“Mum met Dad on the roof of The Air Ministry during the Blitz. And that’s where they fell in love.”
Visitors to the RAF Museum Cosford share their stories.
RAF STORIES
Visitors' Stories
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Mum and Dad fell in love on the roof of the Air Ministry
Gill Robinson -
I got home just in time to get married
Darren Priday -
My Father and his co-pilot were both killed
Ian Tunstall -
Father was the sole survivor. Twice
Ian Powell -
Father was pulled from a burning plane
Peter Woods -
Almost uniquely, the whole crew survived the war
Peter Wright -
The great, waxed moustache bristled
Rob Davis -
He served 1939-45, two tours, DFM from the King. An amazing man
Bryan Craven -
The engine was on fire as it made its final approach
David Cunningham -
Churchill wanted that ship destroyed
Derek Payne -
The family called him "Fatty"
Douglas Wilks -
Even Hitler stopped for Christmas
Martin Lang -
There's nothing white that drips out of engines
Norman Hancock -
I could have been an RAF brat
Geoffrey Wake -
The whole mission was a catalogue of disasters
Neil Sinfield
Stories from the Museum
There is a wealth of stories and knowledge within the staff of the Royal Air Force Museum. Listen to staff share their personal experiences, as well as stories about their favourite RAF Museum exhibits.
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The most advanced fighter of its time
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The oldest surviving Spitfire
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The world’s first operational jet fighter
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A visit from Berlin
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There’s something spooky about this plane
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Forgot your tapper? It’s your round!
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The best tank of the Cold War
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Keep your mouth shut, do as you're told and laugh at people.
Paul Parker -
RAF Museum Cosford’s Nimrod R.Mk.1
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Laura is a visitor from the Bundeswehr Museum of Military History
Part of the Family
The Royal Air Force is more than just a military organisation, it is a community of servicemen and servicewomen spread across the globe, supporting and relying on each other both professionally and personally. This collection of stories explores what it means to be part of this special kind of family.
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My RAF friends will be there forever
Trevor Edwards -
Everyone has a role to play.
Charles Hammerton -
The RAF gave me a new cultural identity.
Peter Ramrayka -
My sexuality has no impact on my role in the RAF.
Kate Brophy -
I came out as transgender while serving.
Ayla Holdom -
I see myself as the Jose Mourinho of Tug of War
Flt. Lt. Gareth Davies -
He wasn't a prince. He was part of the team.
Ayla Holdom -
I was afraid that someone would have to lay down their life to protect me.
Eleanor Rance -
You live in fear of the black car.
Christine Ankerson -
Mother was horrified, but Father overruled her.
Shobha Earl -
In my mind I could hear my Nan telling me what I should do.
Lauren Smith -
I decided I needed to be a dad.
Ian Sweet -
I’m British. It was natural for me to protect the country I was in.
Dheeraj Bhasin -
When we lose someone we journey through it as a family.
Alice McDermott -
On the outside I was super cool. On the inside I was praying every night.
Alice McDermott
Everyday Heroes
In one way or another, servicemen & servicewomen often find themselves in situations that require courage, whether this be to undertake a dangerous mission, to overcome a challenge or to deal with fear, personal struggles or loss. This collection of stories explores the many ways in which courage is shown in the day to day life of RAF personnel.
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We were under attack, but no-one stopped playing cards.
Chris Annetts -
Exposed to the greatest danger, he refused to back down.
Mark Johnson -
I can still see his face as if it was yesterday.
Carl Austin-Behan -
There were death threats. But I'm still here.
Flt. Lt. Gareth Davies -
I won't let my autism be a disadvantage.
Daniel Pearce -
He held fire while the German crew bailed out.
Mark Johnson -
Get up and put your trousers on.
Katherine Du Plat-Taylor -
I admitted I was gay. They could have sent me to prison.
Carl Austin-Behan -
Mum's parachute didn't open. She never jumped again.
Candida Adkins -
I saw a sport that was failing.
Flt. Lt. Gareth Davies -
I was just relieved I could open my eyes.
Stuart Robinson