October 21st, , 2011: Part II: London on Pass - Royal Airforce Museum

My last stop on the London Pass was a place that reminded me why I am inspired by my Dad - and also why I wanted to be in the Air Force so much. I spent the rest of the afternoon at the Royal Air Force Museum.

I have to admit I was not prepared for the four hangers worth of aircraft that was at the Museum. However, there are definitely impressive pieces of machinery that would be amazing to see in the aiar and in use. 

Of course they have - wall mounted - the most important aircraft in Biritain: The Spitfire. 

Spitfire - aptly named - is responsible for saving England in the Battle of Britain in 1940. In terms of build and hanldling the Spitfire was the best  one pilot aircraft of it's time in terms of speed and maneuverability.

 Also present in the museum is a board explaining the emblems of the planes and models as well as the emblem for who would be flying them.

The emblems are above are for: Royal Flying Corps Roundel (1915-1918)/ Early War Modified  RAF Roundel (1939-1941) & the Royal Australian Air Force Roundel (1942-1945).

Listed are: Royal Naval Air Service Roundel (1914-15)/ Royal Flying Corps Roundel (1916-1918)/  RAF Fusalage Roundel (1942-1947) & Royal Aircraft Establishment Roundel (1945).

Modified Royal Naval Air Service Roundel (1915)/ Royal Flying Corps Roundel (1916-1918) / RAF Under-wing Roundel (1942-1947) & Post Royal Air Force Roundel (1947 - Present). 

I am all about the Bombers!: Night Flying Roundel (1916-1918)/ RAF Upper-wing Roundel (1937-1945 & Royal Air Force V-Bomber Roundel (1955-1964).

(I'm always wanted to be bomber pilot) Night Bomber Roundel (1918-1938)/ South East Asia Command Roundel (1942-1945) & Modern Low Visability Roundel (1990 - Present).

You may be wondering: Why are these symbols important?  I will tell you! Every plane used in ally ship or by the British Royal Air Force and Navy has one of these symbols on them - even the American Bombers. The symbol denotes who flew them and which branch of the Force they were affiliated with. 


As you see above, with the Spitfire, the museum is laid out like a base. The planes are kept in hangars which can be closed off from on another by doors. There are four hangers worth of planes and other aircraft - inducing replicas of The Wright Flyer and Parachute Balloons. Aside from those there are aircraft from all eras and each has an explanation of the innovation it brought to flying and warfare. 

The Wright Flyer. If it weren't for them aviation wouldn't have kicked off.

Hawker Hart is one of the most adaptable bi-planes in existence. It was used mainly in the 1930s and could out maneuver just about any fighter planes. This plane allows the Royal Air Force to operate in countries that were previously closed to them.

The Lancaster Heavy Bomber. This is another  reason I love bombers. Look at that craftsman ship.

Hopefully you can see the back of the plane so you can get some perspective on the size of it.

Along with the jets and combat and rescue aircraft there is a short board-exhibiton on the WAAF - the  Woman's Air Force. Two of the most influential woman are pictured below. The WAAF is one of the reasons I've always wanted to be a pilot of a bomber - and also because they pioneered a change in the way women were viewed. 

Dame Katherine Trefuesis- Forbes was the first female Commandment and Director of the WAAF. She worked in the organization from 1939-1943.

Commanndent Dame Helen Gwynne-Vaughn director of the WAFF from September 1918 to December 1919.

Along with information on the WAAF the museum also has a great children's centre that gets kids involved and interested in Aviation. There are also a few simulator rides at the museum - although I was hoping for an actual Flight Simulator but oh well it was still fun.


The museum is worth a visit for Aviators and those interested in war history alike.There's even a hanger showcasing aviation milestones in American aviation. 

The Thunderbolt above was introduced to the RAF in 1944 and had proven itself beforehand in the American Army Air Force. This was milestone because it was a fighter/bomber that could perform well on low altitudes and in long range making good for Hurricane fighting.  It was used against the Japanese Fliers.

This is the Harvard the first American aircraft to be comissioned for use by the RAF. They were used until the 1950s.

So, as you can see, there is just about everything to entertain aviators and their families. It is worth the visit. 


~ H.C.