The Kent Battle Of Britain Museum

With the Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust at Hawkinge being closed on Mondays it gave Dave Brocklehurst MBE the opportunity today to better align the Bristol Blenheim cockpit section with the fuselage and centre section.
The cockpit arrived from Nanton in Canada last Monday and was featured on the BBC south-east news throughout the day.
Whether anyone else will notice we are not sure, but Dave is a lot happier the way the Bristol Blenheim is now looking.
... As we all know, it has been a very hot and sticky few weeks and although watered daily, the flowers around the Museum site have been struggling. Dave Hertz, who only joined as a volunteer a few months ago, came in early on Saturday to prune the roses at the entrance and tidy up some of the other pots around the site.
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On Saturday 11th August 2018 (this coming weekend), the Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust is very pleased to be welcoming back John Vasco. John is the leading expert on the Messerschmitt Bf 110 and on Erprobungsgruppe 210 (a German precision fighter bomber unit). There will be at least three presentations held by John throughout the day.
John Vasco will be showing a 16mm colour film of the examination of a 2nd Staffel, Erprobungsgruppe 210 Messerschmitt Bf 110, by the Vulte...
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Our previous post is the fantastic news that Spitfire, Serial No. TB885 flew over Kent today following her restoration at the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar.
Here's a story we ran back in June 2015 when we helped to reunite these items with the restoration of TB885.

Congratulations to all at the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar for another stunning restoration.

