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Gloster Gladiator Mark I

Aircraft & Exhibits, AUG 1937-MAR 1948, Cosford, Hangar Two, 74/A/17

The Gloster Gladiator was the RAF's last biplane fighter and the first to feature an enclosed cockpit for the pilot. Deliveries began in 1937, with Gladiators continuing to serve in the early years of the Second World War.

Biplane with propeller and silver body and wings, © RAF Museum

Pilot's flying log book of Squadron Leader Harold Arthur Cooper Bird-Wilson, 28 September 1937-18 June 1943

Archives, 28 SEP 1937-18 JUN 1943, In Storage, X003-7892/001/001

Bird-Wilson joined the RAF in 1937, after completing his flying training he was posted to No.17 Squadron. In September 1938, Brid Wilson was involved in a crash and suffered severe facial injuries, undergoing pioneering plastic surgery.

Two pilots flying log books bound together in black leather. See documentation tab for digital copy, Two pilots flying log books bound together in black leather. See documentation tab for digital copy

Fordson Sussex fitted with a Wild Balloon Winch

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1938-1945, London, Hangar Five, 1995/0886/V

Balloons were an important deterrent to low-level attack, usually sited on the approach to important targets. If an aircraft hit the balloon's cable, it would then be cut by explosive links, which in turn activated two parachutes. These would rapidly slow the aircraft, forcing it to stall and crash.

Six-wheeled dark grey metal vehicle with wire cage behind the driver's cab, © RAF Museum

Air Raid Protection First Aid Box

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1939-1945, London, Hangar Five, 1995/0385/S

During the Second World War Air Raid Protection (ARP) Wardens kept first aid boxes at their posts to provide immediate medical assistance following an enemy attack. These boxes contained supplies such as bandages and dressings and a first aid handbook.

Black metal box with a red stripe and white 'A R P' hand-painted on the front under two clasps; a handle on each side, © RAF Museum

Supermarine Spitfire Mark I

Aircraft & Exhibits, APR 1939-NOV 1971, Cosford, Hangar Two, 72/A/263

More than any other aircraft, the Spitfire has become a much-loved symbol of winning against the odds. Designed by RJ Mitchell, its speed, agility and firepower made it one of the RAF's leading fighter aircraft of the Second World War.

Single engine aircraft with propeller and camouflage pattern, © RAF Museum

Plotting Block, Hostile Raid

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1939-1945, Cosford, Hangar Two, X002-6553

Plotting blocks and counters were used in Operations Rooms in the Second World War and particularly in the Battle of Britain to track the movements of incoming formations of enemy aircraft.

Wooden triangular prism-shaped block displaying numbers over two rows: ‘H01’ on yellow cards and ‘40+’ on blue cards, © RAF Museum

Plotting Block, Friendly Forces

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1939-1945, Cosford, Hangar Two, X008-4179

Plotting blocks and counters were used in Operations Rooms in the Second World War and particularly in the Battle of Britain to track the movements of incoming formations of enemy aircraft.

Wooden triangular prism-shaped block displaying numbers over two rows, with a metal rod topped by a yellow card, © RAF Museum

Fragment of Hawker Hurricane fabric mounted in frame of aircraft aluminum

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1939-1940, In Storage, 1988/0903/C

Fragment of doped fabric taken from fin flash of Hawker Hurricane Mk IIb Z3235 bearing flying sword painted in red on the white section.

vertical red, yellow and black stripes with red winged sword on yellow stripe, Royal Air Force Museum

Log book of Pilot Officer William 'Billy' Meade Lindsley Fiske

Archives, 25 OCT 1939-16 AUG 1940, In Storage, X003-0363/001

Pilot Officer William 'Billy' Meade Lindsley Fiske was an American pilot killed during the Battle of Britain whilst flying with No. 601 Squadron. Fiske's log book covers the period of 25 October 1939-16 August 1940.

Front cover of a Pilot's Flying Log Book, Royal Air Force Museum / RAF Museum

Plotting Block, Hostile Raid

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1939-1945, London, Hangar Five, X002-6552

Plotting blocks and counters were used in Operations Rooms in the Second World War and particularly in the Battle of Britain to track the movements of incoming formations of enemy aircraft.

Wooden triangular prism-shaped block displaying numbers over two rows: ‘809’ on yellow cards and ‘30+’ on blue cards, © RAF Museum