History of the RAF Museum
The RAF Museum London in 1972
The Queen opens the RAF Museum London
Interior of the Museum, prior to its opening
In 1962 the Air Force Board formed a committee, under the chairmanship
of Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Dermot Boyle, to advise the
Board on historical and museum matters. Arising from the committee's
deliberations came a recommendation to establish a Royal Air Force
Museum.
A Board of Trustees was formed to look after the Museum's interests,
with Sir Dermot Boyle as its chairman and Dr. John Tanner, from
the staff of the RAF College, Cranwell, as Director of the Museum.
Hendon in London was chosen as the most suitable site for the Museum as it
had a long aviation history and on 15 November 1972, Her Majesty
the Queen officially opened the Royal Air Force Museum in London.
On its opening; London's hangars housed some 36 aircraft.
Over the following years, however, some 130 aircraft had been acquired
for the Museum. Aircraft not on display were held in what were called
reserve collections at a number of RAF stations around the country
including RAF Cosford. Other than on Battle of Britain Open Days
at various RAF stations, these stored aircraft were seldom available
for public display.
