At various times throughout the days of half term, a costumed interpreter, dressed as a First World War pilot, will tell the story of aircraft development during the Great War, in a series of lively and engaging talks around the museum's de Havilland DH9 bomber.
It had been only 11 years since man had achieved controlled powered flight but, by 1914, aerial combat was already seen as an integral part of strategic warfare. The sessions will look at the evolution of the aircraft, from the fragile wood and cloth constructions of the early days of the First World War, which had slow speeds and no weapons, to the technologically-advanced, purpose-made fighter aircraft flying into battle four years later.
You'll hear about the nail-biting dogfights where pilots pushed their aircraft to the limit to gain the upper hand against their foes. In an age where parachutes were not issued to British crews, it was not just a battle for honour, but a battle for survival - with stories of the early flying aces, including Manfred von Richtofen and Alfred Ball.
The war in the air was not only fought above the trenches of France and Belgium, it was also, for the first time, fought on Britain’s Home Front. You’ll see fragments of the first Zeppelin to be shot down over Great Britain and hear the story of Lieutenant Robinson, who destroyed this mighty Zeppelin, flying a Royal Aircraft Factory BE2C; an example of which can be seen in our Battle of Britain exhibition.
Find out about the clothing worn by First World War pilots and the conditions they faced in the cockpit.You'll also be able to explore the lesser-known roles of the First World War ground crew and look at a typical day on a First World War airfield.
Learn about the evolution of aircraft roles, from reconnaissance to fighter and bomber aeroplanes, and take a closer look at the First World War Royal Aircraft Factory RE.8 and de Havilland DH9 aircraft that can be seen in IWM Duxford's AirSpace exhibition.
You will also have the chance to help build a large-scale model of a DH9 aircraft, try on mini-uniforms in the style worn by the First World War air aces and have a go at making remembrance poppies.
October half term activities are included in general admission to IWM Duxford. Visitors aged 15 and under enjoy free admission to the museum and to October half term activities.
IWM Duxford is open from 10am to 4pm during October half term.
October half term activities take place daily from Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November. Timed talks take place at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. DH9 model making takes place at 12.30pm and 1.30pm.
Please check the IWM website (iwm.org.uk) for up to date information regarding all October half term activities. IWM Duxford reserves the right to change or cancel activities where necessary.
*******
For further press information please contact:
Esther Blaine +44 (0)1223 499 320
_______________________________________________