Archives: Artefacts

Get your hands on this top secret object – the perfect adoption for any budding coder.

Entering service in March 1942, for the last three years of the Second World War, the Avro Lancaster was the major heavy bomber used by Bomber Command to take the war to the heartlands of Nazi Germany. Described by Sir Arthur Harris, Commander-in-Chief of Bomber Command, as ‘the greatest single factor in winning the war’, Lancasters made a major contribution to Bomber Command’s night offensive, made even more incredible when the average age of the seven-man crew was only 22 years. They endured danger and discomfort and many showed great courage in continuing to fly knowing the odds against survival were high. Bomber Command suffered the highest casualty rate of any branch of the British services in the Second World War. Our magnificent Lancaster is the only one known to have successfully completed 37 sorties when the average was 21.

The Panavia Tornado, developed jointly by the UK, West Germany and Italy, was designed for high-speed, low-level attack missions. The Tornado GR1 and GR1A flew during the Gulf War 1991, attacking Iraqi airfields and using laser-guided bombs against bridges, fuel depots and weapon dumps. Adopt this GR1B variant which was developed to carry the Sea Eagle missile. Exclusively adopt this incredible aircraft which aided the RAF in one of its most arduous missions in recent times.

Adopt the majestic aircraft that graces our London Museum’s entrance hall and make an exclusive salute to RAF history. By the start of World War Two in September 1939, three RAF squadrons had been equipped with the Sunderlands, a long-range reconnaissance and anti-submarine patrol flying boat. The Luftwaffe nicknamed the Sunderland ‘The Flying Porcupine’ because of the large number of machine guns it was equipped with. The final Coastal Command Sunderland operational mission was in June 1945 but long-range Sunderland operations also took place overseas from bases in Africa and the Far East. Sunderlands were later used in the Berlin Airlift in 1949. They remained operational for twenty years and were the last flying-boats of the Royal Air Force. The magnificent example in Hangar 1 flew with No. 201 Squadron during 1945 and later served with the French Navy.

Sporting Scotland’s most famous item of clothing, Scotch Jock the Teddy Bear is a mascot with a difference. Not only did he bring luck to Lieutenant William MacLanachan, a fighter pilot in the Royal Flying Corps on the Western Front, he also reminds us of the part Teddy Bear manufacturers played in supporting the war effort by producing pilots’ clothing during the First World War.

Adopt yourself a little piece of luck with the rather cute childhood companion of Flight Sergeant Frederick Cooper. Teddy is no stranger to danger joining Frederick on every operational flight he undertook in the Far East during the Second World War. His charms obviously worked as they both survived.

Your chance to adopt the quirky Fordson Balloon Winch. The cage on the back was for the operator to protect them from cable injury, or even worse, an electric shock from currents building up along the balloon and cable. One of three RAF vehicles available for you to adopt. Take charge, and adopt now!

An egg-sellent adoption for any budding chef. The tin contains a dozen eggs in powered form. Hydrating your eggs couldn’t be simpler, just add water!