RAF Cosford is now displaying the Bedford MWC 15cwt Truck that was specially prepared to act as the bier at the funeral of Lord Trenchard, ‘Father of the Royal Air Force’, in 1956. After 50 years in storage, the truck has undergone conservation work led by volunteers from the Conservation and Engineering team. This latest addition to the collection can now be seen on display in Hangar 1, open daily from 10am.
Curator Clare Carr said, “We’re delighted to add the Bedford MWC 15cwt Truck, last on display for the RAF 50th Anniversary Royal Review at RAF Abingdon in June 1968.”
Conservation work did not stop there – a Lysander has been restored to former glory. The only surviving Special Duties variant of its type, WWII Westland Lysander III has undergone restoration work, including a new fabric outer skin. It now boasts the ‘No 161 Squadron Special Ops’ colour scheme, reflecting its service towards the end of the war in non-operational special transport services. Conservation Centre Manager Darren Priday said, “It’s been a real privilege to work on such a beautiful aircraft.”
To see all the events taking place, visit rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford/.
