Yorkshire Air Museum

The Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial, located at the historic RAF Elvington near York, is the largest independent aviation museum in the UK and the only Allied Air Forces Memorial in Europe. Dedicated to preserving aviation history and honoring the contributions of Allied air forces, particularly during World War II, it has become one of the most dynamic museums of its kind.

Spanning 20 acres, the museum integrates restored WWII-era buildings, many of which are listed structures from the former RAF station. Its location next to a privately owned 10,000 ft runway—formerly used for RAF training until 1992—adds to its historical significance. The museum also maintains a dedicated environmental project, Nature of Flight, backed by the Environment Agency and DEFRA.

With over 50 internationally recognized aircraft, the museum's collection represents aviation history from 1853 to modern military jets. Among its standout exhibits are the Victor, Nimrod, Buccaneer, Sea Devon, SE5a, Eastchurch Kitten, and DC3 Dakota. Several aircraft remain operational and are featured in Thunder Days, events where visitors witness engine demonstrations. A Halifax bomber and an extensive turret collection further enrich the museum's focus on WWII aviation.

The museum houses a permanent display on the Dambusters raid, featuring a replica bouncing bomb, the catapult used for testing Wallis’s theory, and a historical overview of his pioneering work. A registered archive with over 500,000 historical artifacts and documents preserves the legacy of both the National Aircrew Association and the National Air Gunners Association.

Events like the annual Allied Air Forces Memorial Day attract aviation enthusiasts, historians, and corporate partners, including Bentley and Porsche, for exclusive exhibitions. The museum also offers educational programs tailored for schools and researchers, providing insights into aircraft operations and engineering.

In 2025, the museum will mark its 40th anniversary with a special exhibition highlighting its restoration efforts. Recent additions to its collection include a Shorts Tucano trainer and an Avro Shackleton anti-submarine aircraft, currently undergoing reassembly.

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

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Source

• Text: TracesofWar
• Photos: Arjan Vrieze

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