So, I finally made it to the Canadian Warplane Heritage in Hamilton to see the new Virtual Reality Experience created by the BBC. It was absolutely remarkable and I urge my fellow BFC members to get to see it before it ends on August 31, 2019.
It was one of the most ambitious and dangerous reports made during World War II. In September 1943, BBC war correspondent Wynford Vaughan-Thomas boarded Lancaster ‘F for Freddie’ with his recording engineer and a microphone.
Their destination: Berlin.
The BBC has created this masterfully animated Virtual Reality Experience using Vaughan-Thomas’ original recording, which vividly captures the danger of the bombing raid. This unique cinematic experience transports visitors inside the bomber as the crew endures endless flak and a night fighter attack in their journey to the heart of Nazi-occupied Europe.
Presented in immersive Virtual Reality, this powerful experience is the closest that one can get to truly experiencing the bravery demonstrated by Bomber Command, the median age of which was only 22 years old. As described by Vaughan-Thomas upon his return, it was “the most beautifully horrible sight I’ve ever seen.”
This 14 minute experience is available for those aged 13 and up on a first come, first serve basis (no pre-booking required). The Virtual Reality Experience is limited to six stations.
Event: Virtual Reality Experience - BBC 1943 Berlin Blitz
Date: Until August 31, 2019
Location: Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Time: 9 am – 5 pm daily
Admission: Virtual Reality Experience is FREE with admission. Regular admission rates are Adult (18 – 64) $15, Senior (65+) $13, Student (13 – 17) $13, Youth (6 – 12) $10. Free admission for museum members and children 5 & under.
