IWM Duxford acquires 'Leading Raids Board' for its Battle of Britain Ops Room

As Imperial War Museum Duxford’s commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain draws to a close, staff at the Museum have welcomed an important wartime artefact to its recreated Operations Room.

A ‘Leading Raids’ record board has been donated by an anonymous benefactor as his personal contribution to the Museum’s celebration of the Battle.

Clearly of RAF 1940s vintage the chalk board is said to have been acquired by a civilian from RAF Duxford in 1948.

Collections and interpretation staff are now investigating the claim that it was used in the Operations Room at Duxford or at nearby Sawston Hall, where the Operations Room was relocated in late 1940 as an air raid safety precaution. A Conservation Team is also looking at its long term preservation.

If anybody knows anything about the history of the board, they are asked to contact Peter Murton, Research and Interpretation Officer, on 01223 499 355 or pmurton@iwm.org.uk.