RAF Veteran Donates Historic Sunderland Models and Aviation Books to Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre

Colin Edwards, former landlord of the Flying Boat pub on Queen Street in Pembroke Dock, has donated a substantial collection of diecast model aircraft to the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre. The gift includes several Short Sunderland models, directly linking the items to the town’s significant Royal Air Force aviation history.

The donation also comprises a selection of aviation books and a large historical photograph depicting the final flight of an RAF Sunderland, which took place in Singapore in 1959. This addition significantly expands the centre’s existing displays related to local military heritage.

Mr Edwards’ contribution continues his longstanding support for the heritage centre, where the original pub sign from the now-closed Flying Boat already forms a prominent part of the exhibits. The sign appropriately depicts a Sunderland flying boat, reinforcing the thematic connection between the pub and the town’s aviation past.

Andrew Ludlow, the centre’s collections trustee, highlighted the ongoing relationship between the donor and the institution. He stated: “Colin has supported us over many years with items from the Flying Boat pub and we display the pub sign, which appropriately depicts a Sunderland.”

Mr Ludlow further noted the specific relevance of the new acquisitions to the local narrative. “Apart from Sunderlands, several of the models have a direct connection to Pembrokeshire’s aviation story,” he explained, adding that the centre is permitted to sell models to raise funds.

The trustee expressed deep appreciation for the continued generosity, stating: “Colin is happy for us to sell models to raise funds for the Centre and we are very grateful for all his support, now and in the past.” This financial flexibility aids the centre’s operational sustainability.

The collection underscores a pivotal chapter in Pembroke Dock’s history, as the town was home to the world’s largest flying boat station during the Second World War. Housed in the Royal Dockyard Chapel, the heritage centre preserves the town’s maritime, military, aviation, and social history for future generations.