Poole Museum to receive blue plaque

Poole Museum formed part of the first operational headquarters of British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), whose flying boats flew from Poole to America and other parts of the British Empire. BOAC, the Royal Australian Air Force, the RAF and the Fleet Air Arm’s seaplane training division all flew out of Poole Harbour throughout the late 1930s and 1940s.

Mayor of Poole, Cllr Lindsay Wilson, will unveil the new blue plaque at Poole Museum on 27 October 2017.

Cllr Wilson said, “This wonderful commemoration of Poole’s history has a very personal connection for me, as my own grandfather was an engineer for Poole’s Flying Boats. I am truly excited to unveil such a significant plaque, and would encourage everyone to come and learn more about this important part of our town’s history.”

The blue plaque, which will feature an image of an Empire Class flying boat, is being gifted by local heritage charity ‘Poole Flying Boats Celebration’ (PFBC), supported by generous sponsors.

PFBC researches the role of the flying boat and seaplane services based in Poole during and after the Second World War, raising public awareness and keeping the memory of Poole’s fascinating civil and military flying boat and seaplane history alive.

BOAC was a state-owned British airline established in 1940 by the merger of two existing airlines, Imperial Airways and British Airways. Operating the only regular civilian flights throughout the war and for three years afterwards, the airline connected Britain with its colonies around the world, including South Africa, India, and Australia.

You can find out more about the Poole Flying Boats Celebration at www.pooleflyingboats.com.