(Image credit: Yorkshire Air Museum)
The exhibit is named the French Officers’ Mess in recognition of No. 346 and No. 347 Squadrons of RAF Bomber Command, which were based at Elvington from 1944 to 1945 and staffed by French personnel. The Mess served as a place where aircrew could unwind, read newspapers, or listen to music while awaiting their next operation. For many crews, such moments were precious, as nearly half of Bomber Command airmen did not survive the war.
(Image credit: Yorkshire Air Museum)
Yorkshire Air Museum Marketing and Communications Manager Jerry Ibbotson described the restoration effort: “We originally created the French Officers’ Mess display several years ago, but unfortunately it had begun to deteriorate,” said Ibbotson. “The wartime Nissen hut had developed damp and mold issues, and the exterior rendering was in poor condition. We closed the exhibit to the public and stripped it back to restore it properly.”
(Image credit: Yorkshire Air Museum)
The project included replacing and repainting the exterior rendering, repairing the roof, and redecorating the interior. The museum also installed new linoleum flooring carefully matched to wartime materials. “With the original furniture back in place, it’s wonderful to step inside and experience what it may have felt like eighty years ago, spending precious moments relaxing before the next operation,” Ibbotson added. “It has been a tremendous effort by both our staff and outside contractors, and we’re delighted to welcome visitors back into the exhibit.” The refurbished Officers’ Mess recently served as the setting for a photoshoot featuring reenactors portraying French officers during the museum’s “We’ll Meet Again” wartime weekend.
(Image credit: Yorkshire Air Museum)
