Wellington Pilot, Ronald Cooper aged 89, will be visiting the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford to view the conservation work being carried out on his beloved aircraft, the Wellington bomber. Ronald will be visiting the Museum on Monday 15th November for the Conservation Centre Open Week where a range of aircraft and other artefacts in various states of restoration will be on display, including the Centre’s latest arrival, the Wellington Bomber.
Ronald who flew in Wellingtons during the early 1940’s was posted to the Middle East, Italy, Germany and then to Palestine in July 1944 where he worked as an instructor teaching pupils how to fly Wellingtons. He will meet with the Conservation Centre Manager and Museum Curator during his visit where he will be able to get up close to the aircraft and share some of his own knowledge and experiences.
The Vickers Wellington was widely used as a night bomber in the early years of WWII. It is famous for its geodetic fuselage structure designed by Barnes Wallis. The fabric covering is in desperate need of replacement and this will compliment other, extensive conservation work being conducted on the aircraft structure, with all work being carried out at the Museum’s Conservation Centre over the next four to five years.
Other conservation projects on view during the Open Week taking place from 15 -20 November from 10.15am – 1.00pm each day include: on-going refurbishments such as the Handley Page Hampden TB1, Spitfire Mk XIX and Range Safety Launch. This may also be the last opportunity to view the conservation efforts on the Mk1 Sopwith Dolphin which is nearing completion.
Manager of the Conservation Centre, Tim Wallis says:
“The Open Weeks have become a mutually beneficial event for aircraft enthusiasts and interested members of the public alike and we are always delighted at the interest shown. Most are surprised by our work when they enter the hangar and hopefully all are delighted by the experience. We look forward to the exchange of information and hope that many accept our invitation to this brief, but rare insight into the preservation of aviation heritage. We are also ready to show-off the new MBCC Training Centre to our supportive public.”Â
Admission to the Conservation Centre is FREE and from 10.15am to 1.00pm each day during Open Week. Cosford’s main Museum will open daily from 10am - 6pm (last admission 5pm). Admission is FREE of charge. For further information, please contact the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford on 01902 376200 or visit www.rafmuseum.org.
