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WELCOME TO NORTH WEALD AIRFIELD MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL
The museum is housed in the former RAF North Weald Station Office. It is adjacent to what was the main entrance to this former Battle of Britain Fighter Station.
North Weald Airfield Museum is about people. It's about the service personnel and civilians, who have lived, worked, flown, fought and died here since the airfield opened in 1916. This means that 2006 was:
The 90th Anniversary of the opening of the Airfield
An event was held over the weekend 18th - 20th August, 2006. The Norwegians, whose Squadrons had been at North Weald longer than any others, visited. The group consisted of 20 veterans, 8 members of the Royal Norwegian Air Force and two officials from the Bodo Air Museum. So important is North Weald to the Norwegians that the representatives from the air force were headed by Major General Stein Nordland, Head of the Royal Norwegian Air Force. To see a group photograph of the visitors Click here.
The museum has a regular members publication, "The Hurricane". To see a typical issue go to Hurricane. Future copies of The Hurricane can be obtained by becoming a member of the Museum. For an application form go to Application.
As part of the 90 year celebrations a DVD telling the story of North Weald Airfield has been produced. For details of this go to DVD. There are also projects independent of the airfield museum to celebrate the anniversary. To find out details of one of these go to 90th Anniversary.
The museum sets out to tell their story of a famous airfield that has protected London during two world wars.
The story is told in displays, with photographs, artefacts and personal memories.
A particular feature of the museum is the detailed history of the airfield, from the time it opened until the RAF left in 1964. It is without doubt one of the best documented former RAF stations.
One of the main purposes of the Museum is to provide educational facilities for schools and other groups. For details go to Education.
During the Winter Season the Museum holds Members Evenings.
The museum has a close relationship with airfield activities including The Squadron Club. To find out about the club go to Squadron. Another activity essential to the safe operation of the airfield is the North Weald Fire Rescue, manned by volunteers. To find out about it go to Fire Rescue
Sunday 18th May 2008 was a special day at the airfield. A full size replica Hurricane that will later in the year be installed as a "Gate Guardian" at the entrance to the airfield was dedicated. The RAF Memorial flight attended. To read about this event and see pictures of the Hurricane and other aircraft involved go to Gate Guardian.
The year 2000 was the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. North Weald Airfield played a key role in the skies above Essex and Southeast England. The museum mounted an exhibition and this can still be seen in the Battle of Britain room. Read about the airfields part in the Battle.
Peter Robinson was a North Weald Hurricane pilot who fought in the Battle of Britain. He was killed in action the following year and is buried in North Weald parish churchyard. His sister has provided the museum with his family story. To read this go to Peter Robinson.
William Blair Pattullo was another North Weald pilot who fought in the Battle of Britain. He was killed in the Battle and is also buried in North Weald parish churchyard. A plaque has been unveiled on the house he crashed into. To read about the unveiling go to William Blair Patullo
If you would like to know more about the Battle of Britain visit the Battle of Britain web site.
The first fighter pilot killed in WWII took off from North Weald on the third day of the war. He is buried in the local St Andrews Parish Churchyard. To find out more go to Battle of Barking Creek.
In 1941, before America entered the war, two American "Eagle" Squadrons, 71 and 121, were stationed here. 2001 was their 60th anniversary. For further information go to Eagle Squadrons.
Saturday 16th March 2002 saw the farewell visit to North Weald and the museum of 72 Squadron, complete with two Wessex helicopters. For photographs of the occasion and the farewell flypast on 27th March 2002 Click here.
In 1942 the Norwegians arrived at North Weald. The 19th of June 2002 was the 60th anniversary. It was celebrated at North Weald with a ceremony and a visit by six veteran spitfire pilots of the period. For further information go to Norwegian Anniversary.
On 3rd September 2000 a permanent memorial was dedicated adjacent to the museum to commemorate the part played by the people of RAF North Weald and in particular those who lost their lives in serving it. For details go to Memorial . Further information and related publications go to After the Battle.
Now North Weald Airfield is under threat - again. Despite its unique features current development studies for the Southeast see it is seen as an ideal location for housing development. Go to Airfield Threat.
To appreciate why North Weald Airfield is at the very heart of the community of North Weald read a recently published article in the parish magazine "Our Historic Airfield"
Two museum members recently visited the small Australian country town of Temora. Here there is the Temora Aviation Museum. Among many historic aircraft there are the only two flying Spitfires in Australia. For a brief description Click here or go the Temora Aviation Museum web site.
In 2007 it will be open on Saturdays and Sundays and most bank holidays from April to October. It can be opened at other times by prior arrangement. Groups are especially welcome.
To send a Message to the Museum go to Contact . To download an Membership Application form go to Application.
The Eastern Region of the Spitfire Society use the museum premises for some meetings.
If you are interested in other local museums visit the Epping Forest District Museum.
North Weald Airfield Museum Association is a Registered Charity, Number 1081157, a Registed Museum and is grant aided by Epping Forest District Council and North Weald Parish Council.
Contact Information:
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