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About The First World War in the Air exhibition

 
 
Gallery View 1
Gallery View 1
Eleven years after the first powered flight, aviation emerged as a force capable of changing the face of battle. In 1914 the Royal Flying Corps numbered just 1,500 people. By 1918, when the Royal Air Force was created, this had grown to more than 205,000. The full strategic value of air power had become all too evident – both on the battlefield and on the Home Front.

Starting in late 2014, the compelling story of the First World War in the Air will be revealed in a new exhibition at both of the Royal Air Force Museum’s sites at Colindale, North London and Cosford, Shropshire.
Visitors can discover how the intrepid efforts of those Service men listed within RAF Storyvault were supported by the introduction of new technologies for aerial reconnaissance, bombing and fighting as strategic imperatives changed the role of pilots and the teams that supported them.

Personal artefacts including medals, love letters and uniforms, will be displayed alongside the world’s largest collection of First World War aircraft, bringing moving and inspiring stories to life – whilst ensuring that the bravery and sacrifice of these aviation pioneers will never be forgotten.
Gallery View 2
Gallery View 2

The Museum’s ‘First World War in the Air’ exhibitions are supported by the United Kingdom’s Heritage Lottery Fund and BAE Systems.

Keep up to date with the exhibition’s latest developments: sign up to our monthly e-newsletter, here.