be one of the luckiest pilots of his generation by his fellow airmen and cemented his reputation as a highly skilled fighter pilot and one of the best Hurricane Pilots in the country with the public thanks to his acts of bravery during the Battle of Britain. In this podcast we examine the man, his exploits and his post war friendship with Adolf Galland, his Luftwaffe opponent.

March's Navigator Highlights

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT

This month Navigator, the Museum's online collection, offers you two new highlights 'Escape and Invasion Aids' and 'Medals'. Escape and Evasion Aids: Alongside regular training, members of the RAF also received training in escape and evasion. MI9 was set up to provide this training during the Second World War, and it was also the provider of escape aids to Prisoners of War. Often manufacturers were commandeered under the Official Secrets Act to put escape and evasion materials into goods as they were produced. During the Second World War, 2,803 RAF aircrew that were shot down either escaped from captivity or evaded capture completely. This gave hope to the Allied Forces that were operating in enemy territory that it was possible to get home. Medals: The Museum's medal collection comprises a large variety of orders, decorations, campaign medals, long service medals, commemorative medals and international awards. These range from the Air Crew Europe Star, the rarest of the British Second World War campaign medals, awarded for a two month period of operational flying from United Kingdom bases over Europe between 3 September 1939 and 4 June 1944, to the Order of Lenin, the highest decoration awarded by the former Soviet Union.

Bader Logbook Now On Display To Public

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Douglas Robert Steuart Bader was born on 21st February 1910. At the age of thirteen, Douglas became interested in becoming a pilot in the Royal Air Force and was awarded one of six King's Cadetships to the Royal Air Force College at Cranwell in 1928. On graduating from Cranwell he joined No 23 Squadron as a member of the Squadron Aerobatic Team before losing both his legs in a crash on 14th December 1931 - the left below the knee, the right just above. In typical Bader style his diary notes "Crashed slow-rolling near the ground. Bad show." Invalided out of the RAF because of his injuries the outbreak of World War II and the subsequent shortage of experienced pilots gave Bader the opportunity to do what he loved the most - flying in the RAF. Swiftly promoted to command 242 Squadron Bader fought in the Battle of Britain throughout 1940 before bailing out over enemy territory in 1941 and being imprisoned in Colditz after several escape attempts from various Prisoner of War Camps. In this temporary display, located in Historic Hangars, commemorating the centenary of Bader's birth we examine the man, his achievements and will be placing on public view rarely seen artefacts including Bader's log book.

New Breakfast Service Launched By Wings

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT

From Monday 15th February Wings Restaurant will be offering a Breakfast Service to all our patrons from 10:00am in the morning until 11:30am after which our Lunch Service will start. So if you have had to skip breakfast in order to make an early start to reach us you can now enjoy a Full English Breakfast with the full works. Or, if you prefer, something lighter. What about our delicately seasoned scrambled eggs on a hot buttered bagel with a welcoming pot of tea? After which you will be free to explore our unparalleled collection of 100 aircraft without having to worry about the vagaries of a rumbling tum. Lush!

Podcast Competition - Who Has The Spirit Of ' The Few '?

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Yesterday we launched the latest podcast in our Battle of Britain series, with Sir Richard Branson narrating "Bader: Fighter,Pilot". We are currently in the process of recording the other podcasts in this series, to be uploaded late Spring, and, as a bit of fun, we would like to hear from you who you think should next 'celebrity' to record a podcast for our Battle of Britain Series. This person can be from popular culture, business, sport, politics or from one of the 3 Services - someone who you feel embodies the Bulldog Spirit of 'The Few', their dogged determination, or who ,like the RAF did in 1940, has overcome insurmountable odds to achieve success. If you would like to make a suggestion, please do so by either entering your nomination on our Facebook Fan Page together with your reason why or by going to Twitter and hashtagging 'rafmpodcasts' (#rafmpodcasts)with your suggestion by the end of February. Our 5 favourite suggestions will receive an adorable RAF Museum 2010 Teddy Bear (as pictured).

