First World War bi-plane returns from Somme commemorations for York exhibition

A Comprehensive exhibition covering the land and air campaigns of the Battle of the Somme has returned to the Yorkshire Air Museum in Elvington, after it was seen by 10,000 people in Thiepval, France.
Gary Hancock, museum technician, infront of the refurbished  bi-plane, which was transported to the International Somme Commemoration event at Thiepval, in Northern France.

Picture James HardistyGary Hancock, museum technician, infront of the refurbished  bi-plane, which was transported to the International Somme Commemoration event at Thiepval, in Northern France.

Picture James Hardisty
Gary Hancock, museum technician, infront of the refurbished bi-plane, which was transported to the International Somme Commemoration event at Thiepval, in Northern France. Picture James Hardisty

The centrepiece, a fully refurbished AVRO 504 First World War bi-plane, had been dismantled and shipped across the North Sea to Zeebrugge before travelling by road for re-construction in France to mark 100 years since the beginning of the battle on July 1, 1916.

But now it is back at the museum where it will remain on display with the exhibition until November 18, 100 years to the day when the battle ended after 141 days. The exhibition features a display provided by the National Army Museum and both it and the refurbishment of the plane was made possible thanks to a £9,000 donation from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

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Yorkshire Air Museum director Ian Reed said: “We were honoured to represent the Allied Air Services with a World War One aircraft and exhibition at the international centenary commemorations.

“It was a very thought provoking and compassionate example of our joint history, culture and friendship.”