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Avro Lancaster Mk I

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1942-1970, London, Hangar Five, 74/A/12

This Avro Lancaster is a rare survivor of the Second World War and among the most significant aircraft in the RAF Museum’s collection. On average, a Lancaster’s life expectancy was 21 operational sorties, yet this Lancaster flew a total of 137.

Four-engined aircraft with propellers and camouflage pattern, © RAF Museum/Iain Duncan

Model GP, (Jeep)

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1942-1980, London, Hangar Five, 80/V/1288

Quarter-ton 4 x 4 general purpose vehicle manufactured by Ford Motor Company

Starboard view of Jeep, with serial 20399193-S on front hood quarter and the name 'Betty Grable' on rear-quarter, RAF Museum/Iain Duncan / RAF Museum

Rolls-Royce Merlin XX

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1942, London, Hangar Five, X001-2544

Although it was famous for powering Spitfires and Hurricanes, the Merlin was also used to power many bomber aircraft. The Merlin XX, fitted to the much larger Halifaxes and Lancasters, had a two-speed supercharger which improved performance at high altitude.

Engine on four-legged stand, RAF Museum / Iain Duncan

Propeller Blade from Handley Page Halifax W1041

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1942, London, Hangar Five, X002-3410

Four Halifaxes were lost during the 27–28 April 1942 attack on the German Battleship Tirpitz on the Norwegian Coast. This Rotol propeller blade is from the No. 10 Squadron Halifax W1041 piloted by Wing Commander Don Bennett. Don survived the crash and escaped to Sweden, later returning to the UK.

Propeller Blade from Handley Page Halifax W1041 | X002-3410, RAF Museum/Iain Duncan

Rolls-Royce Merlin 23

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1942-1945, London, Hangar Five, 65/E/161

Rolls Royce Merlins were one of the truly outstanding engines of the Second World War. They powered fighters like Spitfires and Hurricanes and bombers such as Lancasters and Halifaxes.

Image pending

Handley Page Halifax Mk II Series 1

Aircraft & Exhibits, 27 MAR 1942-27 APR 1942, London, Hangar Five, 73/A/1113

This Halifax served with No. 102 Squadron. On 27 April 1942, it flew its first operational mission – an attack on the German battleship Tirpitz that was moored in a Norwegian fjord. Damaged by anti-aircraft artillery, the aircraft made a forced landing on a frozen lake. One of the crew suffered a broken ankle and was taken prisoner. The other five, with the help of the Norwegian resistance, escaped to neutral Sweden. W1048 sank to the bottom of the fjord where it remained for the next 31 years.

Handley Page Halifax B.Mk.II on display at RAF Museum London, (C) RAF Museum/Iain Duncan / RAF Museum

Operations Room Projector

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1943-1945, London, Hangar Five, 1998/0189/I

The defence of German airspace was controlled from operations rooms or ‘battle opera houses’. Here, projectors were used to present an overview of the situation on a large map so that an overall defensive strategy could be directed.

Metal projecting tube with slot for slide towards rear. Length of electrical cable.  Shaped wooden handle at rear, RAF Museum/Iain Duncan

Wall Mural of No 199 Squadron Stirling LJ531

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1943-1945, London, Hangar Five, X002-3414

In 1983 a team of local volunteers and businesses, led by John Reid, worked to save the Stirling wall painting at the former station of RAF North Creake. The whole mural was safely stabilised and removed. The following June, it was unveiled at the RAF Museum and dedicated as a memorial to the lost crew and those who served in No. 100 Group during the war.

Painted wall section showing a four engine bomber with code EX N and RAF roundel, IAIN DUNCAN

GEE Ground Transmitter Type T1365

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1943-1970, London, Hangar Five, 70/R/248

GEE was a navigation aid which a navigator could use to establish their position in relation to series of radio ground transmitters.

Image pending

Airspeed Oxford Mk. I MP425

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1943-1969, London, Hangar Five, 69/A/909

The Airspeed Oxford was the Royal Air Force’s first twin-engine monoplane advanced trainer. It entered service with the Central Flying School in November 1937.

Side view of Airspeed Oxford I on display at RAF Museum London, © RAF Museum/Iain Duncan / u00a9 RAF Museum / Iain Duncan