RAF Hendon

Although history is one of my passions, I would be the first to admit that the 20th Century is far too modern for me. Any period up to the early Middle Ages appeals, but especially the years from the abandonment of Britain by the Roman Empire to early Norman times. Beyond that, my interest rapidly diminishes.

A day trip to RAF Hendon, which is a museum of flying and more particularly the history of the RAF, was not something I would have chosen for myself. However, we went with Worthing Coaches recently, so there was no hassle in driving round London, negotiating traffic and finding the route etc. When we arrived and were told we had four and a half hours to kill, I thought the time would drag interminably.

The entrance to one of the main buildings.

A Spitfire and Hurricane outside the entrance to the Museum

However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the first hangar at the museum was interesting, as it dealt with the earliest aviation history of the site and featured some of the first planes to be built. This part of the site was the old Grahame-White Factory, where planes were made at the beginning of the 20th Century. Looking at the methods of construction of those old craft made me appreciate the developments that have occurred over the years and the bravery of those first pioneers. It also made me glad that we don't have to fly in them nowadays.

Part of the early displays in the Grahame-White Building.

The museum is extremely well set out and all the exhibits are clearly and concisely described. One particularly interesting idea was a timeline, that showed the history of aviation on one level, with a list of other historic events that occurred in the same year. A yellow line above it shows the distance of the Wright Brothers' first powered flight.

There is also a section devoted to aviation related art, but one of the most poignant pieces was a stained glass window dedicated to Flight Lieutenant Hubert John Wilkinson, who died on active service during the Second World War.

It is a very sad and sobering thought to remember how many men, on all sides, have died during recent wars.