Location : Imperial War Museum North, Old Trafford, Manchester
Destination : RAF Museum, Cosford, Shropshire
Bill by the RAF Twin-propped Bomber – and it wasn’t raining!
Having done the Great Orme (see here) Bill Nigel and me meet up for a trip to the Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford, Shropshire.
Travelling down the M6 from Manchester and then the M42 we reached our destination, despite queues and roadworks.
Upon arriving at RAF Cosford, we enjoy a bite to eat in the form of soup and a roll in the café. I had the Tomato (V.Nice!)
Then we hit the Galleries. Each hangar told the tale of planes that flew in the first and second world wars, as well as some of the individuals that took part in their operation. A mini timeline, similar to that of IWM North’s Main exhibition space (only a lot smaller) told the history of the RAF from its earliest time as the Royal Flying Corps all the way to the role played in more recent conflict in the Middle east.
Experimental Aircraft
I particularly enjoyed the Test flight Gallery. This explained the developmental process behind Planes like the Spitfire and the Harrier Jump Jet .
Nigel taking shots of the aircraft….
War in the Air had both Allied and German Planes on display as we read how they came to be, and their roles in the Battle of Britain and beyond. I’m pleased to say I saw a Supermarine Spitfire up close whilst walking round the exhibit, and the one I saw was the oldest surviving model in the world
All planes have to have something to make them tick – and Cosford’s collection delves deep into many of the engines that got them going.
I also viewed the artillery used by the RAF Regiment – The Air force soldiers who are assigned to protect the airfields.
It was a most enjoyable day – a pin, bookmark and mug – as well as my photos will remind me of viewing some great pieces of aviation history….just need to get the photos off the camera now 🙂
Something for Historical scholars to spot – my pic shows a statue of Lenin in the distance – but can you spot the other Russian leaders in this pic ?
This is a picture of a Barrage Balloon, It was used (alongside many others) to provide cover against enemy bombing attacks on Britain during world war II.
Despite its size and volume these balloons were terribly lightweight and required teams of operators to anchor them and keep them in position.
They were used in areas of strategic importance , such as Runways , Railways and Docks. The port of Manchester was considered a key target for the enemy airplanes in World War II because of the vast amount of goods coming through it.
The one you see on here , is part of Imperial War Museum North’s Large object collection where the balloon operators tale is one of many displayed throughout the Museum’s Main Exhibition Space
Hey! Over Here! Yeah, man its me!
I’m hiding, in plain sight, out here in the sea.
A product of Her Majesty’s Royal Navy
(but one you can’t spot – on that we’ll agree)
I’ll hide to protect you,
by day or by night.
With my dazzling colours i’ll avoid a fight.
Coloured like sea, so when the sun is so bright
the enemy spotters wont see me right.
And up on my decks, observe the ranks –
Jungle coloured RVs and Desert coloured Tanks
Hiding away, and really hard to see
Ready for missions against the enemy.
But its not just us hiding – take a look in the air,
and catch a glimpse of our flying friends if you care.
You may catch a sight of their trails in the sky,
but by the time you have noticed – they’ve passed you by.
So all keep your eyes peeled,
and don’t let them veer
One Minute I’ll be there,
Then the next – Disappear!
The Harrier Jump Jet – On display at the front of the Main Exhibition Space, IWM North.
Harrier
Hello chaps! all you down there
Tis I, the mechanical bird in th’air
protecting you all at night and day
keeping enemy forces at bay
Armed only with the best weaponry –
I carry tactical rockets you see!
But my best qualities are in th’movement in air
passing over forests and mountains wi’ flair
I can take off from ships , both large and of small
my take off system’s the best of them all
One blast from my jets and up i do go
so i can look for the enemy foe
And whether its land, or down on the sea
my pals on the ground are glad to see me
as i help them out, ‘gainst enemy
and provide them some cover from over the trees
And when i’ve provided my air support
i’ll head off back to carrier or port
before a new mission, another sortie
keeping you safe, out over the sea.
