RAF Cosford set to commemorate Battle of Britain

The Royal Air Force Museum at Cosford will be commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with a weekend of events and exhibitions later this month.

One of the highlights of the spectacular, to be held on September 11 and 12, will be a fly-past by a Dakota from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The Dakota is due to fly, weather permitting, on both days of the event which will also see the launch of two new exhibitions.

The first will feature 51 Guild of Aviation Artists paintings themed around the Battle of Britain in Hangar One.

The second show will also be in Hangar One and will focus on Battle of Britain pilot Douglas Bader who, despite losing both his legs in early adulthood, went on to become a Battle of Britain ace.

Activities taking place over the weekend will include regular Merlin and Griffon engine demonstrations lasting about 30 minutes and, on the Sunday, a one-hour performance from the RAF Band.

There will also be the chance to see how a World War Two emergency operations room worked, plus the opportunity to meet Winston Churchill and a WAAF, brought to life by re-enactors.

The Large Model Association will have a display of Battle of Britain aircraft, including a 17ft Wellington, a Lancaster, a Spitfire and a Heinkel German Bomber while the museum's actual Wellington Bomber will be brought out of the conservation centre especially for the weekend, weather permitting.

The outing will provide visitors with the opportunity to have a first glimpse of the aircraft since its arrival at Cosford in June.

Also on display will be a selection of 1940s military vehicles and the National Cold War Exhibition will be hosting a series of presentations about the Battle of Britain.

A team from Bantock House will also demonstrate the art of making rag rugs, a popular pastime during the war years, and a land army re-enactment group will be "digging for victory" in the museum's wartime garden.

There will be a number of events designed to entertain younger visitors.

The museum restaurant will also get in on the act, offering some culinary delights with its wartime menu and visitors will also be able to dine in true street party style.

Visitors are also welcome to dress up for the occasion in their 1940s clothing.

For more details, visit the museum's website at www.rafmuseum.org