No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum

THE HISTORY:  The British Flying Training School Museum tells a unique - and virtually unknown - part of Texas History. Before the United States 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 to mention the lack of aircraft and fuel  -  there was no safe way to train desperately needed pilots in Great Britain.

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, World War 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 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. Remembrance Day in Great Britain is celebrated on  November 11. On the Sunday nearest that date the Museum hosts a 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 Royal Air Force 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 years and has expanded its outreach in both Great Britain and the USA. Visitation increased during Covid - even with the shutdown - and has continued into 2024. Many families of former cadets plan their visits to the US around a visit to the museum in Terrell to see where their family member learned to fly or is laid to rest. 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 former 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 Texas State Legislature recognized the 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

•    Continued seven educational programs per year that are free and open to the public - screenings, lectures, and show and tell presentations

•    Since 2021, we have established relationships with the Texas Center@Schreiner University in Kerrville and the McArthur Memorial Museum in Virginia. 

•    The Museum hosted a traveling exhibit regarding women of aviation and participated in a temporary exhibit at the Spellman Museum in Forney, Texas. In 2023 to recognize the coronation of King Charles III, a temporary special exhibit of coronationware, dating from Queen Victoria, was installed.

•   Major artifact donations in last two years include a flying Stearman biplane aircraft, a 1/3 scale model of the Stearman, and an original 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. 

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!!