Handle Page Halifax MKIII LV818 Catalogue No. RAF 0082A
Preserved from the Martin “Buzz” O‘Brien Collection.
The Society's Aviation Heritage Collection contains countless artefacts, documents and photographs established from over five decades, which include aircraft crash site investigations and recovery, aircraft preservation and memorial construction to name but a few. A large percentage of the collection relates to the Society's work in Europe and in particular France, the Netherlands and Germany.
Although most work is mainly related to aviation subjects the act of remembrance remains paramount in all our work, from the construction of memorials to the recovery of missing airmen.
Many other subjects relating to 20th century history have also been encountered during our research work and these are also recorded here.
Handle Page Halifax MKIII LV818 Catalogue No. RAF 0083A
damaged and burnt RAF Dinghy Survival Knife recovered from the crash site.
Part of the Martin “Buzz” O‘Brien Collection.
Supermarine Spitfire IX MH434 (G-ASJV) Catalogue No. RAF 0122A
These original aircraft bolts were retained by our former member Martin “Buzz” O’Brien during his involvement in the restoration work of many historic aircraft. They originate from Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX MH434, registered G-ASJV, widely regarded as one of the most famous surviving Spitfires owing to its exceptional and well-documented history.
These bolts were removed and retained during restoration work.
Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb BM180 Catalogue No. RAF 0113A
This spent blank cartridge case was fired by a guard of honour at Cassel Communal Cemetery, France on the 24th May 2012, during the funeral service of former missing airman, Sergeant William James Smith, Royal Australian Air Force. It was retrieved after the service by Martin ‘Buzz’ O’Brian, who was one of the team that recovered William and retained by him in remembrance of this final outcome for William, A known Grave. Sadly we lost Buzz last year but with treasured items like these passed down by his family; these items and his Legacy still live on like his memory, not only in our hearts, but in the minds of all who visit our heritage collection presented here for the world to see.
Supermarine Spitfire MK VB Serial BM539 Catalogue No. RAF 0039A
Collection of artefacts recovered from the crash site.
Part of the Martin “Buzz” O‘Brien Collection.
Supermarine Spitfire MK VB Serial BM539 Catalogue No. RAF 0040A
Remains of an instrument recovered from the crash site.
Part of the Martin “Buzz” O‘Brien Collection.
Supermarine Spitfire MK VB Serial BM539 Catalogue No. RAF 0041A
Various Instrument cases pieces, Instrument Panel parts and other instrument related pieces.
Part of the Martin “Buzz” O‘Brien Collection.
Supermarine Spitfire MK VB Serial BM539 Catalogue No. RAF 0042A
Fragment of Proppeler blade.
Part of the Martin “Buzz” O‘Brien Collection.
Supermarine Spitfire MK VB Serial BM539 Catalogue No. RAF 0043A
Fragment of the Spitfires Supercharger.
Part of the Martin “Buzz” O‘Brien Collection.
Supermarine Spitfire MK VB Serial BM539 Catalogue No. RAF 0044A
Large piece of airframe recovered from the crash site.
Part of the Martin “Buzz” O‘Brien Collection.
Supermarine Spitfire MkIIa P7816 Catalogue No. RAF 0112A
41 Squadron pilot Sgt John Stanley Gilders.
Artefacts preserved from the Martin “Buzz” O’Brien Collection.
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