Showing 11 to 20 of 187 search results

Pilot's flying log book of Squadron Leader Harold Arthur Cooper Bird-Wilson, 28 September 1937-18 June 1943

Archives, 28 SEP 1937-18 JUN 1943, In Storage, X003-7892/001/001

Bird-Wilson joined the RAF in 1937, after completing his flying training he was posted to No.17 Squadron. In September 1938, Brid Wilson was involved in a crash and suffered severe facial injuries, undergoing pioneering plastic surgery.

Two pilots flying log books bound together in black leather. See documentation tab for digital copy, Two pilots flying log books bound together in black leather. See documentation tab for digital copy

Fordson Sussex fitted with a Wild Balloon Winch

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1938-1945, London, Hangar Five, 1995/0886/V

Balloons were an important deterrent to low-level attack, usually sited on the approach to important targets. If an aircraft hit the balloon's cable, it would then be cut by explosive links, which in turn activated two parachutes. These would rapidly slow the aircraft, forcing it to stall and crash.

Six-wheeled dark grey metal vehicle with wire cage behind the driver's cab, © RAF Museum

Plotting Block, Friendly Forces

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1939-1945, Cosford, Hangar Two, X008-4179

Plotting blocks and counters were used in Operations Rooms in the Second World War and particularly in the Battle of Britain to track the movements of incoming formations of enemy aircraft.

Wooden triangular prism-shaped block displaying numbers over two rows, with a metal rod topped by a yellow card, © RAF Museum

Plotting Block, Hostile Raid

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1939-1945, Cosford, Hangar Two, X002-6553

Plotting blocks and counters were used in Operations Rooms in the Second World War and particularly in the Battle of Britain to track the movements of incoming formations of enemy aircraft.

Wooden triangular prism-shaped block displaying numbers over two rows: ‘H01’ on yellow cards and ‘40+’ on blue cards, © RAF Museum

Air Raid Protection First Aid Box

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1939-1945, London, Hangar Five, 1995/0385/S

During the Second World War Air Raid Protection (ARP) Wardens kept first aid boxes at their posts to provide immediate medical assistance following an enemy attack. These boxes contained supplies such as bandages and dressings and a first aid handbook.

Black metal box with a red stripe and white 'A R P' hand-painted on the front under two clasps; a handle on each side, © RAF Museum

Supermarine Spitfire Mark I

Aircraft & Exhibits, APR 1939-NOV 1971, Cosford, Hangar Two, 72/A/263

More than any other aircraft, the Spitfire has become a much-loved symbol of winning against the odds. Designed by RJ Mitchell, its speed, agility and firepower made it one of the RAF's leading fighter aircraft of the Second World War.

Single engine aircraft with propeller and camouflage pattern, © RAF Museum

Plotting Block, Hostile Raid

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1939-1945, London, Hangar Five, X002-6552

Plotting blocks and counters were used in Operations Rooms in the Second World War and particularly in the Battle of Britain to track the movements of incoming formations of enemy aircraft.

Wooden triangular prism-shaped block displaying numbers over two rows: ‘809’ on yellow cards and ‘30+’ on blue cards, © RAF Museum

Westland Lysander Mk. III

Aircraft & Exhibits, AUG 1940-1971, In Storage, 74/A/21

Westland Lysanders are best known for transporting secret agents to and from occupied France during the Second World War. This Lysander first flew with No. 255 Squadron in 1940, but later flew with No. 161 (Special Duties) Squadron from October 1944.

Port side view of Westland Lysander on a white background., © RAF Museum

The Enigma Machine

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1940-1945, London, Hangar Five, 82/R/503

Engima was the trade name for the cypher machine used by the Germans to code their communications, the codes of which changed daily. British listening stations intercepted messages which were then passed to cryptographers at the Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park to decode.

Metal machine with individual keys for each letter and interconnecting wires, inside a wooden box, © RAF Museum

Boulton Paul Defiant Mark I

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1940-1944, Cosford, Hangar Two, 74/A/16

The Defiant introduced a new tactical concept in two-seat RAF fighter design by concentrating all armament in a four-gun turret behind the cockpit. During the Battle of Britain, it proved no match for German fighters and was quickly withdrawn from daylight operations and moved to a night-fighter role.

Single engine aircraft with propeller and black wings and body, © RAF Museum