Showing 81 to 90 of 125 search results

Lifejacket Artwork

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Two, 1986/0964/C

This artwork was preserved after the RAF lifejacket it was on was disposed of at a council refuse dump. It echoes the artwork often painted on aircraft to personalise them.

Running black cartoon cat, dressed as a pirate but with a tin helmet and wielding a sword, © RAF Museum

Physical Training Instructor Badge

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Two, 66/U/990

The Royal Air Force School of Physical Training was formed on the same day as the Royal Air Force, 1 April 1918. It is responsible for preparing instructors to lead physical training education and activities. It is currently located at RAF Cosford.

Circular brass badge formed of three arms holding exercise clubs with letters PTI in the centre, RAF Museum

RAF Volunteer Reserve Badge

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Two, X003-4425

The RAF Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) was set up in 1936 as a reserve of personnel to be called upon in time of conflict for service. It was initially for the recruitment and training of aircrew, but was later extended to some ground roles including Signals and Intelligence.

Rectangular grey cloth badge with initials VR in white lettering, © RAF Museum

Japanese Invasion Money

Aircraft & Exhibits, 1941-1945, Cosford, Hangar Two, X003-4289

Japan entered the Second World War allied to Germany and Italy and attempted to expand its empire through attacking and conquering territories throughout the Far East. Hong Kong, Malaya, Singapore, Java, Borneo, Sumatra and US Pacific territories including islands of the Philippines were among the countries which fell.

Rectangular bank note for One Dollar issued by the Japanese Government, © RAF Museum

Aircraft Recognition Cards

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Two, 69/K/414

Aircraft recognition was a vital skill for the Royal Observer Corps and aircrew. Many hours were devoted to studying photographs or drawings of aircraft. Illustrated playing cards added some fun to the process.

Aircraft Recognition Cards | 69/K/414, © RAF Museum

RAF Leave Form

Archives, Cosford, Hangar Two, X003-8806/003

Annual leave or holiday could be requested and approved via Form 295. Leave was often granted in hours rather than days, and new recruits looked forward to the time in their basic training when they became entitled to the coveted first 48 hour pass.

Paper form with boxes to be filled in, © RAF Museum

Fighter Fund Jigsaw

Aircraft & Exhibits, Circa 1941, Cosford, Hangar Two, 1986/0962/C

Many products, including toys, were made and sold to raise money for aircraft during the Second World War. A London-based manufacturer created this jigsaw, which has over 200 pieces, for the Hendon Fighter Four Fund.

Mostly completed jigsaw of a poster image advertising the 'Four Fighter Fund', © RAF Museum

Spitfire Fund Badge

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Two, 84/U/1032

These badges were sold to raise money for Spitfire Funds, formed to buy aircraft for the RAF during the Second World War. This badge was purchased by Leading Aircraftwoman Osbon.

Circular white badge with a blue aircraft beneath 'SPITFIRE FUND' in red, and the number '18676' stamped across the bottom, © RAF Museum

India Uniform Badge

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Two, 74/U/112

During the Second World War individuals from many Allied and Commonwealth nations joined the RAF. To acknowledge this multi-national support, uniform badges denoting the individuals' country of origin were authorised for wear.

Cloth badge with India in gold stitching, RAF Museum

Lightweight Gymnastic Club

Aircraft & Exhibits, Cosford, Hangar Two, 71/Z/271

Exercises with Indian clubs such as the one shown here were popular in the early twentieth century.

Wooden club shaped like a rounders bat, © RAF Museum