‘A Tale of Two Apprentices’ Cranwell Aviation Heritage

Explore Cranwell Aviation Heritage Centre's latest interactive exhibition based on the tales of two remarkable lives, with a flight simulator and hands-on activities to enjoy too!

This exhibition showcases the remarkable experiences of two young men, Herbert Tomlin and Frank Whittle, who joined the RAF as 'Boy' entrants and completed their apprenticeships in technical trades at the Boys' Wing, RAF Cranwell.

Although starting in the same place, both apprentices embarked on contrasting journeys in life. While one of them remained relatively unknown, the other went on to become the subject of biographies, documentaries, and memorials.

Follow both Herbert and Frank’s journeys from their early days as apprentices, exploring the fascinating story of Frank Whittle and his progression through the RAF leading to his most remembered project, the Jet Engine. You will gain another interesting perspective in the story of Herbert Tomlin, an RAF apprentice and one of ‘Trenchard’s Brats’.