This is an archive of the NMS website
Parachute Store
Experience life inside a Second World War
parachute store.
Newly restored to its original Second World
War appearance, the Parachute Store is where parachutes were dried
and repacked ready for use. See the original furniture and storage
used, but mind your head as our parachutes hang from the
ceiling!
To ensure that this essential piece of air crew equipment was
properly maintained, East Fortune had its own dedicated parachute
store. It's a strange shaped building and one that is easily
recognised from the outside amongst the more familiar bunkers,
aircraft hangars and Nissen huts on site.
Step inside the East Fortune Parachute Store and find out at
close quarters how parachutes were carefully maintained.
The Parachute Store has been carefully recreated, using a 1936
Parachute Maintenance manual. You will see the pulleys
holding drying parachutes from the ceiling, original stoves that
were used to keep the store warm and dry and a very long table
where the parachutes were laid out ready to be packed.
You will find out all the procedures and
processes necessary in order to keep the parachutes in
pristine condition and have them ready for active service.
Stepping outside, you will come away knowing everything about
life inside a Second World War parachute store!