Branson Narrates Bader's Biography

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The Royal Air Force Museum is delighted to announce that as part of its monthly podcast series aviation entrepreneur and the founder of the Virgin Group Sir Richard Branson has generously given his time to narrate this month’s podcast “Bader: Fighter,Pilot”. The podcast was specially commissioned to mark the centenary of Bader’s birth on 21st February 2010 and forms part of the Museum’s commemoration of the former Battle of Britain pilot. It examines the life of Douglas Bader from his near fatal air crash in 1931 -with the loss of both his legs at the knee - through his wartime service as one of the highest scoring aces in the Battle of Britain and his subsequent efforts to escape from German captivity after being shot down and captured in August 1941.

Britain Loves Wikipedia

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Britain Loves Wikipedia is a scavenger hunt and free content photography contest running in museums and cultural institutions across the UK through out February. The aim is to increase the number of pictures available to illustrate Wikipedia articles, and to inspire new articles. The themes for this year will be Communication and Love, Conflict and Transport, Daily Life and Freedom. Which of our objects on display at our London site best illustrates these themes? Why not take a picture and submit it to Britain Loves Wikipedia? Which ever image from our London site is judged to be best by Britain Loves Wikipedia will win £100 worth of prizes from the Museum’s shop. Also to give you a little extra nudge on the weekend of 27th & 28th February we will be offering all photographers at the Museum a free tea or coffee with each hot main meal purchased. For competition rules and to download your voucher please go to www.britainloveswikipedia.org and get snap happy!

Calling All Group Travel Organisers

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMT

This year is the 70th anniversary year of the Battle of Britain. Accordingly, we have planned at our London site a full programme of events and exhibitions which will answer many of the questions that people will have about the Battle of Britain. All of these events, like entry to the museum will be free. To give your group an added incentive to visit us we have frozen until 31st March 2011 our 2009 catering charges on all pre-booked catering for groups made through our Refuel Meal Deal package and will be offering all coach drivers of groups over 20 who pre-register their visit with us a free lunch. To request information about our catering packages and our calendar of events, please call 020 8358 4849 or request a Groups Information Pack by clicking on the link below.

Museum Launches Battle Of Britain Podcast Series

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMT

2010 marks the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. To commemorate this defining moment in the history of the Royal Air Force, the Royal Air Force Museum has, today, launched the first of twelve monthly podcasts which will explore throughout 2010 the history and mythology behind this legendary aerial conflict. Deputy Director of the Museum, Air Vice-Marshal retired, Peter Dye states: “The Battle of Britain is so engrained in our national memory that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between fact and mythology. It was the RAF’s Finest Hour, when its fighter pilots, The Few, were all that stood between this small island nation and subjugation. The image of white contrails against the fierce blue sky of the English summer has come to symbolise the Battle. Such is popular memory; yet the fighting actually took place across much of the country – and not always against a blue sky."

R A F Photo Exhibition Set To Kick Up A Storm!

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The winning images from the Royal Air Force’s Photograph of the Year The winning images from the Royal Air Force’s Photograph of the Year Competition will be on view to members of the public at the RAF Museum from 16th January 2009. The Royal Air Force is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain this year and, as their finest visual communicators prepare for their skills to be in high demand covering a summer of national activity, RAF photographers are showing off their latest winning pictures at a unique exhibition of RAF Photography at the RAF Museum in North London opening on 16th January. The Royal Air Force currently has approximately 180 trained photographers all of whom have undertaken a 28 week training course at the Defence School of Photography at Cosford, which provides them with the skill and expertise to gain an NVQ Level 3 standard in Photography. RAF Warrant Officer Andy Whittle, said: ”These men and women have superb technical ability and take great pride in their role, striving to attain the highest standards of work in areas as diverse as aerial reconnaissance, portraiture, video, digital imagery, and ceremonial as well as completing tasks in support of the police, post crash management, engineering, medical and dental branches.”

Museum Launches Mobile Phone Website

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The Royal Air Force Museum is proud to announce the launch, today, of its mobile phone website – www.rafmuseum.mobi Aimed at the potential visitor who has to juggle family life with the various challenges of today’s frenetic lifestyle, this website tells them clearly and concisely the latest news and events taking place at the Museum’s London and Cosford sites; gives directions on how to reach either site via public or private transport and contains a direct dial option to either Museum’s switchboard in case they require further assistance. Deputy Director of the Museum, Peter Dye, comments: “ The launch of the Museum’s mobile phone website is in keeping with our policy of using technology to make our London and Cosford sites more accessible. With the increasing sophistication and reliability of mobile handsets we aim to enhance the experience of our many existing visitors and attract new users.

