With all the severe weather recently it seems quite apt that a new display has opened at The Helicopter Museum, Weston-super-Mare to mark the 60th Anniversary of The Dutch Flood Disaster.

On 1st February 1953 gale force winds and a high spring tide led to the breaching of coastal defences on both sides of the North Sea. Sadly over 300 people drowned in England and 1300 in Holland.

In response to this disaster, the Dragonfly Helicopters  of 705 Naval Air Squadron (including the Dragonfly helicopter now on public display in The Helicopter Museum) flew to the Netherlands to offer help and assistance.

Visiting School groups are currently getting the opportunity to view this aircraft up close and see the winch and harness that lifted so many people to safety 60 years ago.

To sample this and other educational activities currently taking place, the museum is holding an open day on Friday 22nd February.