It is not only us, the volunteers (and visitors) at the Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust at Hawkinge, who are enjoying the arrival of the Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV cockpit section from Canada this week.
The arrival of the cockpit section has met with the approval of 'Scramble', the Museum Cat (and occasionally Dave's pet).
'Scramble' is seen here trying to recreate some of the famous and iconic photographs taken of pilots of No.32 Squadron at RAF Hawkinge seventy-eight year...s earlier! Well they reminded us of them anyway!
The Museum and No.25 Squadron Mess and Tea Rooms is currently open Tuesdays to Sundays 10am to 5pm, with last entry by 4pm. (closed Mondays except Bank Holidays ie Monday 27th August 2018).
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On Wednesday 1st August 2018 we, the Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust were very pleased to welcome Ian Prior on a visit to the collection. Ian has been the guardian of 'Alex' Storrie’s medal group, RAF Pocket Book (named to him), his Air Gunners brevet and a photograph.
After visiting the Museum and talking to the Chairman / Historian, Dave Brocklehurst MBE, we are very pleased and grateful that Ian decided to donate these items to the Trust, so 'A'lex Storrie can be remem...bered and commemorated in perpetuity in the largest collection of Battle of Britain artefacts and memorabilia in the world.
Alexander James Storrie, of Colchester, joined the RAF in September 1932 (note the date on his RAF Pocket Book) as an Aircraft Apprentice (No.566225) and passed out in August 1935. He later remustered as an ‘Airman under training Gunner.’
After completion of his training, he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer on 21st February 1940 and joined No.264 Squadron at RAF Duxford om 13th June 1940. He was detached from No.264 Squadron to Central Gunnery School, RAF Warmwell, from 12th July to 9th August 1940, for No.8 Gunnery Leader Course.
He was tragically killed on 20th November 1940 when his Boulton Paul Defiant, Serial No. N1626, crashed at Blatches Farm, soon after taking off from RAF Rochford. His pilot, Pilot Officer Gerald Henry Hackwood, was also killed.
'Alex' Storrie was 24 years old and is buried in St. Leonard’s churchyard, Lexden, Colchester.
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On Sunday, 29th July, and Monday, 30th July, we, the Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust at Hawkinge were pleased to be working with Channel 4 and Professor Alice Roberts on a new documentary due to be broadcast in early 2019.
The programme touches on the Battle of Britain, so what better place to come and film parts of the documentary, and seek the advice from the knowledgeable volunteers at the museum.
We were some what hampered by the rain and wind on Monday, so a gazebo w...as hastily erected to allow the filming to continue in front of our 1940's Dig For Victory Garden. Everything was 'in the can' by 12.30pm ready for the arrival and unveiling of the Bristol Blenheim cockpit section, hot off the cargo plane from Canada, which was being covered by BBC south-east for the lunchtime and evening news'.
The fees that Channel 4 are paying to film at the Museum will be used towards the Bristol Blenheim rebuild fund.
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We, the Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust, were very pleased to see our good mate and fellow volunteer Mitchell Carr yesterday, 1st August 2018, on a surprise visit to the Museum.
When Mitchell arrived, he asked Dave to have a look at a Service Bible and Dave was shocked and stunned to discover inside a cheque donation to the Museum Trust from Mitchell for an amazing £1940.00 (ie 1940 for the year of the Battle of Britain) in memory of Mitchell's dad, Micky, who suddenly an...d unexpectedly passed on 25th June 2017. Micky was also a volunteer at the Museum.
After Dave picked himself off the floor, and both he and Mitchell welled up remembering a loving father and mate, Dave thanked Mitchell on behalf of all the volunteers for such an amazing act of kindness.
As Mitchell put it, 'Dad loved the Museum and would have been very pleased and proud of the donation in his memory.'
After the Museum closed for the day yesterday, Mitchell invited some of the volunteers down to the local pub, and they shared a drink and a meal in Micky's memory.
The amazing donation will be used towards the restoration and rebuild of the Museum's Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV.
If you would like to make a donation, please visit the 'donation page' on the Museums website: http://www.kbobm.org/donate_financial.htm l
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The Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV project had another massive step forward yesterday, Wednesday 1st August 2018, and following hot on the heels of the cockpit arriving from Canada on Monday.
Our good friends at Watling Tyres have donated a brand new aviation tyre (at nearly £800!) for the Blenheim project and are also refurbishing the other main tyre and the two wheel hubs.
'Winkes' from Watling Tyres called in yesterday to collect the two hubs and existing tyre and are back at th...eir Dover Branch where they are carrying out the work on our behalf.
A Massive Big Thanks from all the Trustees and Volunteers at the Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust at Hawkinge to Norman, Roy, Bill, 'Winkes' and all at Watling Tyres.
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Sorry but it has been a very hectic week and even more so than usual at the Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust at Hawkinge.
Here is a sequence of photographs courtesy of Tom Dolezal, (who runs our excellent museum website www.kbobm.org) of the arrival, unpacking, filming by the BBC and moving into place of the Bristol Blenheim Mk. IV cockpit section that arrived from Canada on Monday this week, 30th July 2018.
The cockpit section originates from a Bolingbroke (the Canadian b...uilt Blenheim) and is another massive step forward to the completion of the Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV.
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At 3.45pm on 31st July 1940, seventy-eight years ago today, No.74 Squadron were one of five RAF squadrons scrambled to Dover where Messerschmitt Bf 109E and Messerschmitt Bf 110s were attacking the Dover barrage balloons. 'B' Flight of No.74 Squadron suffered a disastrous engagement with the Messerschmitt Bf 109E's of Jagdgeschwader 51.
The Messerschmitts surprised 'Blue Section' in a bounce led by Oblt. Horst 'Jakob' Tietzen. Using their 20mm cannons from long range they qui...
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A Very Happy Birthday from all at the Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust to Archie.

