Online exhibitions

2012 is the centenary of the formation of the Royal flying Corps which six years later would become the Royal Air Force.  Using material from the Museum's Archive collection this exhibition highlights the development of military aviation in Britain from its beginnings in 1862 up until the early years of the RFC prior to the outbreak of World War One.
Visit the Royal Flying Corps Centenary Exhibition

The Polish Air Force in the Second World War

During the Second World War, the Royal Air Force welcomed into its ranks thousands of exiles from German-occupied Poland. Polish personnel served in all RAF commands and in all theatres, and earned a reputation for exceptional courage and devotion to duty.
Visit the Polish Air Force in the Second World War Exhibition

Taking Flight - Flying Training in the RAF

Using material from the Museum's Archive collection this exhibition highlights how Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force personnel have learnt to fly since the pioneering years of flight to the present day.
Visit the Taking Flight Exhibition

History of the Battle of Britain

In this online exhibition we examine the economic factors and political forces that lead to the outbreak of World War 2 in 1939 and the Battle of Britain in 1940, before examining the phases of the Battle and its importance in preventing the invasion of the United Kingdom by German Forces in the autumn of that year.
Visit the History of the Battle of Britain Exhibition

Douglas Bader: Fighter, Pilot

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.
Visit the Douglas Bader Exhibition

Women of the Air Force

Over the last hundred years, the role of women within society has changed radically. This is particularly true in relation to Britain's Armed Forces. In this exhibition we examine the various roles that women have undertaken during the Royal Air Force's history and how the role of women in the Air Force has changed to reflect the Service's requirements.
Visit the Women of the Air Force Exhibition

Lest We Forget

In this online exhibition, Lest We Forget, we examine the sacrifices made during human conflict; inviting online visitors to reflect on the loss of the individual and the impact that their departure has on their families and loved ones. We also explore the importance of Remembrance through podcasts and celebrate the life of Henry Allingham.
Visit the Lest We Forget Exhibition

Americans in the Royal Air Force

In this exhibition we honour those American pilots who joined the Royal Air Force to defend the United Kingdom during the First and Second World Wars - men such as Olympian and Playboy Billy Fiske "an American Citizen, who died that England might live" and women such as Jackie Cochrane who were instrumental in sourcing American female pilots for the Air Transport Auxiliary.
Visit the Americans in the RAF Exhibition