Sonja's Collection Update

Sonja Bailey is the Museum's Collection Manager. Sonja is responsible for all our exhibits. This page will focus on some of the newer items or updated displays at Lashenden Air Warfare Museum

The wreckage of Hawker Hurricane I, P3115, Squadron Leader Thomas Gleave

This display was previously in one of the bays in the original part of the museum near the entrance. We wanted to move it to a bigger area because we had additional items of wreckage that we needed to display. These have now been put on show in an updated display in the new hall area as shown below,.

On 31st August 1940 Squadron Leader Thomas Percy Gleave of 253 Sqn at RAF Kenley entered in to combat with Luftwaffe Junkers Ju-88s. His Hawker Hurricane, P3115, was shot down in flames and crash landed at Mace Farm in Hazel Wood, Cudham in Kent. He was admitted to Farnborough Hospital with life threatening burns. Thomas survived and became the founding member of the 'Guinea Pig' club of burns victims during World War Two.

Nick's Conservation Corner

Nick 'Scooby' Burchett is our Conservation Manager. His role is to make our exhibits presentable before going on show. This page will show what Scooby has been up to..

The current project that Scooby is working on is the restoration of the parts for Messerschmitt Bf.109E-1, werke no.6280.

This aircraft was assigned to Luftwaffe squadron 6/JG27 based in Crepon, France in September 1940. 

On 9th September, piloted by Unteroffizier Georg Rauwolf it was among the fighters that took off at 17.30 hours to escort 400 bombers heading for London. Whilst flying at 20,000ft he was attacked by Pilot Officer H.L.Whitbread of RAF 222 squadron flying a Spitfire over Kent. Rauwolf's Me.109 was badly damaged in the attack but he was able to bale out at 10,000ft. He subsequently captured and became a prisoner of war. The aircraft crashed at Mounts Farm, Benenden.

The picture below shows various parts recovered from the crash site which will be restored to go on display shortly.

Air Raid Siren

 

For any enquiries regarding exhibits or donations of items please email Sonja at collectionslawm@gmail.com