The BBC south-east main news from today, Monday 30th July 2018, and featuring the arrival of the Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV cockpit at around 15 minutes in.
A massive achievement for all the volunteers at the Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust at Hawkinge and another big step closer to completing the rebuild of the Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV project.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/…/south-east-toda y-evening-news-30072…
... Dave Brocklehurst Mbe Julian Richardson Derek Sutton Derek Widdows Bradley Day Tom Dolezal
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BBC south-east news from 1.30pm today, Monday 30th July 2018, and covers the first TV coverage of the arrival of the Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV cockpit from Canada.
You need to start watching from 3.55 minutes in.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/…/south-east-toda y-lunchtime-news-300…
... Julian Richardson Derek Sutton Derek Widdows Bradley Day Tom Dolezal Dave Brocklehurst Mbe
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Massive progress with Bristol Blenheim Mk IV project today with the arrival today of our cockpit section from Canada.
Already covered on BBC South-East news and will be featured live on tonight's news at 6.30pm.
More to follow later.
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It is always busy at the Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust at Hawkinge and this week it is particularly busy for TV news and documentary crews!
This evening we were filming with a documentary team from Channel 4, which will be continuing tomorrow morning.
Also this week we will be filming with the BBC, ITV, History Channel and KMTV.
... Some of the TV companies will be filming the arrival of the Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV cockpit section, which was flown in from Canada last week, while others are filing for forthcoming documentaries that will be aired in October and another early in the New Year.
We will post updates and details, as and when the production companies allow, so please watch this space!
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Seventy-eight years ago today, 29th July 1940, history was being made at RAF Hawkinge.
Here's the story we wrote to commemorate the day last year.
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The photograph of SD-N and SD-T Hurricanes of No.501 Squadron are of course taking off from RAF Hawkinge on 15th August 1940 (and not Gravesend as incorrectly stated).

Thank you Andy Long

Seventy-eight years today, Sunday 28th July 1940, Pilot Officer James Hugh Roumieu Young (No. 42670) of No. 74 Squadron, who was shot down and killed, during combat over the English Channel.
James H. R. Young was the eldest son of Captain James R. and Mrs Augusta C. R. Young, formerly of ‘Ten Trees’, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. He was educated at Aylesford House Preparatory School and later at St Albans School. At the former, James won his colours for rugby and cricket and ...
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What a fantastic, poignant and moving place to visit !! So much memorabilia and so many artefacts to see !!! A real tribute to our brave men and women... all of them “heroes”. Really lovely, friendly staff and a beautiful cat too. Will definitely be visiting again x

Went for a visit, wow such a great collection. Would recommend :), staff were also very welcoming and when you have any questions of what's on display go in to great detail.

We visited today as a Fathers Day gift from my two daughters.

We had a lovely breakfast in the cafe, and found all the exhibits really interesting.

The volunteers are very friendly, and offer lots of information.

Mobile phones are not allowed, much to my girls' dismay, but the volunteers will take a photo of you in front of the planes if you wish.

Much to see and learn. Well worth a visit.

To my eternal shame, especially as I live just a few mile away I visited here for the first time today. Well what can I say? Absolutely brilliant, can't recommend it highly enough will definitely return. Massive thank you to all,the volunteers who give their time to help preserve the memory of the few, much respect.

There was a warm welcome from staff/volunteers at the entrance and a polite reminder that taking photos was not allowed and could photography equipment, including mobile phones, be left in the car or at reception. There is a notice to this effect as you approach the entrance. It also mentions that due to the theft of artefacts large bags, including handbags were not permitted. We were not asked to leave our bags.

It was a cold day and inside the hangers & nissan huts it was very cold so do wrap up warmly!

There is much to see and very personalised histories to read, it was a moving experience.

I will say that the use of capitals for the descriptions and histories made it a little difficult to read at times, especially for some of the longer pieces and perhaps advice could be sought on how best to present the written passages although I fully understand that they have probably been prepared by able & willing volunteers.

Well worth the visit & the £8 per adult entry.

The best museum dedicated to The Battle of Britain in the Country in my humble opinion. Being added too all the time the collection is very comprehensive and is very moving charting the Few and back up ground Crews who kept this Country from an unimaginable fate. Far too much to take it all in one visit, you have to return time and again. Put this on your bucket list, if you have got any interest in this momentous history, you must go.

Spent some time at the museum again today and as always received a very warm welcome from Dave and some of the volunteer team, including Scramble the adorable cat.

So much to see and it's amazing how on each visit, we spot more and more incredible artefacts and displays. It was wonderful to see the Blenheim gracing the outside space and look forward to visiting again as the restoration of the plane progresses.

