Momentous moments at Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, the epicentre of local military history

Now open to visitors for 2024 following a winter refurbishment, the museum continues to reach new heights and can be visited daily until November 30.

Located in what was once a Royal Air Force station, the museum was born out of a shared desire to honour the memory of Tangmere’s significant military involvement from 1917 to 1970.

It is run entirely by a team of knowledgeable and passionate volunteers, a team made up of aviation and history enthusiasts, including some with personal military experience, and local residents.

The museum honours Tangmere's involvement in the wars and remembers the sacrifices the armed forces made to defend the country.

Opened in 1982, the museum houses collections that offer a wealth of information about aviation heritage and the crucial role Tangmere played in defending southern Britain and preventing a German invasion.

In 2005, the museum witnessed a unique encounter involving veterans of both world wars.

Henry Allingham, at the age of 108, was the oldest surviving veteran of the First World War. He joined the Royal Naval Air Service in 1915, three years before the formation of the RAF, and his mission was to defend Britain's shores from Zeppelin attacks.

He was at Tangmere to meet Squadron Leader Neville Duke, who was the longest surviving RAF fighter ace, with 28 'kills', and holder of the world air speed record in 1953, piloting a Hawker Hunter.

Joining them was Flight Lieut Nick Berryman, a Spitfire and Hurricane pilot in the Second World War. In the later stages of the war, he served in an air sea rescue capacity, flying Walrus float planes and saving the lives of many pilots shot down in the Channel.

Two years later, the museum celebrated its silver jubilee and in November 2007, broke the record for attendance. The landmark occasion was marked when the Chennell family dropped by and became the 30,000th visitor of the year.

The visitor record exceeded the previous figure by more than 3,000. Susie and Simon Chennell, with sons Alex and Oliver, were awarded free family membership for 2008, as well as a limited edition print.