That Cyril Babbage survived two of the Second World War’s most momentous events unscathed – the Battle of Britain and the Normandy invasion – is testament not just to his skill as a pilot, but also to his extraordinary good fortune. Shot down three times, once by a Luftwaffe Experten and Knight’s Cross holder, he went on to claim the first Fw 190 lost in aerial combat, disposing of another holder of the Ritterkreuz in the process.
Amongst his fascinating experiences are tales of the famous names who briefly crossed his path, Amy Johnson and Douglas Bader amongst them, as well as lesser-known heroes: the youngsters with whom he served on Spitfire and Mosquito squadrons, and an intrepid SAS team operating behind enemy lines after D-Day. Unlike Babbage himself, who eventually retired as a wing commander, sadly all too many of these brave men were unable to enjoy the peace that victory brought.
Join Black Robertson in the Museum at 7pm on Monday 17th November to find out more. You will be given the option to book a pre-lecture dinner of chicken curry with rice and naan bread in our Apache Café at 6pm - bookings must be made by Monday 10th November. There will be a vegetarian curry option available.
If you are unable to attend in person, then you can buy an online pass to watch live and join in the Q&A, or watch on catch up at your convenience afterwards. Click on the Online Pass option below - you will be asked to select a session which is a requirement of our online booking system - please be aware, it doesn't matter which session you select because you will be able to view the talk at anytime after it has gone live from 7pm on Monday 17th November. You will be sent a link to view the lecture after booking.
The content of talks are based on the research and views of the guest speakers.
The Museum is an independent charity and all proceeds from this event go towards supporting the work we do in preserving the history of British Army aviation.
Our evening lecture programme is kindly sponsored by
