Nestled just on the edge of Chichester is this interesting and special tribute to British aviation history.
Set on the Old Tangmere Airfield, a former and famous fighter station back in 1918 – 1958, is the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum. This interesting and educational museum was first opened by a group of passionate enthusiasts who had a vision and a goal to celebrate and preserve Britian’s aviation military past and heritage.
This site is the home to a number of historical aircraft, as well as aviation artefacts and memorabilia dating as far back as the First World War. There is a variety of Halls to visit, all unique and boasting unique exhibitions and preservation work. Drop into the Meryl Hansed Memorial Hall which harbours the 1950s Line Hut and English Electric Lightning or stroll by to the Merston Hall and spy the airspeed record holding beauties that are Donaldson’s Meteor and Duke’s Hunter.
The Battle of Britain Hall contains interesting and detailed displays of a variety of retrieved remains of aircraft engines, as well as an in-depth look at James Nicolson, the only Fighter Command pilot to be awarded the Victoria Cross three times (during World War II, Tangmere and 16th August 1940) and Douglas Bader, the famous and brave RAF pilot who continued flying after the loss of both of his legs. You can find out more about a variety of pilots in The Middle Hall that has an array of wartime pilot log-books, alongside a collection of RAF Regiment armaments.
In addition to these magnificence exhibitions, there are many interactive displays, cockpits and simulations to give you a first-person experience. Step into a part of an old World War II shelter and take the chance to understand how Air Raids were reacted to, with full sound affects or why not put yourself in a pilots shoes and take to the skies in the popular Lighting flight simulator.
If you need a break, there’s a lovely on-site NAAFI Tearoom to enjoy a hot drink and a snack or take a breath of fresh air outside and enjoy the seven aircraft in the grounds: Phantom FGR2, Sea Vixen FAW2, Sea Harrier FRS2, Vampire T11, Meteor F8, Wessex HU5 and Harrier GR3. Be sure to visit to the Memorial Garden which pays tribute to the airmen and airwomen who gave their life for their country.
Whether you are an aviation enthusiast or wanting to learn more about Britain’s rich wartime history, there is plenty to see, do and learn at Tangmere Military Aviation Museum.
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Tangmere, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 2ES | 01243 790 090 | www.tangmere-museum.org.uk
Photo credit: ©Tangmere Military Aviation Museum
