Tony Dixon visits a museum that celebrates more than 100 years of local aeronautical history
SOUTH YORKSHIRE AIRCRAFT MUSEUM
Britain’s first-ever aviation fair was staged at Doncaster racecourse in October 1909. A staggering 160,000 people are estimated to have thronged to the nine-day event, putting the town firmly into aviation history. Today, just over a mile away and utilising one of the original hangars of the former Doncaster airfield, is the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum (SYAM), an attraction that proudly highlights the aeronautical heritage of the region.
Flying had returned to Doncaster in the first months of 1916, when the Avro 504s and Royal Aircraft Factory RE.8s of 15 (Reserve) Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, settled in. At the end of World War One, Doncaster – not on the Air Ministry’s permanent list – was closed down.
In 1920, the government asked local authorities to assist in the formation of a chain of aerodromes to link the major communities across the country. With advice from famous aviator Sir Alan Cobham, Doncaster Council opened a so-called ‘aviation centre’ on May 26, 1934. The new location was a mile or so to the southwest of the racecourse and included an art deco-style contr…
