On Sunday the 12 th September 2010 Cadets and Staff from 2028 (Southam) Squadron went on a visit to the RAF Museum at Hendon in London . The visit was all the more important as it was part of a two day celebration of the Battle of Britain. The Museum is dedicated primarily to the Royal Air Force and consists of five huge buildings containing aircraft, engines, weapons, interactive displays and the history of aviation from the earliest balloon flights to the latest Jet Fighters. The Museum itself is bright and inviting and the various aircraft are displayed sympathetically.

Once inside the Museum everyone went their various ways as there was a lot more to see and experience than a normal day. There were so many unique and different activities going on it was difficult to fit them all in during the visit. There was a ‘light and sound' show' on the Battle of Britain and a simulated ‘scramble' outside on the Helipad at set times during the day. At 1230 on the Sunday the Royal Air Force President's Band played various songs and tunes from the period for nearly 2 hours.

There is a superb stand on the Air Training Corps showing the history of the Corps from its first beginnings to the present day, even showing some of the early aircraft used to train the Cadets, one of which was immediately recognised as one of the ‘pictures' used on the Wing Web Site.

There are a number of flight simulators in the Museum, including a Typhoon cockpit, so some of the Cadets and Staff took the opportunity to have a go with interesting results. Everyone agreed that the experience was very realistic.

There was due to be a ‘fly past' in the afternoon by two of the aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight but due to other commitments only the Spitfire was able to attend. However much to the delight of the public and Cadets alike the pilot put on a short display. The weather was fine and dry during the day, if a little cloudy but the skies cleared for the display, excellent timing by the pilot!

Everyone agreed the best way to get to know Aircraft is to visit a place like Hendon and see them up close, an excellent way to improve their Aircraft Recognition and have a great day out together.

Flight Lieutenant Moreton, CO of 2028 Squadron, commented, “Not only is the RAF Museum at Hendon an extremely interesting place for the Cadets to visit but it also demonstrates to them that the ATC is regarded so highly not only by the Royal Air Force but by Aviation Museums as well. Visiting during the Battle of Britain weekend was very special and the short display by the Spitfire was superb.”