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Description: | The collection centres on the display of wartime Spitfire and Hurricane fighter aircraft. The Aircraft Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI (LF) - Type 361 - Serial TB752 - Sqn Code KH-Z. TB752 is one of the few surviving Spitfires with a wartime record. She served briefly with 66 Squadron during the early part of 1945 but after a landing accident joined 403 Squadron (RCAF) and very quickly accounted for four German aircraft. TB752 was totally rebuilt in the latter part of the 1970s to her present pristine condition by the Medway Aircraft Preservation Society based at Rochester Airport. The story of Spitfire Mk XVI (TB752) - the "gate-guardian" at Royal Air Force Manston from 1955 to restoration and housing in the Memorial Building in the mid 1970's takes pride of place. All 17 pilots from Australia, South Africa, America, Canada and the United Kingdom have been traced and have visited "their" Spitfire. This unique story forms the backbone of the Collection.
The part played by the Hawker Hurricane in the "Battle of Britain" and its aftermath contributes much to the collection and display. There are very few survivors of the famous fighter Hawker Hurricane IIC - Serial LF751 - (Displayed as BN230 of 43 Squadron) - Sqn Code FT-A. LF751 was built at Langley in 1944 and performed valuable service on bomber defence training. For nearly 30 years she served as "Gate-Guardian" at RAF Bentley Priory before being moved to Rochester Airport in 1985 for restoration by the Medway Aircraft Preservation Society.
Royal Air Force Manston played a very significant part in the "Battle of Britain" as did this part of the County of Kent which gained the name of "Hellfire Corner". Manston is also remembered for several other major contributions to the war effort including the infamous "Channel Dash". Other events include the preparatory work leading up to the famous "Dambusters' Raid" by No. 617 Squadron (RAF). The Collection includes an expanding section relating to the German LUFTWAFFE and the part played by their men and aircraft in the aerial conflict over the county and also general memorabilia, both military and civil, mainly from the 1939-45 World War II period. | Source: | Cornucopia - Discovering UK Collections | Address: | The Airfield
Manston Road
Ramsgate
Kent,
CT12 5DF | FAX: | 01843 821940 | Identifier: | oai:www.cornucopia.org.uk:5535 | Go to resource |
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