The Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire has significantly ramped up its plans for its annual fundraising event, in this, the 80th anniversary year of D-Day. Visitors are always treated to a fabulous array of classic and super cars, bikes and aircraft as part of the ground display, however this year, Wallop Wheels & Wings will also feature two exciting additional elements commemorating the legendary roles played by both the Glider Pilot Regiment and the Air Observation Post Squadrons in the Normandy campaign.
Gratefully supported by members of the Glider Pilot Regiment Society, Parachute Regiment Associations, Men at Arnhem and Ham & Jam enthusiast groups and the International Auster Club, visitors to the event will have the opportunity to see up close a legendary GPR Horsa replica, a ground ‘Ops’ base alongside GPR Miles Magister and Kirby Kite training aircraft, and a veteran Normandy campaign Auster. The display is set to be a real treat for both enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike and pays respect to this significant anniversary in history.
George Bacon, Content and Commentary Production adviser for Wallop Wheels and Wings said:
“This is a really exciting year in the development of this hugely popular event at the Army Flying Museum, with a great opportunity to commemorate one of the most famous ‘Coup de Main’ operations in military and GPR history. The capture of the bridges over the Orne River and Caen Canal, was later described ‘as one of the finest pieces of flying during the entire Second World War’ by Air Chief Marshal of the RAF, Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory. Celebrating alongside the achievements of the AOP Squadrons with a veteran participant aircraft will be an added bonus thus representing the valiant forerunners of today’s Army Air Corps who continue to fly from the historic airfield at Middle Wallop.”
The Museum is staging a number of smaller events around the D-Day Anniversary in June which are sure to be of great interest to visitors, including a talk by archaeologist and air photo interpreter Chris Cox, who will be giving a fascinating insight to Operation Overlord from the air.
Lucy Johnson: CEO of the AFM said:
“It is great to see this new display incorporated into Wheels and Wings this year and we can’t thank all our supporters enough for making this happen. It is a unique opportunity for visitors to the event to have the experience of viewing these aircraft up close, and being able to learn more about the history from the incredible knowledge of the enthusiast groups. It really is going to be a great spectacle to see.”
All tickets booked in advance for the event qualify for a free annual pass to encourage visitors to return to the Museum throughout the year and find out more about the history of Army flying. With activities during the school holidays included within the annual pass, along with trails, mini tours, special events etc, the Museum is really establishing its place on the local attractions scene having been awarded Best Aviation Museum in the Airscene Awards.
For further information or to book tickets, visit https://armyflying.com/what-s-on/events/wallop-wheels-wings-2024/
PHOTOS:
Kite and Magister – photo credit Nick Blacow