Wings museum visit

I was delighted when Clive organised a guided trip to the Wings Museum near Balcombe, for club members. I must admit that I knew nothing about the museum and I was startled when I walked through the door. It was a CRASHED aircraft museum.

Our guide, however, radiated enthusiasm. He described how the museum was the result of two brothers’ lifelong passion. They found some wartime relics and soon became hooked on collecting.

On walking around it became clear that this collection was not just the result of a magpie compulsion. Each area was thoughtfully laid out and full of information describing the aircraft type, the purpose of the mission, biographical details of the crew and the outcome for them. I found that the exhibits caused several moments of quiet reflection on my part. I understand that the founders curate the exhibits.

The Allied and Axis aircrew were treated equally, with no bias. However, there was a section featuring sketches portraying the reality of life and death for the Jewish and other groups who were sent to labour and death camps.

The message from this museum is well presented and they have big plans to expand and continuously improve it.

Most of our group are pictured here. The scale model Dakota was donated by Dave Knott and gives a useful perspective on the original plane in D-Day glider towing role.