Enjoy London Conferencing Not London Pricing!

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMT

In these straightened times we all want value for money and quite often when hospitality budgets are being slashed that can mean settling for a venue that get's the job done rather than one that entertains and delights your guests and delegates. With this in mind the Royal Air Force Museum London has launched a range of affordable Day Delegate Rates and Meetings Packages starting from only £40.75 per person inclusive of VAT as we believe your delegates will be as delighted with the venue and the service that they receive as you will be with the price. Better yet, given that the Museum is only 10 minutes from Junction 4 of M1 and just 30 minutes from Central London reaching the venue quick and convenient...and unlike some London venues we are able to offer free secured parking for up to 200 delegates which, in the capital, is a real boon.

Women, The Royal Air Force Museum Needs You!

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The Royal Air Force Museum would love to hear anecdotes from any current or former female service personnel through the electronic version of its popular Women of the Air Force exhibition. All that you need to do is to submit your personal tale to the Women of The Air Force interactive forum. We'll check it for spelling and then post it online for visitors to our website to view sending you a quick email to let you know that it can now be seen. Nina Burls, the exhibition's Curator, stated: "The aim of Women of the Air Force is to address what has been perceived by many of our visitors to be a lack of representation given in the Museum's displays specifically to women whilst educating the public about how the roles of women in the Service have changed since the creation of the Women's Royal Air Force in 1918."

Historic Watchtower To Be Relocated And Renovated

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:00:00 GMT

St.George, London's leading mixed-use developer, and the Royal Air Force Museum, today on Monday 7 December, held a turf cutting ceremony to celebrate the beginning of the relocation and refurbishment of the historic Grahame-White Watchtower building from Beaufort Park to the Museum’s site. The redundant Watchtower building, built in 1911, was once the centre piece of the aviation pioneer Claude Grahame-White’s aircraft factory in Hendon and was home to the birth of British aviation. Flying from Hendon ceased in the late 1960’s and since then, the Watchtower has fallen into disrepair and is to be renovated and relocated to the adjacent museum by St. George. Image: Sir John Day unveiling project plaque(r), with Mayor of Barnet Councillor Brian Coleman and Ross Faragher Managing Director of St. George applauding.

Museum Launches Online Book Of Remembrance

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT

As part of its latest online exhibition, Lest We Forget, the Royal Air Force Museum has opened an electronic Book of Remembrance to commemorate the memory of those who have served in the Royal Air Force and its sister services, the Royal Flying Corps, the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and the Women’s Royal Air Force. Speaking about the online exhibition, Air Vice Marshal (retired) Peter Dye, the Head of the Museum’s Collections Division, stated: “Lest We Forget is a poignant and unflinching exhibition that highlights the sacrifices made by those that have served in the Royal Air Force since its formation more than 90 years ago. It invites us to reflect on the impact on families and loved ones; whilst exploring the invaluable work of the agencies and support networks that bring practical aid and comfort to those who have suffered bereavement."

Bomber Hall Audio Tours Now Avaliable

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:00:00 GMT

The Royal Air Force Museum London is proud to announce that it is the first museum in the country to install a new mobile phone based audio tour. Visitors to the Bomber Hall at the Museum can now dial a number on their phones and receive a commentary on the different exhibits by keying in the relevant number. The cost of such calls will be only at local rates or automatically deducted from your minutes plan. Alternatively, the tour can be downloaded from this website onto your Ipod or MP3 player and can be used in conjunction with the Museum's printed Guide Book to give you further insight into the Museum's historic collection.

Don't Forget, When Visiting, Our Society Of Friends' Museum Tours

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Don't forget that our Society of Friends offer informal tours of the Museum on a regular basis throughout the week which provide added insight into the aircraft in our collection.

To find out when these tours take place remember to examine the "What's On Today" boards located in the entrance areas of the Battle of Britain Hall and our Bomber Hall.

If the idea of working on one of our aircraft, marine craft or vehicles in your spare time appeals to you, our Society of Friends are looking for able bodied individuals to assist our curatorial team in their preservation and upkeep. No need for experience as training will be given - just the willingness to muck in and make new friends. For further information click on the link below