ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the various ways in which children in Second World War Britain experienced, materialized and mastered aircraft in their work, their play, their actions and their interactions. It looks at the practice of ‘aircraft recognition’, the skill of observing often tiny, distant, fast-moving aircraft and ascertaining their type. The chapter examines simulacra of aircraft: the hugely popular practice of aero-modelling, building toy aircraft, flying and static models. Like aircraft recognition, aero-modelling created a sizeable industry of wooden models, kits, plans, accessories, magazines and books supported by a number of model shops nationwide. The chapter looks at the rare but precious interactions between young people and actual aircraft. Some boys experienced joy-rides in aircraft as part of Air Training Corps cadet schemes, while others were able to climb inside and explore aircraft at public displays or at airbases. Many accounts of aircraft enthusiasm such as the one recall the competitive nerdiness of young spotters.
