‘The home of air logistics heritage’

The Centre was set up in 2005 to provide a focus for RAF Logistics heritage and ethos. Situated in the Supply & Movements Training Wing at RAF Halton, the Centre is run by a team of volunteers and provides a complimentary mix of displays, showing the past, present and future of RAF Logistics. The Centre was officially opened by the Head of Branch & Trades, Air Vice-Marshal MJG Wiles CBE MBA FCILT RAF in May 2009.

THEMED DISPLAYS

The Centre covers a broad range of topics with displays grouped into the following themes:

The Logistics Story. Find out how RAF logistics evolved, from its origins in the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), through to the present day. Recruitment and training is covered, as well as items on some of the personalities who have helped shape the discipline today. How much influence did the RFC have? What were the challenges? It’s all here!

Expeditionary Logistics. RAF logistics has always been a key enabler of expeditionary operations. At the heart of this display is a life-size tableau that contrasts logistic operations in Iraq in 1917 and in 2009, just before the RAF withdrew from this theatre of operations. There is also a collection of items relating to the RAF Beach Sqns and Air Stores Parks, the latter being the RAF’s first tactical logistical units to take part in most of the campaigns in WW2, including the Normandy Landings in 1944. The history and current work of No 85 (Expeditionary Logistics) Wing based at RAF Wittering and the Tactical Supply Wing operating from MOD Stafford is also depicted.

Logistics Computing. The logistics organization pioneered the use of computers for stock control, from the early 1960s through to 1998, when much of this work was taken on by the Defence Logistics Organization (now Defence Equipment & Support). Discover this evolution through story boards and rare, surviving examples of the hardware, including components of the very first system, the AEI 1010. Find out how computing was taken into the field, how the inventory was maintained and how the RAF of today tracks where its equipment is in the supply chain.

Fuels & Explosives. Towering above all the exhibits is an original tail section of a Tallboy bomb, the type that was used by 617 (Dambusters) Sqn on the Tirpitz raid during WW2. What is the connection between the tail and logistics? Come and find out! The Centre also owns one of the few surviving examples of a training version of the WE177 freefall nuclear weapon that could be carried by the Tornado during the Cold War.

Movements. The Defence Movements School has sponsored a display which charts the history of air movements. Come and look at our air cargo load from a Hercules and spot the potential hazards! What role did logistics play in the Berlin Airlift and how much of a challenge was the Falklands airbridge in 1982? The ‘movers’ show you the answers!

Motor Transport. Road vehicles have always been vital for transporting supplies. This display has a number of scale models depicting modes of transport such as the famous ‘Queen Mary’ trailer and the DUKW. Also on show are rare surviving examples of MT documentation from 1918.

Honours & Awards. RAF logisticians have served in the majority of conflicts in which the Service has been involved during the 20th and 21st Centuries. Discover what decorations, awards and medals have been earned by members of the Branch and Trades, including the Distinguished Service Order, George Medal, mentions in despatches and many more.

Sporting Endeavours. A recent addition to the Centre is a display showing Branch & Trade involvement in a wide range of sports, including those who have been particularly successful in pursuits such as winter sports, rugby and football. Find out what a luge looks like and how to cycle your way to the top!

Logistics Library & Archive. The Centre has built up a library of books, journals, articles and reports on RAF logistics, as well as a photographic & historical document archives. This facility is used extensively by students on the Logistics Officer Training course for general access as well as for research as part of their course. The collection is catalogued on a searchable, on-line database.

CONTACT US

Currently, we can only entertain visitors by appointment. If you would like to visit, please contact Mr Mick Perry at:
SMTW (Old Workshops),
RAF Halton, AYLESBURY,
Buckinghamshire. HP22 5PG.
01296 656630
95237-6630