Displays.
The building housing the main collection is the former
Headquarters of Royal Air Force Montrose This
map shows the
site of the airfield at the time of the Battle of Britain in 1940.
The original site was expansive and some parts still remain such as
the 1913 hangars, probably the oldest in the world, although
currently not part of the visitor complex.
The former HQ now displays a prestigious collection of
memorabilia, artefacts and pictures depicting the story from the
origins of flight, through the two world wars. There are
displays and models showing the different aircraft that flew
here as well as the aircraft flown by the Luftwaffe c 1940 that
attacked the Scottish coastline.
The squadrons and individuals who served here are represented by a rare and often unique range of objects including a silk scarf which belonged to Major James McCudden VC, a warrant signed by Winston Churchill and a piece of the Red Baron’s Fokker Triplane.
Squadrons that have a Montrose connection have dedicated displays such as No 25, No 43, No 83 and No 108 who were formed here and No 603 and No 111 both stationed here in the 1940s.
Other sections portray the ‘Montrose Ghost’, the dangers of flying, air-sea and mountain rescue, the Home Front, Bombing of Montrose and the social and economic impact on the town.
The addition of the Romney hangar and Nissen hut, made possible via a Heritage Lottery Fund grant and the valiant efforts of volunteers and members, has given us the opportunity to house larger exhibits under cover as well as providing a suitable environment for renovation.
These buildings now exhibit a life sized replica Sopwith Camel, the only World War One aircraft on show to the public in Scotland (pictured), prototype Derwent Jet Engine, original Mann Egerton engine crane fully refurbished, 2 Rolls Royce Merlin engines with the story of the fatal bomber crash they are from, an original 1944 Staff Car, and Green Goddess Fire Engine.
Currently part of the renovation programme but still on view are a Control Van, Hawker Sea Hawk, Thompson fuel bowser, and wartime Queen Mary aircraft trailer.
For a modern fighting force, communications are vital. Radio was used extensively by the RAF at Montrose for air-to-air and air-ground communication. Facilities were also in place to train pilots to fly along ‘beams’ generated by radio for navigation and guidance purposes.
To continue in this theme a Radio Section of was set up. Through the generosity of a local family, the GM3KC call sign was re-issued. The section meets every Sunday afternoon, but can be heard on the air using GM GB|MAS (Montrose Air Station) at special events. Visitors wishing to see the station on air or the exhibits on days other than Sunday please contact Ewan (MM0BIX) or 01674 676740.
The squadrons and individuals who served here are represented by a rare and often unique range of objects including a silk scarf which belonged to Major James McCudden VC, a warrant signed by Winston Churchill and a piece of the Red Baron’s Fokker Triplane.
Squadrons that have a Montrose connection have dedicated displays such as No 25, No 43, No 83 and No 108 who were formed here and No 603 and No 111 both stationed here in the 1940s.
Other sections portray the ‘Montrose Ghost’, the dangers of flying, air-sea and mountain rescue, the Home Front, Bombing of Montrose and the social and economic impact on the town.
The addition of the Romney hangar and Nissen hut, made possible via a Heritage Lottery Fund grant and the valiant efforts of volunteers and members, has given us the opportunity to house larger exhibits under cover as well as providing a suitable environment for renovation.
These buildings now exhibit a life sized replica Sopwith Camel, the only World War One aircraft on show to the public in Scotland (pictured), prototype Derwent Jet Engine, original Mann Egerton engine crane fully refurbished, 2 Rolls Royce Merlin engines with the story of the fatal bomber crash they are from, an original 1944 Staff Car, and Green Goddess Fire Engine.
Currently part of the renovation programme but still on view are a Control Van, Hawker Sea Hawk, Thompson fuel bowser, and wartime Queen Mary aircraft trailer.
For a modern fighting force, communications are vital. Radio was used extensively by the RAF at Montrose for air-to-air and air-ground communication. Facilities were also in place to train pilots to fly along ‘beams’ generated by radio for navigation and guidance purposes.
To continue in this theme a Radio Section of was set up. Through the generosity of a local family, the GM3KC call sign was re-issued. The section meets every Sunday afternoon, but can be heard on the air using GM GB|MAS (Montrose Air Station) at special events. Visitors wishing to see the station on air or the exhibits on days other than Sunday please contact Ewan (MM0BIX) or 01674 676740.
The Air Station is open from April 1st until September 30th, Wednesday
to Saturday, 10am - 4pm.