Second World War memorabilia on show

7:57pm Wednesday 21st May 2008

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MEMORABILIA from the Second World War will be on display when an RAF airbase opens the doors to its memorial room.

The air force is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year and to mark the milestone RAF Linton-on-Ouse, near York, will be inviting members of the public to see for themselves its collection of artefacts, photographs and first-hand accounts of war.

Alan Mawby, the curator of the collection, said: "The memorial room gives a fascinating insight into life here during the dark days of the Second World War. It is dedicated not just to those who died but also to airmen who returned but were scarred in mind or body.

"It is still regularly visited by veterans of the squadrons based at Linton-on-Ouse during the war, all of whom are in their mid-80s at least. But it will also be of interest to people who lived in the area at the time as well as to younger people who would like to find out a little about what was happening on the many RAF bases in Yorkshire over those critical years."

The base will be opening its doors on the last Sunday of each month from May 25 to October 26 to offer tours of its memorial room, which is a tribute to the 2,009 RAF and Canadian airmen who lost their lives on missions from the base and its satellite airfields.

In the 1940s, Linton-on-Ouse was one of the main Halifax and Lancaster bomber bases in Yorkshire, with legends such as Leonard Cheshire among the aircrew who flew from the base.

Its museum contains hundreds of artefacts, photographs and first-hand accounts from that period which give a human insight into what the pilots went through.

The tours, which are free, will start at 2pm, 2.45pm and 3.30pm and must be booked in advance by phoning 01347 847660.

Because Linton is an active military base, identification, such as a passport or driving licence will be required upon arrival. The museum is unsuitable for young children.