Trenchard Museum
Encyclopedia
The Trenchard Museum is based at RAF Halton
, Halton
, Buckinghamshire
, England
. The overall aim of the museum
is to preserve and display items that relate to the early history of Royal Air Force
and in particular the training of apprentices which took place at RAF Halton. It is named after Lord Trenchard, who is known as the father of the Royal Air Force, founded the aircraft apprentice scheme, and had a strong association with RAF Halton
. The museum
was opened in 1999.
were given permission by the then owner Alfred de Rothschild
to use his estate at Halton for practicing manoeuvres. There are important exhibits recounting the major contribution of Lord Trenchard to the founding and development of the RAF, some of which were originally housed in a small museum in his name at RAF Upavon
. The museum also records the background to apprentice training at the Halton camp through examples of the tools, work and test pieces completed by apprentices, and the exploits of some of those who were trained there. The museum has two complete aircraft, many models of aircraft, a number of aero engines, weapons and other equipment on display. There are a large number of photographs, a mock up of barrack rooms, and the uniforms worn by those stationed at Halton Camp over the years. Aside from artefacts relating to engineering, there is also memorabilia relating to a wide range of other training, including catering, nursing and dentistry.
, the grandson of Hugh Trenchard. The museum is managed by a curator, assisted by a small number of volunteers who have previous experience based at the Halton Camp or have an interest in the activities of RAF Halton. Funding of the museum is from small grants and through the supply of exhibits and other materials from the RAF. Many apprentice training artifacts have been loaned or donated by past apprentices, Financial support also comes via contributions from visitors and through educational activities. The museum is normally open on Tuesdays and for groups at other times by prior arrangement.
RAF Halton
RAF Halton is one of the largest Royal Air Force stations in the United Kingdom, located near the village of Halton near Wendover, Buckinghamshire.HRH The Duchess of Cornwall is the Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Halton.-History:...
, Halton
Halton, Buckinghamshire
Halton is a small village and is also a civil parish within Aylesbury Vale district in Buckinghamshire, England about 2 miles from Wendover and 5 miles from Aylesbury. It lies just outside the Metropolitan Green Belt so it has not been protected from postwar housing development...
, Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan home county in South East England. The county town is Aylesbury, the largest town in the ceremonial county is Milton Keynes and largest town in the non-metropolitan county is High Wycombe....
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. The overall aim of the museum
Museum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
is to preserve and display items that relate to the early history of Royal Air Force
Royal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
and in particular the training of apprentices which took place at RAF Halton. It is named after Lord Trenchard, who is known as the father of the Royal Air Force, founded the aircraft apprentice scheme, and had a strong association with RAF Halton
RAF Halton
RAF Halton is one of the largest Royal Air Force stations in the United Kingdom, located near the village of Halton near Wendover, Buckinghamshire.HRH The Duchess of Cornwall is the Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Halton.-History:...
. The museum
Museum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
was opened in 1999.
Collection and activities
The collection celebrates the history of RAF Halton, the origins of which go back to 1913 when the Royal Flying CorpsRoyal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
were given permission by the then owner Alfred de Rothschild
Alfred de Rothschild
Alfred Charles de Rothschild was the second son of Lionel de Rothschild and Baroness Charlotte von Rothschild of the prominent Rothschild family....
to use his estate at Halton for practicing manoeuvres. There are important exhibits recounting the major contribution of Lord Trenchard to the founding and development of the RAF, some of which were originally housed in a small museum in his name at RAF Upavon
RAF Upavon
The former Royal Air Force Station Upavon, more commonly known as RAF Upavon, was a grass airfield, military flight training school, and administrative headquarters of the Royal Air Force....
. The museum also records the background to apprentice training at the Halton camp through examples of the tools, work and test pieces completed by apprentices, and the exploits of some of those who were trained there. The museum has two complete aircraft, many models of aircraft, a number of aero engines, weapons and other equipment on display. There are a large number of photographs, a mock up of barrack rooms, and the uniforms worn by those stationed at Halton Camp over the years. Aside from artefacts relating to engineering, there is also memorabilia relating to a wide range of other training, including catering, nursing and dentistry.
Management and funding
The Trenchard Museum was opened on 22 June 1999 by Hugh Trenchard, 3rd Viscount TrenchardHugh Trenchard, 3rd Viscount Trenchard
Hugh Trenchard, 3rd Viscount Trenchard DL is a British soldier and businessman. In 1987, he succeeded to his father's titles...
, the grandson of Hugh Trenchard. The museum is managed by a curator, assisted by a small number of volunteers who have previous experience based at the Halton Camp or have an interest in the activities of RAF Halton. Funding of the museum is from small grants and through the supply of exhibits and other materials from the RAF. Many apprentice training artifacts have been loaned or donated by past apprentices, Financial support also comes via contributions from visitors and through educational activities. The museum is normally open on Tuesdays and for groups at other times by prior arrangement.