21 MARCH 2011
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Julian Temple (right), Brooklands General Manager, shows HRH Prince Michael of Kent the new 'Brooklands in the Battle of Britain' exhibition
Brooklands, just off the M25, near its M3 junction in South London, was the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit in 1907 the prototype for Indianapolis and true forerunner of today’s Silverstone. Brooklands was not just a car racetrack but the centre of motoring excellence .
When WWII began in September 1939 the motor racing, for which Brooklands was renowned, ceased and was never to return. Instead, attention turned to the war effort and aircraft production was expanded on a huge scale. The Vickers-Armstrong and Hawker aircraft companies had exclusive use of the site for military aircraft production; ultimately, 2,515 of the 11,461 Vickers Wellington bombers built, and 3,012 of more than 14,000 Hawker Hurricanes, were assembled at Brooklands.
Wellington 'R' for Robert N 2980
Surrounded by the aeroplanes themselves and photographs and artefacts from the time, the story is told of aircraft production at Brooklands and the attempts by the Luftwaffe to destroy it. The exhibition also features recently discovered photos of extensive bomb damage to the Vickers and Hawker factories during the Battle of Britain. In what is believed to be the first such public tribute to them, the names of all those on both sides who were killed in the bombing raid on the Vickers works on 4 September 1940 are also displayed in the exhibition.
Vintage Bentleys gather in the Brooklands Paddock
After the WWII Brooklands became the home of Vickers Aircraft and later BAC. Whilst assembly of Concorde took place at Bristol and Toulouse, much of the design work and sub-assembly manufacturing was done by engineers who had worked on the Viscount, Vanguard, VC10 and BAC 1-11.
Brooklands Concorde & VC10
Normal admission charges to the Museum apply but there is no extra charge for entrance to the special exhibition.
Brooklands Museum, at Brooklands Drive Weybridge KT13 0SL, is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00. www.brooklandsmuseum.com
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