In November 2012 we asked the public to vote on a selection of First World War objects that they would like to see displayed in our 'First World War in the Air' exhibition which we will be unveiling to the public later this year. ...
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'Fums Up' aircraft nameboard
This sign belonged to 2nd Lieutenant John Raymond Chisman, who served with 204 Squadron, RAF, in 1918. He flew a number of Sopwith Camels whilst with the squadron - all named 'Fums Up!' after a phrase his sister used to sign-off letters to him.
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52 Squadron concert programme
Programme for 52 Squadron"s concert, "Somewhere in France", 1917. Programmes such as this were created in the field to accompany spontaneous entertainment events that were produced by the servicemen themselves.
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Aerial photography
In this photograph, Lt S.C. Thynne RFC demonstrates the use of a hand-held camera for photographic reconnaissance in the back seat of a Nieuport aircraft. Lieutenant-Colonel J.T.C. Moore-Brabazon designed the first effective aerial camera in 1915.
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Aerial reconnaissance sketch from the Battle of Mons, 1914
From the early days of the war the Royal Flying Corps was very much 'the eyes of the army'. Reconnaissance was often gathered by simply sketching enemy positions. The information gained by the RFC at Mons played a crucial role in controlling operations on the ground.
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Air diagram warning pilots to 'Beware of the Hun in the Sun'
Beware of the Hun in the Sun' is perhaps the most famous phrase in the history of military aviation and is a lesson which is as valid for today’s military pilots as it was in the First World War. ...
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Aircraft repair depot
Photograph of a very active Aircraft Repair Depot at Rand-du-Fliers, 12 July 1918. The speed with which aircraft could be repaired and returned to front line service was an important factor in the effectiveness of the Royal Air Force.
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Airship control car
This photograph is of a B.E.2c fuselage, a control car for a Sea Scout Type airship. The Royal Naval Air Service employed these SS Type airships to seek out enemy submarines at sea.
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Airship navigator's lamp
Dating from 1917, this is a Navigator's lamp from a German Schütte-Lanz (SL) type airship. SL 11 was the first airship to be shot down over Britain (although we do not know to which SL this lamp belonged).
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Anti-airship incendiary
In addition to anti-airship operations conducted by the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service (flights, balloon aprons and artillery) this anti-airship incendiary device was developed by the Royal Laboratory, Woolwich. ...
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Armistice message
RAF phonogram from the Vice Admiral, Dover Patrol to the Officer Commanding 5th Group giving details of the Armistice, 1918. A phonogram was a form of telegram, where half of the message’s journey was made by telephone and the other half by telegram. ...
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Armoury
This photograph, taken at Vert Galant in France, features armourers issuing Lewis guns to observers and pilots of 22 Squadron.
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Avro 504K
The Avro 504 was produced in larger numbers than any other aircraft of the First World War. Due to the variety of engines installed in contemporary training aircraft, Avro fitted the 504K with an engine mounting that adapted to carry any power plant that was available. ...
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Belgian banknote
Pay for other ranks in the Royal Air Force ranged from 1 shilling (5p) per day for a Boy to 9 (45p) shillings for a Chief Master Mechanic. Personnel serving overseas were paid in local currency, such as this well worn Belgian bank note from 1916.
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Bessonneau hangar
Designed by Julien Bessonneau, the Bessonneau hangar was used extensively by the British and French air forces to house aircraft. It was often used as a temporary structure at Aircraft Acceptance Parks. Some remained in RAF service until the early 1990s.
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Boddy lifejacket
The Boddy lifejacket was originally invented by George Mallory Boddy in 1914. It was designed to keep the wearer afloat and face upwards if they were brought down at sea. The Royal Flying Corps formally adopted the Boddy No. ...
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British aircraft rudder (Sopwith Snipe)
This rudder is from Sopwith Snipe E7604, built by the Ruston & Proctor Company on 20 March 1918 under contract 35a/433/c301. In conjunction with the ailerons (moveable flaps on the wings) and elevators (moveable flaps located on the tailplane), ...
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Camouflage aircraft fabric (German)
Fragment of lozenge pattern camouflage on linen cut from an aircraft brought down by Lieutenant P.B. Townsend, 12 Squadron, in 1918.
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Casualty card (one of 55,000)
One of nearly 55,000 casualty cards held by the Royal Air Force Museum. The cards record a wide range of incidents, from deaths in aerial combat to off-duty dancing mishaps.
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Caudron G.3
The Caudron G.3 was a French aircraft used in small numbers by the Royal Flying Corps during the early years of the war. It was used initially for reconnaissance missions, but was gradually withdrawn from front-line duty to become a trainer.