Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum

15/08/2026

Today we remember all those who fought in the Far East against the Imperial Japanese Empire in the Second World War.

09/08/2026

A very interesting post from friend of the Museum, A.M. G.A. 'Black' Robertson.

On 9 Aug 41, 85 years ago to the day, Cyril Babbage, 'The Shy Assassin', flew his first Circus operation with 41 Sqn. It was a shambles. The Tangmere Wing Leader, Douglas Bader, was shot down. Earlier, leading his first circus operation, 41's new boss, Sqn Ldr Elmer Gaunce, missed the RV over Westhampnett and set off for France 20 miles behind 610 and 616 Sqns. Fortunately, all 41 Sqn's 12 ac returned safely, as did Plt Off Johnnie Johnson of 616 Sqn. It was the day he became an ace, claiming both a confirmed and a probable Me109. Black R

You can find this and Black's other excellent books on sale in the museum or at his own website: www.blackrobertson.com

07/08/2026

We have received another loan item for our 'Battle of Britain' film display!

It is an original 'window card' poster for the film from the Thruway theatre in Winston-Salem North Carolina. Evidence of the film's International appeal and cultural impact.

The poster features artwork of Heinkel Bombers with the famous film logo featuring Hispano Buchon 'Red 8' dog fighting with a Spitfire below.

We will be having this poster framed and would be interested to hear from you if you have items connected to the film we can display.

If you have any memories of the film or its impact on your interest in the history behind it let us know in the comments.



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05/08/2026

We are pleased to announce that the Museum has re-joined Aviation Heritage UK!

"Aviation Heritage UK, formed in 1967 as The British Aviation Preservation Council, is the national body for the preservation of aviation related items. It is a voluntary staffed body which undertakes a representation, co-ordination and enabling role.

AHUK membership includes national, local authority, independent and service museums, private collections, voluntary groups and other organisations involved in the advancement of aviation preservation in Britain."

03/08/2026

We would like to thank Wing Commander Alice Tierney and her team at RAF Benson for kindly donating the Canopy Perspex that was removed from the station gate guardian during its recent refurbishment.

Volunteer Nigel has done a wonderful job of cleaning and polishing the perspex. This canopy will eventually form part of our Spitfire PRXI cockpit exhibit.

If you have any camera or cockpit parts you could donate we'd love to hear from you!

fans

31/07/2026

We are pleased to announce that we now have the limited edition Mustang print, individually signed by WWII pilot Col. Joe Peterburs, in stock. We only have 50 available and all come with an individually numbered certificate of authenticity.

These are priced at just £50 each and once they are gone they are gone.

Watch this space for a small number of framed pieces with David Bryant remarques and an additional signature. These framed items will be sold with all proceeds going to Joe's Memorial project remembering his wingman Lt. Kenneth Pettit. These will be the subject of a future post.

28/07/2026

WE168 is seen here sitting on the site of our current staff car park.

(28 July)
English Electric Canberra PR3 WE168 was wheeled into its display position as gate guardian next to the Manston Spitfire TB752 in its outdoor location where the Spitfire Museum now sits.

It was later scrapped, with part of the cockpit now residing at the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum in Suffolk.

Photo: "WE168 English Electric Canberra PR.3 Man" (CC BY 2.0) by kitmasterbloke https://www.flickr.com/photos/kitmasterbloke/50149534922/

23/07/2026

We now have models of the 4 aircraft types shot down by TB752 in 1945 in the same scale! (1/48) These have been expertly built by The Aircraft Builder. Previously our display was made up of a 1/72 Heinkel 111, 1/72 Focke Wulf 189 and a 1/32 scale Bf109 from Corgis diecast range.

The Eduard Bf 109 K4 represents a JG27 aircraft as shot down by Sqn Ldr Henry Zary on 21st April 1945.

The Great Wall Hobby Fw189 represents an aircraft shot down by F/O David Leslie on 25th April 1945

The Eduard Fw190-D9 of JG26 represents an aircraft shot down by F/O Bob Young on 1st May 1945.

The ICM models He111 H20, represents an aircraft shot down by F/O Fred Town on 3rd May 1945.