THE HISTORY: The British Flying Training School Museum tells a unique - and virtually unknown - part of Texas History. Before America became involved in World War II the Lend-Lease agreement included the establishment of seven civilian flight schools to train Pilots for the Royal Air Force. Between the UK's rainy weather and the threat posed by the German Luftwaffe - not the mention the lack of aircraft and fuel - there was no safe way to train the desperately needed Pilots in the UK.
THE SOLUTION: Upon hearing rumors of the proposed flight schools, in just two days the Terrell business community raised $35,000 to purchase 525 acres just south of town to build an airport. Major William F Long, WWII ace and operator of an aviation school in Dallas, became the operator. Many donations were small but they all counted just the same. Much like the North Texas Giving Day - all donations count and make a difference.
The IMPACT: The No. 1 British Flying Training School was born and construction started in 1941 with the first class arriving before the buildings were finished. The town of Terrell prospered with additional jobs for its citizens who adopted the young airmen, welcoming them in homes, churches, and hosting parties to assuage their loneliness. Sadly, twenty cadets died during training accidents or illness while the school was operating, and they are interred in Terrell's Oakland Memorial Cemetery. Local residents lovingly cared for their resting place until the war's end when the British War Graves Commission assumed maintenance. Each year Veterans Day - in Great Britain, Remembrance Day, November 11 - the Museum hosts a brief ceremony at the cemetery to honor the cadets, followed by a tea at the Museum. Before closing in May 1945, the school trained 2,000 RAF Cadets and 200 US Army Air Cadets at the airport now known as the Terrell Municipal Airport. The Airport continues today and welcomes many small aircraft to the DFW Metroplex.
The Museum has seen significant growth in the last 3 years and has expanded its outreach in both Britain and the USA. Visitation increased during covid - even with the shutdown - and has continued apace into 2023. Listed below are a few highlights of the expansion of visitation and outreach.
• The Museum is honored to have the support of His Majesty's General Consul in Houston whose deputy is a member of the Museum board of directors. Working relationships are being established with a number of Royal Air Force museums in Great Britain.
• Federal and state elected officials have visited the museum and the state legislature has recognized the forthcoming 20th anniversary of the museum’s permanent home at 119 Silent Wings Blvd. via house and senate resolutions passed in the spring of 2023 during the regular Texas legislative session.
• Reestablished the Conversations with… lecture series
• Established seven educational programs per year that are free and open to the public - screenings, lectures, show, and tell presentations
• Since 2021 we have established relationships with the Texas Center in Kerrville and the McArthur Memorial in Virginia.
• The Museum hosted a travelling exhibit regarding women of aviation and participated in a temporary exhibit at the Spellman Museum in Forney, Texas. In 2023 a special exhibit of coronation ware from Great Britain, dating from Queen Victoria, was installed.
• Major artifact donations in last two years include (1) flying Stearman biplane aircraft (2) 1/3 scale model of the Stearman (3) cadet flying jacket.
THE FUTURE: Today's No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum is a gift from the RAF Cadets to the people of Terrell in appreciation for their friendship and hospitality. The Museum has a large collection of items donated by the cadets, their family members, and the people of Terrell. Visitors can see military uniforms, equipment, flight logbooks, maps, photographs, signaling devices, weapons and flags on display. A reconstructed Link trainer and a contemporary Gleim, computerized trainer are popular displays. Static displays include a 1/3 scale model Stearman PT-17 aircraft, the basic trainer flown by the cadets, as well as an AT-6 Harvard that is being restored.
Under the direction of its Executive Director, Patrick Hotard, the Museum hosts monthly programs related to World War II and hosts other events through the year. Some of these events the Museum partners with the City of Terrell and the Terrell Chamber of Commerce.
The City of Terrell has committed to a major renovation of an historic building for the Museum to become a catalyst for re-development and an increase in tourism of the downtown area The Museum plans a campaign to create exhibits for the new building.
The No. 1 BFTS Museum at 119 Silent Wings Blvd is open 10 am to 4 pm Wednesday through Saturday and at other times by appointment. Admission is free (donations are welcomed). We invite you to visit and learn about the "Brits" in Terrell!!
"To celebrate, the spirit and sacrifices made by those men, both British and American, who trained to be pilots at the Number One British Flying Training School (1BFTS); to educate all ages of all nationalities as to the history and importance of the cooperation between the British Commonwealth and America Government in both war and peace; to honor the strong bonds of friendship formed between the cadets and the community of Terrell and the North Texas Area."
STEARMAN "OLD42" OPERATIONS FUND $7,500
Earlier this year, a beautifully restored Stearman PT-17 Kaydet biplane, which was based in Terrell and flown by Roayl Air Force cadets earning their wings during 1942 and 1943, was donated to the museum. It will be relocated to Terrell as soon as adequate housing can be assured and funding developed for maintenance, fuel, and required inspections. The aircraft will be on static display and can be used to promote the museum at air shows, fly-ins, and similar events around the country.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Need $4,200
The Museum hosts a series of 7-10 educational programs throughout the year featuring guest speakers on history issues. Topics have included "Preserving Family Heirlooms", "Rosie the Riveter Association", "Restoration projects of the Vought Aircraft Heritage Foundation", and "Rifles of World War II".
These programs serve a vital part in the Museum's mission of educating the public about the history of World War II and Terrell's unique role in helping save democracy.
Funds would go toward small honorariums and travel expenses for guest speakers.
MANAGING ALL THE COLLECTIONS
Need: $8,400
The Museum's collections include hundreds of photographs, letters, official documents, maps, books, uniforms and airplanes. Each represents part of the unique history of British- American cooperation and the RAF cadets who crossed the ocean to become pilots to defend their homeland during World War II.
The collections need to be organized, evaluated, and plans made to exhibit more of them in the Museum through a series of pop-up exhibits.
Funds would go toward a professional museum collections manager to make these items more available to our visitors.
THE BFTS LINK NEWSLETTER
Need $3,500
Our quarterly newsletter keeps our visitors and donors in touch with the latest goings on at the Museum. It includes information on new exhibits, special events, history notes and photos, and stories about our cadets and volunteers.
Funds would go towards printing and mailing costs. If you would like to be added to our newsletter list, please contact the Museum at info@bftsmuseum.org.
BILLBOARD AND DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE
Need $10,000
While the museum is located at the Terrell Municipal Airport, it is not visible from Interstate 20 or other major streets and highways. Funds to rent billboards on two major highways would greatly increase our visibility and visitor traffic. We would also like to place historical, directional signage with the City of Terrell to guide both residents and visitors to the Museum.
Organization name
No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum
Causes
Arts, Culture & Humanities, Veterans, Education - STEM
Operating Budget
$250,000 - $499,999
Counties Served
Dallas, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Rockwall
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx
Address
PO Box 219 119 Silent Wings Blvd