RAF Manston History Museum

The RAF Manston History Museum, located in Ramsgate, Kent, preserves the legacy of RAF Manston Airfield, which has played a pivotal role in British aviation since its founding in 1916. Initially a Royal Naval Station, it became a key RAF base, particularly during World War II, due to its strategic location close to mainland Europe. The airfield was heavily involved in the Battle of Britain, serving as a fighter station, emergency landing site, and training base. It also played a role in Operation Market Garden, supporting airborne forces during the Allied invasion of the Netherlands.

After the war, Manston transitioned into a Cold War airbase, housing nuclear-capable aircraft and later serving as a search and rescue hub. It eventually became a civilian airport, operating commercial flights until its closure in 2014. The museum showcases a diverse collection of aircraft, including the Gloster Meteor, Handley Page Victor cockpit section, Hawker Hunter cockpit, Panavia Tornado cockpit, English Electric Lightning, SEPECAT Jaguar, and a Westland Wessex military helicopter. A Fieseler Fi 103 (V-1) replica adds historical depth to the collection.

A dedicated section explores Operation Chastise, featuring a recovered practice ‘Bouncing Bomb’ tested near Herne Bay by Lancaster bombers stationed at Manston. Displays detail the engineering and physics behind Barnes Wallis’s bomb design, accompanied by archival footage and documents related to the Dambusters squadron.

The museum also includes military vehicles, a research archive, and a café housed within a Short 330-100 aircraft cockpit. It hosts aviation-themed events, historical reenactments, aircraft restoration showcases, and educational programs, offering visitors a comprehensive experience of Manston's rich aviation heritage.

For current visiting hours, please visit the website of the museum.

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Source

• Text: TracesofWar
• Photos: Arjan Vrieze