Packed to the rafters with Battle of Britain planes, artefacts and pilot information.

Helpful, Friendly and knowledgable staff. Make a point of chatting to them, I learnt a lot from them.

No photography or phones ( for security reasons) however the staff will look after your phone and let you know if called and will also take pictures for you.

Great Visit. Thanks. Clive B.

Not been here for many years but remember it fondly and hope to return soon. In terms of individual attitudes of staff, I cannot comment on that as I have not been for years and fully respect other's opinions if they've been accosted unfairly, but simply onto the phones/camera ban and the situation of simply being politely told it is not permitted I have this to say. I can understand some people's reservations about not being able to take photos but one, read the website, it's stated there quite CLEARLY, and two, is it not possible to just walk around a museum without having to document everything with technology these days? Again I understand the advantage to being able to do that but is it so vitally important that if you can't it ruins one's day and the whole purpose of the trip? I think part of the magic is that there are things that you can only see when you're there, and to me that just makes it even more special. Being what I describe as an "amateur" Battle of Britain enthusiast, having for years long studied in depth both sides of the battle (RAF and the Luftwaffe), I think the third thing I must point out is that if your knowledge of the events of The Battle of Britain are to be polite more limited, then you would think you could easily skip this space and go somewhere else. However if you're somebody else like me with too much free time who has devoted a lot of their life to this subject, you will know fully know this museum has things you won't get in many other places and how special and unique this place really is. And hence any confiscation of technology is not by any means an utterly impossible compromise! I do not mean to sound pompous at all but I have to jump to this place's defence when seeing it somewhat unjustly criticised. A wonderful place, and a more than credible remembrance of the flyers who fought over England in 1940. Highly recommend.

Just go. You won't be disappointed.



The best ww2 battle of britain aircraft collection (replica mostly but you'd have to be practically inside them to tell) in the country.



I've been to almost all the aircraft collections in this country and many abroad, but this - added with it's collection of artefacts and aircraft parts from crash recoveries - is by far the most welcoming, knowledgeable and value for money.

Just dropped off some mags and books to the great crew down at Hawkinge. Really friendly people, all prepared to stop and have a chat. Not been here for a few years but it is a truly awe inspiring place with a wonderful collection of artefacts and memorable stories. Had a lovely few hours looking around and finished off with a nice cup of tea in the sunshine with the three Hurricanes. Definitely back soon, thanks Dave for the pleasant chat, also managed to stroke Scramble, who we know is the real boss

I'm simply blown away! What a place! It's a homage to the hero's of the Battle of Britain, the amount on display will take several visits to take in, the quality of the displays is up there with the London museums and the quantity has to be the biggest in England, and most of all the staff are so friendly and amazing! If you like your history this place is it, it's the best museum I've ever visited.

I'm looking forward to the next visit �

I had a fantastic afternoon with my two friends at Hawkinge Air Museum yesterday. To stand on that historic site on the anniversary date of the start of The Battle of Britain and the day of the RAF’s 100 year celebrations was really special and was topped off by the awesome sight and sound of two Spitfires flying overhead. There are some wonderful historic artefacts on display in the museum and the staff were really informative and friendly. We enjoyed a lovely cooked meal in the cafe and the cream and jam scones were delicious. I bought a model Mk1 Spitfire and a Mk1 Hurricane as a memento of my visit to this superb Battle of Britain sight where so many brave young pilots fought and died in the air above Kent to keep our country safe.

I can’t recommend this place enough , there is so much to

See and take in that it would be impossible in just one visit, not only can you see but you can feel and smell the historic exhibits on display,it really is quite overwhelming to read about the men that defended our country often giving their life...Honestly the best museum of any kind I have ever visited..!

