Spitfire from Santa: a gift that really takes-off!
Published on: 29 November 2021
This Christmas, give your loved ones a gift with a great story! Adopt an Artefact from the Royal Air Force Museum and choose from more than 60 historic objects, to select a unique gift for the hard to buy for individual who has everything! Your adoption will support the preservation, conservation, educational and storytelling work of the RAF Museum far beyond gift exchanges on Christmas day.
Whether that’s a uniform or medal bar, a personnel’s lucky mascot or escape and evasion items, there is a wide range of unusual objects to choose from, each with their own incredible story to tell. The artefact adoption process is quick and simple, browse the objects available and order your adoption pack online click here.
Give the gift of adoption and make your money go a little further by supporting a charity. These alternative gifts are not something you see in your average Christmas stocking, where else can you adopt the most famous and iconic aircraft in history!
The Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb adoption is guaranteed to wow any aviation fan on Christmas morning! One hundred and forty RAF squadrons operated the type and it served on all battlefronts including gunfire support for naval units on the D-Day beaches of Normandy. This legend of the sky is sure to make your gift a hard one to beat!
If you’re in need of a little festive inspiration take a look at the Christmas Gift Box. No Christmas is complete without a flashing red nose! These items are from a Christmas Gift Box sent to RAF personnel serving in Iraq in 2004. An idea created by Princess Mary in 1914 to send every serving member of the UK armed forces a special gift at Christmas. A thoughtful gift to send someone you can’t be with on Christmas day.
Or how about adopting one of the Museums most famous and treasured artefacts, Percy the Penguin. Flight Lieutenant Stan Chapman was the bomb aimer in Halifax HX333 ‘J Jane’ which was hit by flak over Berlin on 29 January 1944. ‘J Jane’ was badly damaged and, tucking his lucky mascot Percy the Penguin inside his flying jacket, Stan bailed out. Percy was confiscated when Stan was taken prisoner but was later returned by his captors. Percy and Stan returned home together when the war ended. This brave and adorable penguin is now enjoying a well-earned rest at the Museum’s Cosford site.
If your Christmas day tradition includes hours of playing games with family, our Playing Cards with Hidden Maps would make the ideal adoption for the one who always finds a sneaky way to win! Used by RAF prisoners of war in Germany during the Second World War, playing cards were often used to smuggle maps into prison camps. Unsurprisingly, these cards have been one of the most popular adoptions since the programme launched last year.
Inspire the next generation of pioneers by adopting the Amy Johnson Fabric Doll. Amy Johnson was the first female pilot to fly solo from England to Australia in 1930. If you look closely on her sash, you will see some of the record-breaking flights she went on to perform. The perfect adoption for any budding pilot or record breaker!
Those adopting an artefact in the run up to Christmas will receive a Christmas card and the option to add a bespoke RAF Museum gift for just £7.50. Choose from a Tally ho-ho-ho tea towel, Christmas mug, Festive fudge, Seasonal shortbread, or Festive tote bag. All adoptions with the additional gift placed by the 20 December are guaranteed to arrive in time for you to present your loved one with their card and gift on Christmas Day.
Make your gift stand out this year. Adopt an Artefact in the name of someone you love, and know that your gift will keep on giving, as support from adoptees will help the Museum to continue sharing the RAF Story.
Starting at £25.00, adoptions last for 12 months starting from 25 December. All adoptees will receive a digital adoption certificate and photo of their adopted artefact, along with exclusive updates and information on your chosen object throughout the year. Recognition of your adoption will feature alongside the object on the Museum’s Collections Online, where you can add a dedicated message along with the name of adoptee. For more details on how to Adopt an Artefact and to browse the items available, click here.
The RAF Museum will be open throughout the Christmas period, except 24-26 December and 1 January. While still offering FREE entry to all, visitors are kindly asked to pre-book their arrival time online. Click here to book.