Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre

Address: RAF Montrose, Waldron Road, Broomfield, Montrose. DD10 9BB

Website: http://www.rafmontrose.org.uk

Working towards 100 years of aviation history 1913-2013.

Britain’s first operational military airfield was set up in Montrose by the Royal Flying Corps in 1913. The heritage centre's collection of photographs and artefacts tell the story of RFC/RAF Montrose through the words and deeds of the men and women who served here through two world wars, bringing the airfield alive and  sparking the enthusiasm and admiration of generations for whom the First and Second Wars exists only in others’ memories.

Displays

The building housing the main collection is the former Headquarters of Royal Air Force Montrose 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, Spey and Olympus jet engines, original Mann Egerton engine crane fully refurbished, 2 Rolls Royce Merlin engines with the story of the fatal bomber crash they are from, Hercules radial engine, an original 1944 Staff Car, Unipower Carmichael Fire Appliance, and Green Goddess Fire Engine. A recent acquisition is an ex-RAF Series III Land Rover used by the RAF Regiment at RAF Leuchars.

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 GB2MAS (Montrose Air Station) at special events.

Opening Times

• The Air Station is open from April 1st until September 30th, Wednesday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm.
  Last admission 3.15pm. Admission: Adults £3, Concs. £2. Children go free.

• Open Sundays all year round from 12pm to 4pm. Last admission 3.15pm.

• You should allow at least 45 minutes to see round, over an hour if you are an enthusiast.

• Other times by arrangement. Entry via Broomfield Industrial Estate, north end of town off the A92, follow tourist 'brown' signs beside 'Esso' garage.

• As the centre is manned entirely by volunteers, it is wise to phone ahead to make sure it is open when you intend to visit. Telephone: 01674 678222 (answerphone).