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Teddy Cooper, born 1925

Aircrew are understandably suspicious. Many carry charms or undertake rituals in the belief that these will help protect them. This bear was the companion of Flight Sergeant Frederick Cooper and when Frederick joined the RAF, the teddy also received a hand-knitted uniform. Flight Sergeant Cooper carried him on every operational flight he undertook in the Far East during the Second World War. The charm appears to have worked as both Frederick and Teddy survived the war.

Teddy is on display in the RAF Stories, The First 100 Years 1918-2018 exhibition in Hangar 1.