Davidstow Moor RAF Memorial Museum
The museum is housed in the former Sergeants Shower Block and offers the visitor a remarkable insight into the history of the former RAF airfield. The museum has many artifacts and a wealth of personal memories from those who flew and worked at Davidstow Moor. The Curator, David Keast, has a wealth of knowledge regarding the airfields history and he remembers the operational days as a small boy.
David has written two books about Davidstow Moor which give a superb insight into the airfield. The books are:
Both are available from the museum.
David's latest book - WWII WAAFS has also recently been published.
I spend a fair bit of time on the old airfield and try to envisage what it must have been like in its operational days. Thanks to the work of the museum I now understand far more of what went on during the airfield's short existence. A visit to the museum is thoroughly recommended as it brings to life and revives the memories of what has gone before.
Update - for the 2014 season two new exhibits have been opened.
David has written two books about Davidstow Moor which give a superb insight into the airfield. The books are:
- Memories and Records of RAF Davidstow Moor
- RAF Davidstow Moor Coastal Command 1942 - 1945
Both are available from the museum.
David's latest book - WWII WAAFS has also recently been published.
I spend a fair bit of time on the old airfield and try to envisage what it must have been like in its operational days. Thanks to the work of the museum I now understand far more of what went on during the airfield's short existence. A visit to the museum is thoroughly recommended as it brings to life and revives the memories of what has gone before.
Update - for the 2014 season two new exhibits have been opened.
- The South West Aviation Historical Society have set up an exhibition of aircraft parts that have been recovered from crash sites in the South West. A huge selection of items are now on display from Dartmoor, Bodmin Moor, Devon and Cornwall. The collection has been set up and displayed by Graham Lewis and is thoroughly recommended due to the in depth information provided and the sheer amount of artifacts that are displayed.
- To the rear of the museum buildings a Transmitter Room has been set up. This houses a 10KW transmitter, manufactured by Standard Telephone & Cables Ltd, that was once located within Innis Down Radio Station also known as Bodmin Radio Station. During the 1970s - 80s this transmitter provided the hot line between London and Moscow which allowed heads of state to talk in times of crisis. This transmitter could have been the last chance to avert a nuclear war so it is a very important part of Cold War history which has thankfully been preserved for the future.
The museums website can be found here - davidstowmemorialmuseum.co.uk
I have included a few photographs of the external displays that can be seen at the museum .