CURRENT EXHIBITS

William Vanderkloot; Winston Churchill’s pilot

In January 1941, William Vanderkloot joined Ferry Command to help deliver much needed aircraft overseas. His skills soon became noticed by the RAF and Vanderkloot was asked to become Winston Churchill’s personal pilot, flying him to some of the most important secret meetings of the war.

Oh Canada - A Lament
June 8 - November 15, 2010

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is pleased to present an exciting exhibit by acclaimed Canadian artist Joanne Tod. In her work, Oh Canada, A Lament, Joanne Tod was inspired by her uncle, Private James Alexander Tod and his contribution to WWII. He was killed in Italy in 1944 and Tod inherited several of his letters home. After reading them, she saw a correlation to the men and women risking their lives today in Afghanistan. This prompted her to begin a portrait series, painting each of the Canadian soldiers killed in the Afghan conflict.

Operation Manna

This year marks the 65th Anniversary of Operation Manna, the Canadian and British food drop over Holland in 1945. This exhibit pays tribute to the Lancaster crew of Bad Penny who were vital in making the drop a success.

V. E. Day Exhibit

The year 2010 represents the end of the Second World War in Europe and the celebration of Victory in Europe Day. Cities and towns around the world celebrated with victory parades and fireworks. To help recognize this historic event, exhibits on VE Day around the world and VE Day in Hamilton, Ontario are on view.

Billy Bishop

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is proud to present on exhibit the ribbons of Air Marshall William Avery “Billy” Bishop. Bishop was a Canadian First World War flying ace officially credited with 72 victories making him the top ace of the British Empire. In early 2008, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum acquired this set of ribbons attributed to Bishop which are now on display in our Exhibit Gallery.

75th Anniversary of 424 Squadron

The 75th Anniversary of 424 Squadron takes place in 2010. No.424 Squadron was the wartime and post-war squadron of the city of Hamilton and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum has honoured its contributions in an exhibit showcasing both its Second World War and Post War contributions.

PERMANENT EXHIBITS

Ist Canadian Parachute Batallion

This exhibit shows the scenes of Canada’s famous Battalion in action during WWII. The RCAF was called upon to perform many roles, including the dropping of troops behind enemy lines.

Memorial Book

The Memorial book, “They Shall Grow Not Old” is on display in a quiet alcove of the gallery for visitors who wish to search for names of family members and loved ones who lost their lives during the second World War

Lancaster Tail Display

See a re-enactment of a Royal Air Force Lancaster crew returning from a Bombing Operation and the equipment they would have used on the flight. This exhibit is currently dedicated to the Canadian crew of 150 Squadron.