Exclusively for the half term break, families will be given an insight into life as an RAF pilot during the First World War with a rare chance to get a closer look inside the
Sopwith Pup and
Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter.
After an apprenticeship on the railways and then in motor racing, the young engineer joined the armed forces, designing the highly regarded BR1 and BR2 rotary engines for military aircraft, including the renowned
Sopwith Camel.
"They had twin daughters one of whom, April, married Tommy
Sopwith's son.
The famous Lancaster Bomber, made in Greater Manchester, was one of the historic planes on display - along with a Spitfire, Harrier, Typhoon and
Sopwith Biplane.
In 1918, World War I was taking place and airplanes, such as the
Sopwith Camel and the Nieuport 28, were filling the skies over Europe.
Also on display last weekend in Victoria Square as part of the RAF100 Aircraft Tour to mark 100 years of the air force were a Eurofighter Typhoon,
Sopwith Snipe biplane and Supermarine Spitfire.
The Royal Mint's PS5 commemorative coin to mark the RAF centenary shows three aircraft - the First World War
Sopwith Camel, the Spitfire and a Lockheed Lightning II.
Also on display this weekend are a Eurofighter Typhoon,
Sopwith Snipe biplane and Supermarine Spitfire.
Armed Forces Day will be celebrated with a special event inSouthportthis weekend, featuring a
Sopwith Camel aircraft.
The single-seat
Sopwith Snipe came into service at the end of the First World War in late 1918.
The stamps include images of the World War 1 era
Sopwith Camel F1, the Hurricane Mk 1 from the Battle of Britain, a Vulcan B2, the Lightning F6, the Nimrod MR2 and Typhoon FGR4.
Group strategic account director James
Sopwith said: "In order to achieve our strategic objectives, we must identify and attract engineers with the skills and outlook to drive our business forward.