Number 1 British Flying Training School Museum - No. 1 BFTS

Number 1 British Flying Training School Museum - No. 1 BFTS During World War II thousands of British pilots learned to fly at six civilian training schools in the United States.

The first of these schools was in Terrell, Texas.

06/18/2026

A British pilot trained here during World War II. Years later, he came back to become the town's mayor.

His name was Henry Madgwick. Like thousands of cadets, he crossed the Atlantic to learn to fly in Terrell, Texas - but the bonds he formed here ran deeper than training. When the war ended, Henry returned to Terrell, made it his home, and went on to lead the very town that had welcomed him.

At the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum, our memorial wall and exhibits honor men like Henry and the lasting friendships they formed with the people of Terrell.

In Texas and across Britain, families still remember these airmen. Visitors often pause at the memorial wall - a quiet reminder that this Texas town will always be home to their stories.

As America marks its 250th anniversary, we're proud to preserve this little-known chapter of shared history - and the bonds that crossed an ocean and lasted a lifetime. Come visit us and experience it for yourself.

Do you have a flyer in your family? We'd love to hear their story in the comments.

Today, the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum had the honor of welcoming members of the England Supporters Trav...
06/16/2026

Today, the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum had the honor of welcoming members of the England Supporters Travel Club, operated by The FA (The Football Association), during their visit to North Texas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The group stopped in Terrell ahead of tomorrow's England vs. Croatia match at AT&T Stadium to learn about the remarkable story of the British cadets who trained here during World War II. Visitors toured the museum, explored the history of the No. 1 British Flying Training School, and experienced firsthand the enduring friendship between the United Kingdom and the United States.

Following their visit, guests enjoyed a wonderful lunch catered by Rosa's Mexican Cocina in Terrell.

More than 80 years after British cadets first arrived in Terrell to learn to fly, it was a pleasure to welcome visitors from England once again and share the story of the airfield that helped save the world.

06/16/2026

Tonight's the night, Tuesday June 16th. FIFA Watch party at the No. 1 BFTS Museum. We will have snacks and adult beverages for purchase.

Today is WATCH PARTY day. Come catch a FIFA game on the widescreen at the museum!
06/16/2026

Today is WATCH PARTY day. Come catch a FIFA game on the widescreen at the museum!

06/11/2026

As England counts down to kick off at the FIFA World Cup in Dallas-Fort Worth, we’re celebrating the women without whom the No. 1 British Flying Training School in Terrell, Texas could never have taken flight.

From the earliest days of the school, women were at the heart of its daily life. They worked in clerical roles, helped maintain aircraft, and served as parachute riggers - doing vital work that kept cadets safe and training on track.

By the end of the war, both the control tower and the Link Trainer were staffed almost entirely by women.

Their contributions weren’t always the most visible part of the story. But without them, there was no story.

Whether you’re in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for the England game or just looking for remarkable local history, we’d love for you to make time for a piece of history you won’t find anywhere else in Texas. Come visit us. 🇬🇧🇺🇸⚽

Have you heard about the women of No. 1 BFTS before? Let us know in the comments!

⚽ Soccer fans — or football fans as it’s known around much of the world — are invited to the No. 1 British Flying Traini...
06/10/2026

⚽ Soccer fans — or football fans as it’s known around much of the world — are invited to the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum for a special FIFA Watch Party on June 16, 2026.

Join us for an evening of international competition, food, drinks, and community in one of Terrell’s most unique historic settings.

Match Schedule:
🏟 Iraq vs. Norway — 5:00 p.m.
🏟 Argentina vs. Algeria — 8:00 p.m.

Watch the matches on the big screen while gathering with fellow fans from across the community. Beer, wine, and snacks will be available for purchase throughout the evening.

The event is open to the public.

📍 No. 1 BFTS Museum
119 Silent Wings Boulevard, Terrell, Texas

For additional information, visit the No. 1 BFTS Museum.

Lest we forget.
06/06/2026

Lest we forget.

06/04/2026

England is coming to for the World Cup - but did you know this isn’t the first time Britain has called North Texas home?

In 1941, young British pilots-in-training crossed the Atlantic and landed in Terrell, Texas - a long way from home. The No. 1 British Flying Training School became the unlikely backdrop for one of WWII’s most remarkable transatlantic partnerships.

By 1945, more than 2,200 and US pilots had earned their wings here. After drills, they kicked soccer balls by the hangars and traded stories in Dallas-area pubs, and some fell in love and married their Texas sweethearts.

Today, we keep their story alive through worn logbooks, uniforms, and the memories of two nations united in the cause of freedom - and the friendships that lasted a lifetime.

As America celebrates 250 years, and all eyes are on DFW for the World Cup, we’re proud to be home to a story that reminds us how far friendship can reach.

If you’re heading to DFW for the match, we’d love for you to add us to your itinerary. There’s no better way to connect with a surprising piece of British history right here in North Texas. 🇺🇸🇬🇧⚽

Have you visited us before? Let us know in the comments!👇

05/31/2026

Need a summer adventure?

✈️ Flight Simulator
WWII History
🎯 Exhibits
Vintage Airplanes

Discover the story that helped change the world at the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum.

History. Aviation. Adventure.

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. At the No....
05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. At the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum, we are reminded daily of the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of those who fought to protect freedom during World War II and beyond.

This Memorial Day, we invite our community to reflect on the true meaning of the day — remembering the fallen, honoring their service, and ensuring their stories are never forgotten.

May we always be grateful for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 🇺🇸

Address

119 Silent Wings Boulevard
Terrell, TX
75160

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

(972) 551-1122

Website

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