Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In our latest Crate Escape video we are focussing on a pioneering woman who strengthened the RAF through her devotion and service - Jean Lennox Bird who made history as the first female pilot to be awarded RAF wings.
Jean first learned to fly as a private pilot in the 1930s. During the Second World War she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and later the Air Transport Auxiliary, ferrying aircraft such as Spitfires, Hurricanes, Wellingtons and Dakotas across Britain.
By 1952 she had logged over 3,000 flying hours on 90 different aircraft types. Her achievement paved the way for future generations of women in RAF aviation.
In this short film Midlands Curator Ewen Cameron shows us her uniform, which is currently preserved at the Museum's RAF Stafford stores. This is one of over 50,000 items that is currently in this store.
By sponsoring a box you can change this. You’ll play a vital role in moving, protecting and sharing these priceless artefacts in our new Midlands Collections Hub opening summer 2027.
Be part of this landmark moment. Donate today and help unlock these incredible RAF stories for future generations: rafmuseum.org.uk/crate-escape
In our latest Crate Escape video we are focussing on a pioneering woman who strengthened the RAF through her devotion and service - Jean Lennox Bird who made history as the first female pilot to be awarded RAF wings.
Jean first learned to fly as a private pilot in the 1930s. During the Second World War she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and later the Air Transport Auxiliary, ferrying aircraft such as Spitfires, Hurricanes, Wellingtons and Dakotas across Britain.
By 1952 she had logged over 3,000 flying hours on 90 different aircraft types. Her achievement paved the way for future generations of women in RAF aviation.
In this short film Midlands Curator Ewen Cameron shows us her uniform, which is currently preserved at the Museum's RAF Stafford stores. This is one of over 50,000 items that is currently in this store.
By sponsoring a box you can change this. You’ll play a vital role in moving, protecting and sharing these priceless artefacts in our new Midlands Collections Hub opening summer 2027.
Be part of this landmark moment. Donate today and help unlock these incredible RAF stories for future generations: rafmuseum.org.uk/crate-escape
