The World War 2 History Group have organised a coach trip to the Army Flying Museum on Friday 31st July 2026, and we are now opening up the trip to Yate and Sodbury u3a members who would like to join us.

“The Army Flying Museum is located at Middle Wallop, close to Andover, in Hampshire. The Museum tells the story of British Army Flying from the early days of military ballooning to the modern Army Air Corps. The collection was started in 1946 at RAF Andover but later moved to Middle Wallop and first opened to the public in 1974.

In 1984, the Museum moved from a location “behind the wire” to a new, purpose-build hangar which is located on the edge of an active airfield. The Museum has since been extended twice more and now comprises two large aircraft halls (the Prince Michael of Kent Hall and the Hayward Hall) a learning centre, a 1940s house display, a play park and conference facilities.

The collection covers the five main branches of Army Aviation: Royal Engineers (1878 – 1912), The Royal Flying Corps (1912-1918), Air Observation Post Squadrons (1941 – 1957), the Glider Pilot Regiment (1942 – 1957) and the current Army Air Corps (1957- to date). Over 40 aircraft can be seen in the Museum. These range from a First World War biplane to a Huey Cobra attack helicopter plus an example of every Allied glider used operationally during the Second World War.”

Museum facilities include the on-site Apache Café, and the museum is described as accessible. Depending on the weather it may also be possible to see aircraft from the Army Heritage Flight in operation.

If you are interested in joining us please email ianmu3a@gmail.com to obtain full details and a booking form. The price includes coach travel, entry to the museum and a guided tour of the museum. There will also be plenty of time to further explore those ares of particular interest to you.