Today's Object of the Week is a tower that became a nerve centre of operations against Nazi Germany.
The Elvington Control Tower was built in 1942, when RAF Elvington was opened as part of Bomber Command.
Through the windows of the building, Halifax bombers were counted out on missions and counted back – with often fewer returning than had taken off.
Out of 4,000 sorties, nearly half of all aircrew never returned - killed in action or taken as prisoners of war.
The tower is now part of the Yorkshire Air Museum, on the former site of RAF Elvington, near York - and it needs help.
The museum has called for more financial support to complete the restoration of the historic Second World War Control Tower - even though it has met its initial fundraising target of £100,000.
About 14 months ago, the museum announced the need to repair and restore the Grade II listed building, which saw hundreds of RAF crafts take off for dangerous missions over occupied Europe during the war.
Despite completing work on the roof, the external rendering and metal window frames restoration, unexpected structural damages need more funding than anticipated.
The museum's Chair of Trustees, Rachel Semlyen MBE said: "Once the contractors started restoring exterior sections of the building, it was discovered that the scale of work was even greater than had been first thought, with large areas of water ingress wreaking damage over the years.
"Although contractors, Birch, have worked on two of the four walls, work on the rest of the tower is not able to start this year."
She added: "Then we will need to carry out the needed repairs to the interior of the building.
"We're extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed so generously as this work is vital in ensuring the future of the tower.
"But we do need to press on with the appeal, in order to give us the means to complete the restoration."
As part of the fundraising, the museum is offering sections of the original window frames from the tower to the public.
Section buyers can opt for a boxed, framed piece with a photograph of the 1942 building for a suggested donation of £50, or purchase unboxed pieces for £15 each.
Read about previous Objects of the Week:
- A temple, a hermit and one eccentric squire - North Yorkshire's answer to Stonehenge
- Remains of hillfort in County Durham could unlock secrets of ancient conflicts
- How this striking sculpture is a nod to town's sporting heritage
A significant contribution to the fund was realised through a recent legacy and donations from two charitable trusts - the Patricia and Donald Shepherd Charitable Trust and the Noel Goddard Terry Charitable Trust.
Speaking about his family's historical affiliation with the RAF, chairman of the Noel Goddard Terry Charitable Trust, Anthony Terry, said: "My father’s younger brother, Kenneth, was a Squadron Leader in the RAF, sadly killed in 1944, and I am certain my grandfather would have been very much in favour of helping to restore this historic control tower."
Donations to the Save Our Tower appeal can be made online at yorkshireairmuseum.org/ or in person at the Yorkshire Air Museum.
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