Plan your day, see when the RAF Museum Cosford is open. Contact us on 01902 376 200 or cosford@rafmuseum.org
How to find us and travel to the RAF Museum Cosford by car, train, bus or bike.
Enjoy lunch in the Refuel Restaurant with views overlooking the airfield. The Citroen Van in the National Cold War Exhibition is ideal for morning coffee and a cake.
The Royal Air Force Museum Shop has a gift for everyone from pocket money toys to specialist aviation gifts.
A car parking charge Is payable
See what events are scheduled at Cosford
Find out the latest news and updates for our Cosford site
Plan a day, see the opening hours & closure dates for RAF Museum London. Contact us on 020 8205 2266 or london@rafmuseum.org
How to find us and travel to the RAF Museum London by car, train, bus or bike.
When you need to refuel during your visit why not visit the Wessex Café in Historic Hangars? At this eatery you will find a variety of delicious home-made offerings to suit all tastes and pockets
The Royal Air Force Museum Shop has a gift for everyone one from pocket money toys to specialist aviation gifts.
See what events are planned at our London site
Read the latest news from our London Museum
Lancaster Membership has been designed for people that wish to support the Museum from afar
Lightning Membership has been designed for people that wish to visit the Museum regularly
RADAR Magazine is a thrice yearly publication of the RAF Museum, bringing you access behind-the-scene
Two of our Trustees set out on an epic walk-a-thon in aid of the RAF Museum Centenary Programme.
Join the RAF Museum as a volunteer and create a unique experience for yourself and our visitors. Bring your enthusiasm, knowledge and skills or try something new.
Without you assistance we would not be able to care for our collections, read our varied audiences or share our objects with a world wide audience.
If you have any questions about supporting the RAF Museum, here you can find out how to contact our Fundraising Department.
The Royal Air Force Museum American Foundation ensures that the shared aviation heritage of the USA and the UK is kept alive in the memories of our two great nations.
By 1918 the Royal Air Force had become the first independent, and the most powerful, air force in the world, with about 22,000 aircraft (3300 in operational squadrons) and nearly 300,000 officers and men.
Government contracts for aircraft and equipment were abruptly terminated. The RAF was quickly reduced from its wartime strength of 204 squadrons to a mere 29 in March 1920. Of these seven existed as cadres and the remaining twenty two were under strength. Eight were in the United Kingdom, eight in India, six in Egypt, two in Ireland, two in Iraq, one in Malta, one in Palestine and one in Germany. Personnel were cut to 31,500 officers and men.
The November 1918 Armistice brought demobilisation, peacetime contraction and renewed inter-Service rivalry; it seemed all to possible that the new service would be reclaimed by the War Office and Admiralty.
There were several reasons why the RAF did survive during the early 1920s. Influential political allies, a forceful leader in Trenchard and perhaps most importantly it was able to demonstrate the advantages of the aeroplane in providing a cheaper solution to the ever present task of pacifying rebellions in the more remote areas of the Empire.
Many of the new types which entered service in 1918, such as the DH.10 shown here, remained in service for a very short time.
While many new types were quickly withdrawn from service others were retained. The Bristol Fighter entered service in 1917 and remained in service until 1932.
Armoured car units were formed in Iraq and Palestine to assist the RAF in its new role as a colonial policeman.
Hugh Trenchard was responsible for the formation of the RAF and the first Chief of the Air Staff. Although he resigned in 1918 he resumed the post in 1919 until his retirement in 1929.
Learn about aviation pioneers at our London site
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Learn the story of Cold War personalities at Cosford
Great aviation gift ideas for all the family
Jam packed full of aviation gifts galore
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Fascinating workshops to inspire the next generation
Discover the RAF’s unique story
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