The Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire has seen an increase in interest for daytime events from new and regular visitors to the Museum and following a sell out audience for a screening of Secret Spitfires hosted by Norman Parker, has now introduced a new presentation to its annual programme of events.
On Friday 6th October, former Curator of the Museum – Derek Armitage – will host a very special presentation at the Museum as he lifts the veil on the largest airborne operation of the Second World War.
After the success of airborne operations during the invasion of occupied France in the summer of 1944, the Allied High Command turned their attention to crossing the Rhine and entering Germany, an operation we now know as ‘Market Garden’.
In a fascinating talk by Derek who is now one of the Museum’s highly praised tour guides, visitors will hear about how the 1st Airborne Division was composed, the objectives of the Operation and the heavy and desperate fighting and losses that followed. Although the Operation ultimately failed to achieve its objectives, visitors will hear how the determination and courage shown by the airborne troops and the units that assisted them, made Market Garden one of the Second World War’s most famous of battles.
Visitors will also be shown some of the types of aircraft involved in Operation Market Garden in the Hayward Hall of the Museum, where they will be able to see sections of Horsa, Hamilcar and Hadrian military gliders.
Tickets to this fascinating talk on 6 October at 10.30am and 2pm are just £8 and include a complimentary tea/coffee. Tickets can be booked online by visiting www.armyflying.com
Talks and lectures have been a key part of the Museum’s events programme since the launch of Lockdown Lectures during the pandemic, and a new series of Autumn lectures are now available to book via the Museum’s website. Previous lectures can also be purchased to watch online with some fascinating topics covered over the last twelve months including a presentation by best-selling author Liz McConaghy – Chinook Crew Chick – and a moving and in-depth presentation by Paul Beaver on the life of Winkle Brown.