I can't praise the museum enough, after driving for 2 hours to visit we weren't disappointed! A fantastic memorial to all those who fought and died on both sides, telling hundreds of individual and personal stories as well as a fantastic collection of aircraft and artefacts from the battle. Dave and his team were truly welcoming and friendly, they do an incredible job to run the museum and keep improving what they have. A must visit for anyone with an interest in this period. Please go and support them!

Excellent Musuem !!! We have visited yearly over the last 12 years or so and it’s wonderful to see it growing and improving every year. They have fought hard over decades to preserve this piece of history as a reminder to future generations to come of what is one of the most historically important battles in our countries history and also to ensure the sacrifices made by “The Few “ are not forgotten. They also deal respectfully with those Men who were fighting their own cause even though they were on opposing side. Many a museum can take lessons from how things should be done including Hendon.

An excellent place to visit that tells the human story of the battle for survival that took place over our heads in the not so distant past. An Aladdin's cave of thought-provoking exhibits with both technical and sentimental significance. Staffed by friendly and helpful volunteers, with outdoor seating and a comfortable café.

Always a warm welcome from Dave and his Team of volunteers. This was for us a bike-ride out for the familiy motorcycle members of us- only 6 today but we did have to be reminded the museum shut at 4...as we were spending too much time chatting in the cafe after an excellent 'Full English'- well, we did get a soaking on the ride down.

We met Scramble, whos a prominent caracter on the Museums FB page.

So much to see in one place and so many stories to read or listen to.

I even spotted the 'spitfire' that was made with a Jaguar engine but only flew once, See it you can spot it?

Fantastic collection of artefacts and historical information. Some stunning aircraft/dioramas and models. Also, a huge amount of information to take in.



Would have been 5 stars but for the blond in the cafe'. After ordering our food we handed over a Scottish £20 note and 20p for our order. Female counter hand asked the blond in the kitchen "this is Scottish money, can we accept it?" in a very enquiring tone. The blond laughed and said "I wouldn't take it if I was you". And then said "we would have to take it to the bank...... ". This in front of a packed cafe'. The blond continued to basically mock us with laughter. I explained that it was indeed legal tender in the UK and as far as I knew, that included England. After telling the counter hand to stuff the order, we returned to the front desk, where the blond was explaining to the male counter hand that she had refused to take a Scottish £20 note; still laughing annoyingly. The guy behind the counter said the girl was nervous to take the money and that her laugh was a "nervous laugh". Don't think so.

The guy then went on to explain that they had had a warning regarding fake Scottish £20 pound notes. Had this been explained to us in the cafe' we would have paid with a card. Also an information note posted at the front desk/cafe' explaining the reason would have been helpful. The guy also mentioned that the front desk has a scanner to validate notes and we could have exchanged our Scottish note for another note of UK currency. The guy at the front desk apologised most profusely saying the the cafe' was not run by the museum, but out sourced. Disgusting attitude offered by the cafe' staff. Maybe they don't get many Scottish visitors. We won't be back.

What a fantastic, poignant and moving place to visit !! So much memorabilia and so many artefacts to see !!! A real tribute to our brave men and women... all of them “heroes”. Really lovely, friendly staff and a beautiful cat too. Will definitely be visiting again x

Went for a visit, wow such a great collection. Would recommend :), staff were also very welcoming and when you have any questions of what's on display go in to great detail.

We visited today as a Fathers Day gift from my two daughters.

We had a lovely breakfast in the cafe, and found all the exhibits really interesting.

The volunteers are very friendly, and offer lots of information.

Mobile phones are not allowed, much to my girls' dismay, but the volunteers will take a photo of you in front of the planes if you wish.

Much to see and learn. Well worth a visit.

To my eternal shame, especially as I live just a few mile away I visited here for the first time today. Well what can I say? Absolutely brilliant, can't recommend it highly enough will definitely return. Massive thank you to all,the volunteers who give their time to help preserve the memory of the few, much respect.

There was a warm welcome from staff/volunteers at the entrance and a polite reminder that taking photos was not allowed and could photography equipment, including mobile phones, be left in the car or at reception. There is a notice to this effect as you approach the entrance. It also mentions that due to the theft of artefacts large bags, including handbags were not permitted. We were not asked to leave our bags.

