North East Land, Sea and Air Museum to tell the story of RAF Search and Rescue in the region after being gifted new exhibit

The North East Land, Sea and Air Museum, based at the former RAF Usworth site in Washington, has been gifted the Bristol Sycamore HR14 search and rescue helicopter by fellow museum Aerospace Bristol.

The helicopter was originally used as part of the Royal Air Force 275 squadron based in Teesside, in 1957, and its return to the North East will be used to tell the story of RAF search and rescue operations in the region.

To make room for the new addition, NELSAM will be transferring their current Sycamore III to the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection, in Wiltshire who in turn will transfer their own Sycamore XJ380 to the Morayvia Collection in Scotland.

Speaking about the newest arrival to the museum, Chair of NELASM, David Charles said: “It has long been an ambition of the museum staff to tell the search and rescue story and the arrival of a helicopter that started the story is a fitting acquisition.

“The trustees are grateful to Aerospace Bristol for agreeing to the transfer.

“This arrangement has given an opportunity to strengthen the collections at NELSAM, BDAC and Morayvia and demonstrates how museums continue to co-operate to develop their collections.”

During the pandemic, NELSAM has been carrying out general repair and maintenance work around the museum, making sure everything is ready for customers to return.

The museum is set to open on May 17 but recently expressed their disappointment as the Prime Minister roadmap out of lockdown.

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