The Army Flying Museum in Hampshire tells the story of aviation in the British Army.
Aircraft Hall at the Army Flying Museum, Middle Wallop
The Army Flying Museum is located next to the Army Air Corps Centre in Middle Wallop. It covers the history of British Army Aviation from the Royal Engineers Balloon sections through the establishment of the Royal Flying Corps, the Air Observation Post (AOP) Squadrons and Glider Pilot Regiment to the establishment of the Army Air Corps. As can be expected in an aviation museum there are a nice selection of aircraft for the visitor to examine. But in addition there is a great selection of uniforms, insignia and equipment related to the history and operational deployments of the various units represented in the museum. This includes some absolutely unique items such as the original proposed design for the Air Observation Post Pilots qualification that was prototyped by the Royal School of Needlework in 1940. A one off and very interesting piece of insignia.
The original Air Observation Post badge designed by Capt. J.R. Ingram (Royal Artillery) of 657 Air OP Sqn and embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework in 1940. It was submitted as a design for an Air OP pilot’s flying badge, but the war office had already decided to have one Army Flying Badge for both the Air OP and Glider pilots and so it was not approved.
The displays are well organized and there is a wealth of information to support the artifacts on display. For a collector with an interest in military aviation or the Allied airborne operations in World War 2 this museum is definitely worth a visit.
Aircraft Hall at the Museum of Army Flying, Middle Wallop
Aircraft Hall at the Museum of Army Flying, Middle WallopAircraft Hall at the Museum of Army Flying, Middle WallopPost 1945 Galleries at the Museum of Army FlyingEarly WW2 German airborne forces uniformWW2 period Glider Pilot Regiment battledress uniformGlider Pilot crash helmet belonging to Staff Sergeant ‘Jock’ East GPR who served in Sicily and Arnhem. These helmets combined a fibre motorcycle helmet and a flying helmet with headphones for communications.WW2 period Army Flying BadgeNorthern Ireland display Iraq 2003 displayIraq 2003 displayApache pilot’s life support jacket and associated items used in Afghanistan.Apache pilot – Afghanistan.Royal Marines pilotUniform worn by the Royal Engineers Balloon SectionRoyal Flying Corps PilotRoyal Flying Corps pilotWW2 period Air Observation Post Squadron pilot (Royal Artillery)WW2 period Glider PilotAOP Squadron pilot
WW1 Field KitchenAircraft Hall at the Museum of Army Flying, Middle WallopGlider Pilot Regiment Pilot wings. At first all Glider Pilots were awarded the Army Flying Badge (top). From 1944 new pilots were initially trained as Second Pilots and awarded the Second Glider Pilot Badge (middle). Successful completion of a Heavy Glider Conversion Course qualified Second Pilots for the Army Flying Badge. This system operated until 1950 when glider training ceased. In 1946 a smaller pattern of the Army Flying Badge was adopted (bottom).D-Day Glider lift dioramaProposed AAC dress hat, not adopted.On 1st September 1957, the AOP Squadrons and Glider Pilot Regiment amalgamated to form the present day Army Air Corps. AAC pilots wear the Army Flying Badge (top). The middle brevet is for Observers and the bottom badge is the Air Gunner’s brevet.
Museum of Army Flying
Middle Wallop,
Stockbridge
Hampshire SO20 8DY, United Kingdom
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