NELSAM has received £10,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a project, Ridley’s Aeroplane.
The project will see the museum work with schoolchildren across the North East to build a static replica of a 1916 Morane Type N ‘Bullet’ monoplane, The project will also tell the story of its pilot, relatively unknown Sunderland hero Claud Ridley and the role of North East aviators.
19 year old Claude Ridley flew the plane with the 60 squadron France in 1916, Sunderland born Ridley went on to become a highly-decorated pilot and spy.
Students will work as part of an extended team and develop hands-on skills, making individual components for the full-sized replica of the First World War aircraft.
The aeroplane will be constructed so it can be easily dismantled then transported by road for display at events commemorating the First World War Centenary, military exhibitions and air shows. It will be accompanied to events by the students who will have researched and produced information on North East aviators to be used on the story boards, posters and hand-outs. They will also have the chance to discuss their roles in the project.
The aeroplane will eventually become part of a permanent WW1 display at the museum
Ivor Crowther, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North East, said: “The impact of the First World War was far reaching, touching and shaping every corner of the UK and beyond. We’re pleased to support this project which young people explore the story of the First World War through the eyes of a Sunderland hero and create a lasting physical legacy to the contribution of North East aviators.”
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