Serial number: N/K

Unit: No 1 squadron

Call sign: N/K

Date of loss: 13/05/1940

Flying Officer "Billy" Drake was returning to base following failure of the aircraft's oxygen system when he spotted what he thought were four unescorted Dornier 17 bombers. While undertaking a solo attack, he was shot from behind by a number of Messerschmitt 110 fighters. He received two bullet wounds in the legs, one in the back and cannon shell splinters in the back, too. The aircraft caught fire and he abandoned it by parachute north-east of Perthes (France) at 7.15am, passing out during the descent. He was taken to hospital in Rethel and was eventually evacuated to England.

Billy Drake recovered from his injuries and after a short period with an Operational Training Unit, he returned to operations during the final month of the Battle of Britain. He survived the war, scoring 20 confirmed victories, six probables and nine damaged, winning the DSO, DFC and bar and ending his career with the rank of Group Captain. Billy Drake died in 2011.

The relics on display here are a small section of the cam-shaft of the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine and the back plate of one of the 8 x .303 (7.7mm) calibre machine guns.