New exhibition in Dambusters Hangar has recreated airfield to mark 100 years of the RAF

This year the Royal Air Force turns 100-years-old and to celebrate a Royal Flying Corps Airfield has been recreated at the Dambusters Hangar at RAF Scampton.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Apr 2018, 16:32 BST
Updated 6th Apr 2018, 17:36 BST
Bastion of the AirBastion of the Air
Bastion of the Air

The new Bastion in the Air exhibition was officially opened on Wednesday, April 4, and is the first of the two major exhibitions commemorating the First World War and Lincolnshire’s heroic contribution to the defence of the country from the air.

The launch, inside the Dambusters Hangar, unveilled a unique recreated World War One airfield complete with fighter aircraft of the time, and a fully grassed area depicting life and working conditions on an airfield in France during World War One.

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This unique exhibition focusses on the air defence of Lincolnshire from 1915 to 1918 and the county’s contribution to British airpower in the First World War.

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The three aircraft on display are a British DH2 Fighter, a Sopwith Camel, which visitors will witness being built over the course of the exhibition, and a German Rumpler C VII reconnaissance aircraft.

The exhibition also tells visitors the history of Scampton during the First World War, while dramatic stories of local service personnel bring the period to life.

Also on display will be a Wall of Heroes, weaponry and equipment and see how airmen lived in the field, including their uniforms and some of the weapons and equipment they used, including a rare original 1914 Premier motorcycle.

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In addition, local company Ferry Ales Brewery has launched a pale ale named ‘Bastion Beer’ made from a 1916 recipe, and Lymn Bank Farm Cheese have launched a Red Leicester cheese under the name of ‘Bastion in the Air’.

This Heritage-Lottery funded project entitled “Lincolnshire: Bastion in the Air” is supported by Lincolnshire County Council, West Lindsey District Council and the Royal Air Force.

The exhibition opened to the public at RAF Scampton on April 6, and includes free tour, which includes the historic 617 Squadron Dambusters’ Hangar and the opportunity to step into Guy Gibson’s private office, exactly as it was in 1943. until August 31.

To book a tour please visit www.rafscampton.co.uk as prior booking is essential for entry.

Related topics:RAFLincolnshire