It was a cold day and inside the hangers & nissan huts it was very cold so do wrap up warmly!

There is much to see and very personalised histories to read, it was a moving experience.

I will say that the use of capitals for the descriptions and histories made it a little difficult to read at times, especially for some of the longer pieces and perhaps advice could be sought on how best to present the written passages although I fully understand that they have probably been prepared by able & willing volunteers.

Well worth the visit & the £8 per adult entry.

The best museum dedicated to The Battle of Britain in the Country in my humble opinion. Being added too all the time the collection is very comprehensive and is very moving charting the Few and back up ground Crews who kept this Country from an unimaginable fate. Far too much to take it all in one visit, you have to return time and again. Put this on your bucket list, if you have got any interest in this momentous history, you must go.

Spent some time at the museum again today and as always received a very warm welcome from Dave and some of the volunteer team, including Scramble the adorable cat.

So much to see and it's amazing how on each visit, we spot more and more incredible artefacts and displays. It was wonderful to see the Blenheim gracing the outside space and look forward to visiting again as the restoration of the plane progresses.

Packed to the rafters with Battle of Britain planes, artefacts and pilot information.

Helpful, Friendly and knowledgable staff. Make a point of chatting to them, I learnt a lot from them.

No photography or phones ( for security reasons) however the staff will look after your phone and let you know if called and will also take pictures for you.

Great Visit. Thanks. Clive B.

Not been here for many years but remember it fondly and hope to return soon. In terms of individual attitudes of staff, I cannot comment on that as I have not been for years and fully respect other's opinions if they've been accosted unfairly, but simply onto the phones/camera ban and the situation of simply being politely told it is not permitted I have this to say. I can understand some people's reservations about not being able to take photos but one, read the website, it's stated there quite CLEARLY, and two, is it not possible to just walk around a museum without having to document everything with technology these days? Again I understand the advantage to being able to do that but is it so vitally important that if you can't it ruins one's day and the whole purpose of the trip? I think part of the magic is that there are things that you can only see when you're there, and to me that just makes it even more special. Being what I describe as an "amateur" Battle of Britain enthusiast, having for years long studied in depth both sides of the battle (RAF and the Luftwaffe), I think the third thing I must point out is that if your knowledge of the events of The Battle of Britain are to be polite more limited, then you would think you could easily skip this space and go somewhere else. However if you're somebody else like me with too much free time who has devoted a lot of their life to this subject, you will know fully know this museum has things you won't get in many other places and how special and unique this place really is. And hence any confiscation of technology is not by any means an utterly impossible compromise! I do not mean to sound pompous at all but I have to jump to this place's defence when seeing it somewhat unjustly criticised. A wonderful place, and a more than credible remembrance of the flyers who fought over England in 1940. Highly recommend.

Just go. You won't be disappointed.



The best ww2 battle of britain aircraft collection (replica mostly but you'd have to be practically inside them to tell) in the country.



I've been to almost all the aircraft collections in this country and many abroad, but this - added with it's collection of artefacts and aircraft parts from crash recoveries - is by far the most welcoming, knowledgeable and value for money.

Just dropped off some mags and books to the great crew down at Hawkinge. Really friendly people, all prepared to stop and have a chat. Not been here for a few years but it is a truly awe inspiring place with a wonderful collection of artefacts and memorable stories. Had a lovely few hours looking around and finished off with a nice cup of tea in the sunshine with the three Hurricanes. Definitely back soon, thanks Dave for the pleasant chat, also managed to stroke Scramble, who we know is the real boss

I'm simply blown away! What a place! It's a homage to the hero's of the Battle of Britain, the amount on display will take several visits to take in, the quality of the displays is up there with the London museums and the quantity has to be the biggest in England, and most of all the staff are so friendly and amazing! If you like your history this place is it, it's the best museum I've ever visited.

