New Site opened 8 October 2014. Last updated May 17th 2022 © Copyright: Dave Thompson. (Email)
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Since then, many more important items have been loaned to the museum over the years from the RAF Museum Reserve Collection and these new items give us a better insight into equipment that was developed during World War 1 and through the '20s and '30s, an area not adequately covered by the original museum collection. There were also more items from World War 2 to fill gaps in the collection making it much more comprehensive for that important period in RAF electronic developments. New items included a Stirling Spark Transmitter from World War 1 and a very nice Receiver Type TF and a Transmitter Type T21C from the early 1920s. There is also a Transmitter/Receiver Type TR9J from the late '30s and early WWII, a Receiver Type R1082 from the '30s and after a long search, the matching Transmitter Type T1083 from a private donor. One very nice item is a Cabinet Type 20 containing a T1154/R1155 complete station and this was used on an Air Sea Rescue Launch.
In 1999, a new home was needed for the small collection of radio and electronic memorabilia from the defunct museum attached to No. 1 Radio School at RAF Locking. The Commandant at RAF Henlow at that time, Air Commodore Mike Davison, had in previous years also been the Commandant at Locking and was keen for the collection to find a home, preferably at Henlow which has had good links with radio, radar and electronics for many years. Mike recruited S/Ldr Howard Newbould to implement his idea and as the former Roman Catholic Church at Henlow was not in use, this building was allocated to the project and in due course several packing cases arrived, were duly unpacked and this formed the basis of what can be seen today. At the same time the museum received a generous donation of surplus equipment from the RAF Museum Reserve Collection which was moving from nearby RAF Cardington to RAF Stafford. Other exhibits have been donated or loaned by other RAF units and enthusiastic individuals.
How the Museum began
After many years of restoration, the final piece was fitted to our SWB8. Read the story
In commemoration of the unveiling of the Bomber Command Memorial in London, the museum went live on air with the restored T1509
Our Amateur Radio Station, GB4SMH went on air for Chapels and Churches on the Air for the first time, signing as St Michael’s Henlow. The former occupiers of our building was the Station’s
Catholic Church!
Original equipment arrives from
RAF Locking
The Museum takes part in Museums on the Air for the first time, our Callsign - GB4SMH
GB4 Signals Museum Henlow
June 2000
June 2000
November 1999
RAF Henlow - 90 Years Old
Memorable events
RAF Henlow is the Home of the RAF Signals Museum
This Museum attempts to tell the story of RAF Signals. It is hoped visitors and signallers past, present and future can see something of the heritage upon which the Museum specialisation has been built. Whichever category you, the visitor falls into, we hope you will find your visit both interesting and informative.
A view of the 1940’s Air Traffic Control equipment
2008
December 2011
June 2012
September 2014
Marconi Type HR24
Diversity Receiver
The “Y” Service Receiver Room
Howard Newbould and Vic Ludlow checking out the T1131 VHF Transmitter
Sqn Ldr Howard Newbould RAF
Founder of the
RAF Signals Museum
Air Commodore Mike Davison officially opens the Signals Museum
Cabinet Type 20
High Speed Rescue Launch
On the Air with our Amateur Radio Station
GB4SMH
On all Open Days
Often with Vintage equipment!
Click any picture on the site for larger view and explanation
Visiting Us
The Museum opens to visitors on the first Saturday of every month, except January.
Visitors may call 07778837263
On the day before visiting if information is needed.
GPS: SG16 6DN
With the threat of the closure of RAF Henlow which has now been put back to 2025, we will remain open until at least mid 2024 we hope. Hopefully, we will re-locate to a new venue, although, nothing is finalised. We are now also in Partnership with Duxford Radio Society, formerly located at IWM Duxford, so some of our displays will be changing.