Old Photos that I have, where should I donate them?
 

Hi everyone,

I have a few photos that I got given to me but have decided to donate them to a museum. These are early war photos and I have uploaded the two plane pictures I have but I have three of a desert war funeral that I decided to leave, out of respect.

The first is a Fairy Battle;

http://d.imagehost.org/0693/Fairey_Battle019.jpg

And the second is what I think is a skua but can not get the front fuselage to match;

http://b.imagehost.org/0361/Skua020.jpg


So guys where do you think I should send these photos, which war/air museum would appreciate them more?

second one looks like a Harvard Mk.IIB, nice shots!

The second a/c is a North American Harvard.

oops beaten to the draw!

Thanks guys, I always looked for british planes when trying to identify it.

Yep, the second one is the Harvard, also know by the yanks as the T6 Texan.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_T-6_Texan

Is there any known history attached to these particular aircraft? Such as where they were used? Who took the photos and where they served? This can sometimes point to the most suitable place/museum to send them. I googled the Battle serial number but couldn't find anything.

You could ask RAF Hendon or some other museum if they are interested. I work at the Tangmere Aviation museum
http://www.tangmere-museum.org.uk/
which revolves around Tangmere's life. I don't think we had Battles but I'll find out on Thursday if they are interested. It's always a difficult decision as we get many items offered - thank goodness :) - but can't always accommodate them. In a few years time we should have a new museum to move into with more space but that's a bit like 'when will SoW be out?' :)

btw we are opening our English Electric Lightning cockpit simulator in the new year. It's based on an actual cockpit using MS FS2004, a mixture of the Alphasim Lightning and various terrain etc software and wall projected display. Been in it several times training as an instructor ;) Nice. We'll have to squeeze people into 15 minute slots including a quick briefing but if you fly actual aircraft or regularly fly simulators like IL-2 or FSX it's 'a piece of cake'. But I'm always a bit warm when I get out. We're also considering running Lightning Evenings for small groups with more time on the sim.

Yes please ask if they would like them, they do no good sat in my draw. I have no idea of their providence though, so that won't help. As for the simulator, that would be sweet and I would love to come down and have a go one day.

Hey Muesli !

I just found the current owner of the Harvard
http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/N554JH.html

Owner
Registration Type: Corporation
Owner: Fitron One Llc
Address: Jenks, OK 74037
United States
Region: Southwester

They may like the photo or a digital copy of it, here's their website with a contact address focp1@me.com
http://www.fitronone.com/www.fitrono...lcome%3A..html

The RACF took it on strength on 17-Jul-41 and struck it off on 14-Dec-58
http://chaa-recovery.ca/content/view/58/60/

As you can see I have far too much time on my hands :)

I knew this was the right place for asking, there are some stand up people like yourself always willing to help. I have sent an email asking if he wants a copy of the image and will let you know the out come.

Fairey Battle Mk. I

Ex RAF N2040.

Had 703:00 airframe time when struck off.

Taken on strength first date: 7 January 1941

Struck off last date: 6 November 1944


Looks like it had some serious airframe repairs at least once.



Quite tricky to account for this one exactly where and what it was up to.



Still digging will pop back and let you know if I find anything more.

Also consider various libraries and archives as a donation possibility. They're specialists in preserving materials printed on paper.

When you donate the materials, it helps if you can give more information about the photographs, such as date, photographer and subject. It also helps if you have other archival material (diaries and whatnot) related to the object.

If your first donor choice turns you down, consider approaching a smaller museum/archive. They might be happy to get the donation, especially if your collection has special significance to them, such as a local connection.