I'm looking forward to the next visit �

I had a fantastic afternoon with my two friends at Hawkinge Air Museum yesterday. To stand on that historic site on the anniversary date of the start of The Battle of Britain and the day of the RAF’s 100 year celebrations was really special and was topped off by the awesome sight and sound of two Spitfires flying overhead. There are some wonderful historic artefacts on display in the museum and the staff were really informative and friendly. We enjoyed a lovely cooked meal in the cafe and the cream and jam scones were delicious. I bought a model Mk1 Spitfire and a Mk1 Hurricane as a memento of my visit to this superb Battle of Britain sight where so many brave young pilots fought and died in the air above Kent to keep our country safe.

I can’t recommend this place enough , there is so much to

See and take in that it would be impossible in just one visit, not only can you see but you can feel and smell the historic exhibits on display,it really is quite overwhelming to read about the men that defended our country often giving their life...Honestly the best museum of any kind I have ever visited..!

I can't praise the museum enough, after driving for 2 hours to visit we weren't disappointed! A fantastic memorial to all those who fought and died on both sides, telling hundreds of individual and personal stories as well as a fantastic collection of aircraft and artefacts from the battle. Dave and his team were truly welcoming and friendly, they do an incredible job to run the museum and keep improving what they have. A must visit for anyone with an interest in this period. Please go and support them!

Excellent Musuem !!! We have visited yearly over the last 12 years or so and it’s wonderful to see it growing and improving every year. They have fought hard over decades to preserve this piece of history as a reminder to future generations to come of what is one of the most historically important battles in our countries history and also to ensure the sacrifices made by “The Few “ are not forgotten. They also deal respectfully with those Men who were fighting their own cause even though they were on opposing side. Many a museum can take lessons from how things should be done including Hendon.

An excellent place to visit that tells the human story of the battle for survival that took place over our heads in the not so distant past. An Aladdin's cave of thought-provoking exhibits with both technical and sentimental significance. Staffed by friendly and helpful volunteers, with outdoor seating and a comfortable café.

Always a warm welcome from Dave and his Team of volunteers. This was for us a bike-ride out for the familiy motorcycle members of us- only 6 today but we did have to be reminded the museum shut at 4...as we were spending too much time chatting in the cafe after an excellent 'Full English'- well, we did get a soaking on the ride down.

We met Scramble, whos a prominent caracter on the Museums FB page.

So much to see in one place and so many stories to read or listen to.

I even spotted the 'spitfire' that was made with a Jaguar engine but only flew once, See it you can spot it?

Fantastic collection of artefacts and historical information. Some stunning aircraft/dioramas and models. Also, a huge amount of information to take in.



Would have been 5 stars but for the blond in the cafe'. After ordering our food we handed over a Scottish £20 note and 20p for our order. Female counter hand asked the blond in the kitchen "this is Scottish money, can we accept it?" in a very enquiring tone. The blond laughed and said "I wouldn't take it if I was you". And then said "we would have to take it to the bank...... ". This in front of a packed cafe'. The blond continued to basically mock us with laughter. I explained that it was indeed legal tender in the UK and as far as I knew, that included England. After telling the counter hand to stuff the order, we returned to the front desk, where the blond was explaining to the male counter hand that she had refused to take a Scottish £20 note; still laughing annoyingly. The guy behind the counter said the girl was nervous to take the money and that her laugh was a "nervous laugh". Don't think so.

The guy then went on to explain that they had had a warning regarding fake Scottish £20 pound notes. Had this been explained to us in the cafe' we would have paid with a card. Also an information note posted at the front desk/cafe' explaining the reason would have been helpful. The guy also mentioned that the front desk has a scanner to validate notes and we could have exchanged our Scottish note for another note of UK currency. The guy at the front desk apologised most profusely saying the the cafe' was not run by the museum, but out sourced. Disgusting attitude offered by the cafe' staff. Maybe they don't get many Scottish visitors. We won't be back.