WALLOP WHEELS AND WINGS
THE HISTORY OF THE ARMY FLYING MUSEUM
BFRS had the pleasure of interviewing Amanda Stallard from The Army Flying Museum which is located at Middle Wallop, Hampshire, between Andover and Salisbury. Amanda tells us the history behind the Army Flying Museum and its collections, from the early days of the British Army flying from the military ballooning to the modern Army Air Corps. The collection was started in 1946 at RAF Andover but later moved to Middle Wallop and first opened to the public in 1974.
A Superb Venue
BFRS recently visited the Army Flying Museum to host their first Military2Logistics event. The event proved to be a massive success, with an attendance of 100+ attendees on the day all looking for a new career within the Logistics Sector. Noticable on the day were the comments from attendess and exhibitors alike remarking what a superb and interesting venue it was, with many promising to come back with their families.
Behind The Wire
In 1984, the Museum moved from a
location “behind the wire” to a new, purpose-build hangar which is located on
the edge of an active airfield." The Museum has since been extended twice more
and now comprises two large aircraft halls (the Prince Michael of Kent Hall and
the Hayward Hall) a learning centre, a 1940s house display, a play park and
conference facilities.
The collection covers the five main branches of Army Aviation: Royal Engineers (1878 – 1912), The Royal Flying Corps (1912-1918), Air Observation Post Squadrons (1941 – 1957), the Glider Pilot Regiment (1942 – 1957) and the current Army Air Corps (1957- to date). Over 35 aircraft can be seen in the Museum. These range from a First World War biplane to a Huey Cobra attack helicopter, plus an example of every Allied glider used operationally during the Second World War.
Highlights of the Collection
Highlights of the collection include a Sopwith Pup – an example of a single-seat fighter introduced in 1916 -and a Lynx helicopter which broke the world speed record in 1972 by achieving an average speed of 199.92 miles per hour (321.74 km per hour) in a 100km closed circuit. It was also the first British helicopter ever to complete a barrel roll. Visitors can sit inside this helicopter, as well as a Scout helicopter.
The collections also contain smaller items such as uniforms, medals, and equipment which tell inspiring stories about those involved in Army aviation. The Museum cleverly combines imaginative displays with clever use of interactives and video.
Explore The Apache
In the newest ‘Explore the Apache’ display, visitors can find out everything about this iconic aircraft through films and audio recordings, with special touch screens to ask three soldiers about their experiences of flying and working on an Apache.
Amanda said "There is an outstanding Archive of documents and images which are used for displays, exhibitions, research, and enquiries. The British Army Flying Memorial in the Museum grounds commemorates more than 5,000 that have died in the service of British Army flying from early pioneers to modern Army Air Corps".
Army Flying Museum Opening Hours
The Museum’s Apache Café overlooks the Army Aviation Centre’s airfield and offers a great vantage point for the many flights taking place including the impressive Apache helicopters. It is open daily from 9am to 3.30pm with no need for Museum admission. It is a great spot to enjoy a tea or coffee and a slice of delicious homemade cake or treat yourself to breakfast, lunch, or a light snack.
The Army Flying Museum is open daily from 9am to 4.00pm and offers guided tours, educational sessions, outreach workshops, family-friendly activities, a popular lecture programme (both online and in person) and a varied events calendar, including its flagship fundraising event, Wallop Wheels & Wings, every July.
Don't miss out on this fantastic day out with the family!
Come and see us on the BFRS stand!
