Join Mike O’Donoghue in the Museum for a fascinating and richly illustrated talk tracing the origins and evolution of Britain’s Air Observation Post (AOP) units — the small aircraft that made a big difference.
From humble beginnings in the First World War trenches to daring low-level flights over enemy territory in North Africa, Normandy, and the Far East, this talk explores the unique partnership between the British Army and the Royal Air Force in a chapter of aviation history too often overlooked.
Packed with vivid stories of courage, improvisation, and innovation — including daring escapes, unarmed aircraft facing ground fire, and the peculiar perils of flying in monsoon season — this is the story of the pilots and soldiers whose quiet heroism shaped the future of battlefield aviation.
Mike will be joined by Wally Steward, a former New Zealand Army artillery officer and trained AOP pilot, who flew Auster aircraft in the jungles of Borneo during the Indonesia–Malaysia Confrontation. Wally will share first-hand memories of Operation Blunt in 1964, along with the challenges of flying light aircraft in harsh tropical conditions during a largely forgotten conflict. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear the personal testimony of an AOP pilot who was there.
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.