Trifter

FLIGHT IN YORKSHIRE I recently visited the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington and found that it evokes the authentic atmosphere of a Second World War bomber base. RAF Elvington was home to many nationalities that were serving with the wartime Bomber Command. Restored air force buildings house many of the fascinating exhibits and it is now recognised as one of Europe’s leading aviation museums. It is also a unique monument to all the aircrew who served with Bomber Command and suffered 55% casualties during those dark but glorious days The internationally acclaimed extensive collection of over 40 historic aircraft tells the entire story of flight from the man-carrying glider, invented by Sir George Carley to today’s jet fighter-bombers, including the Panavia Tornado GR4. Among the many unique aircraft in this collection are the Handley Page Mk III, those legendary Battle of Britain twins, the Spitfire and the Hurricane and that victor of the Falklands Campaign, the Harrier GR3.

It even has the balsa wood wonder De Havilland Mosquito in its night-fighter role. It is not just the planes that people come to see. Visitors can enjoy the displays in the restored control tower, where there are memorial rooms to the air gunners, airborne forces and the RAF Regiment. The Bomb and Missile Display explores the genius of inventor Barnes Wallace and shows his main creations, the bouncing bomb of the Dambusters Raid, Grand Slam and Tall Boy. There is also the awe-inspiring hydrogen nuclear bomb. An expanding military vehicle collection around includes various tanks, a Green Goddess fire engine and a RAF crew bus in superb condition. Visitors are able to watch skilled aircraft engineers as they go about the task of restoring the aviation history of the nation. They work on aircraft that range from the earliest bi-planes to the most up to date military jets. Elvington stages a number of special events during the year. These include Military Wheels and Wings, car rallies, forces commemoration days and Santa’s Plane, which flies throughout December. Visitors can enjoy a traditional freshly-cooked meal in the atmospheric NAFFI style restaurant or buy that special souvenir of their visit at the gift shop. RAF Elvington has good facilities for the disabled and offers ample free car parking. It can be reached by taking the A1079 road and turning onto the B1228 road and then following the signposts. The museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm in summer and 10am to 3.30pm during winter with the exception of Christmas Day and Boxing Day. More recent information is available from 01904 608246.