The Royal Air Force Museum - RAFM, RAF Museum

🚍✈️ What a fantastic day Tuesday was at the RAF Museum Midlands for our annual Volunteers' Reciprocal Visit! ✨

As part of National Volunteers' Week, volunteers from our London and Stafford sites travelled to Cosford to meet fellow volunteers, explore the collections and share experiences. 🤝💙

The day’s activities included guided tours and the exploration of legendary aircraft to a well-earned lunch together, full of conversation, laughter and a shared passion for RAF history. During lunch, RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton thanked our volunteers for their incredible dedication and the vital role they play in supporting the Museum. 👏❤️

With 458 volunteers across our three sites, Cosford, London and Stafford, we're hugely grateful for everything they do to keep us flying. Thank you, to each and every one of you.🙏

If you’re interested in joining our volunteer team at any of our sites find out more at: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/support-us/volunteering/

✈️⚓ Join us online on Thursday 18 June at 6pm for a fascinating virtual lecture exploring an often-overlooked aspect of the Second World War.

In Marine Aviation as a Fleet Air Arm in the Pacific War, 1941–1945, Dr Peter F. Owen, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC (Retired), examines how U.S. Marine Corps aviation helped protect fleets, strike enemy targets and secure control of the seas during the Pacific campaign.

Offering fresh insights into naval air power and maritime strategy, this thought-provoking talk challenges conventional views of military aviation and explores lessons that remain relevant today. Through the story of VMF-221, discover how one squadron's wartime experience reflected the changing nature of air operations at sea.

🎟️ FREE to attend (conditions may apply)
💻 Live via Crowdcast : https://www.crowdcast.io/c/vl-2025-owen

Book your place today!

✈️Get up close to some of the RAF’s most recently retired aircraft at the RAF Cosford Air Show (Official) next Sunday !

Making their first public appearance since joining the RAF Museum collection, the British Aerospace Hawk T1A, General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper and Westland Puma HC1 will be on static display in the RAF Museum Midlands enclosure.

Together, they represent nearly 50 years of RAF operations, training, intelligence gathering and frontline service.

🚁 Plus, for a small donation, visitors can step aboard the legendary Chinook Bravo November and explore one of the RAF’s most famous helicopters. Known as ‘The Survivor’, Bravo November played a vital role during the Falklands Conflict and remains an aviation icon.

Make sure you visit us on the airfield and experience this incredible line-up for yourself!

🚨Don't Forget 🚨

Once the Cosford Air Show is over, keep your tickets to enjoy free car-parking at your next visit or 2 for 1 on our 4D Theatre rides.

Learn more at : https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/news/new-raf-museum-aircraft-to-make-first-appearance-at-cosford/

🎥 Our latest archived RAF Museum Research Lecture is now available to watch on YouTube!

In Defining the ‘Authentic Hero’: The Darker Side of First World War Fighter Aces, researcher Michael Terry explores the complex realities behind the celebrated image of First World War flying aces. ✈️

From the controversy surrounding Victoria Cross recipient Billy Bishop to the darker stories of other famous pilots, this fascinating lecture challenges popular myths and asks what it truly means to be an “authentic hero.” 🤔

A thought-provoking watch for anyone interested in aviation history, literature and the First World War.

📺 Watch now on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/bXpI5R6lbTs?si=AAmkIT5pTpB5kFyq

This lecture was first broadcast in April 2023.

🎁 Still searching for the perfect Father’s Day gift? The RAF Museum's Online Shop has a fantastic range of presents for aviation-loving dads! ✈️

Bring a smile to Dad’s face with the humorous Civil Defence Keyring – “Dad! You Found Your Keys!” for £3.00, paired with the Civil Defence Dad’s Victory Mug for £10.00. Together, they make a fun and practical gift he'll use every day at home, in the office or on the go. ☕🔑

For dads who are passionate about aviation history, the Chocks Away Beer and Pint Glass Bundle at £10.00 combines a refreshing aviation-themed ale with a commemorative pint glass, making it a unique gift that's perfect for raising a toast to Father's Day. 🍺✈️

Or treat him to something stylish with our RAF Museum Roundel Socks (£7.00) and Spitfire Tech T-Shirt (£18.00) – comfortable, eye-catching and perfect for showing off his passion for one of Britain's most iconic aircraft. 👕🧦

Shop now and make Father's Day one to remember! ✈️
https://rafmuseumshop.com/collections/fathers-day

This , we want to say a heartfelt thank you to every one of our amazing RAF Museum Volunteers 💙✈️

Whether you’re welcoming visitors, sharing stories, supporting events or helping behind the scenes, your time, passion and dedication make a real difference every single day.

The Royal Air Force Museum simply wouldn’t be the same without you — thank you for being such an important part of our community 🙌

🚨 Call for Papers 🚨

📢 There's just one week left to submit your abstracts for Future Battlefield Innovation 🛰️🤖

Join the British Commission for Military History and the RAF Museum Midlands on 10 October 2026 for a conference exploring AI, drones, cyber warfare, logistics and the future battlefield.

📄 Submit your abstract and short biography by 4 June 2026.

Full details of topics of interest and who to send your abstracts to can be found at: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/news/cfp-bcmh-rafm/