Sopwith F1 Camel
Meet the agile fighter that became the highest-scoring British aircraft of the First World War.
AircraftFind out moreOnly 11 years after the first powered flight, aviation became a vital part of the First World War. Explore how aircraft developed from fragile reconnaissance machines into fighters and bombers, transforming warfare in the air and on the ground. The exhibition brings together an outstanding collection of First World War aircraft with medals, uniforms, diaries, letters and other personal objects. Discover the experiences of pilots, observers, engineers and the men and women who supported operations on the ground. Their stories reveal the rapid development of military aviation and commemorate the courage, innovation and sacrifice of the pioneers who helped shape the Royal Air Force.
Highlights
Fokker D.VII
Examine one of the First World War’s finest German fighters and its advanced construction.
AircraftFind out more
Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2b
Discover the two-seat aircraft that served as a fighter, escort and night bomber.
AircraftFind out moreExplore the skies and uncover the immense history of the RAF
Book your free entryKey objects
Report by General Smuts
Discover the document that proposed an independent air service and helped create the RAF.
ArtefactFind out more
The Red Baron’s Blue Dog
See the tiny glass mascot inspired by the Red Baron’s beloved Great Dane.
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Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps Uniform
Explore a uniform worn by a woman supporting Royal Flying Corps operations on the ground.
ArtefactFind out moreFeature people
Major Edward “Mick” Mannock VC
Meet Major ''Mick'' Mannock, one of Britain’s most decorated First World War fighter pilots.
BlogFind out more
Grace Mary Berry: WRAF Driver
Read Grace Mary Berry’s diary and discover everyday life in the Women’s Royal Air Force.
BlogFind out moreResources
RFC/RAF Turnberry
The Royal Flying Corps established an Aerial Fighting and Gunnery School at Turnberry in January 1917.
The school helped prepare personnel for the rapidly changing demands of aerial warfare. Pilots and aircrew needed to understand new aircraft, weapons and tactics before joining operational units.
The site continued until the end of the war and later became associated with civil and military aviation again.
This Scottish Aviation and STEM Trail resource connects the exhibition’s aircraft and stories with a real First World War training landscape.
Explore RFC Turnberry