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OP Taxable - The tin foil challenge


On 5-6 June 1944, RAF personnel from 617 Squadron dropped aluminium foil from 16 Lancasters as a decoy to persuade the Germans that an Allied invasion of the Pas de Calais was imminent. 

The spoof invasion, part of Operation Taxable and a key component of broader deception plan Operation Bodyguard, was executed at the same time as the genuine landings. The overall deception played a major role in the success of the D-Day landings.

 

 

tinfoilchallenge

Take part in the challenge!

To mark 80 years since D-Day and Operation Taxable, the RAF Benevolent Fund is launching the Tin Foil Aeroplane Challenge. 

Can YOU make the best tin foil aeroplane?! Check out our How to Guide’s below to start making your plane, or if you’re feeling confident, try your own version!



 

View PDF Guide

Submit your Tinfoil Aeroplane Challenge score for a chance to win!

How far did your plane fly? Don’t forget to record your attempt and post your distance (cm) on our leaderboard. Each submission receives an entry into our prize draw, where you can win a limited edition Red Arrows coin. Submit your details below.
 

  1. No purchase or donation is necessary to enter the prize draw, simply submit your distance achieved to qualify.
  2. This prize draw is open to UK residents, except for employees of the RAF Benevolent Fund.
  3. Only one entry is allowed per person – the prize is a limited-edition Red Arrows commemorative coin.
  4. The draw will take place on 14th June 2024 and the first entry to be drawn at random will be the winner. We will notify the winner within 7 days of the draw by email.
  5. Your data will be used only for the purposes of displaying your chosen name on the Leaderboard and to administer the prize draw entry unless you have expressly consented to further communication from the RAF Benevolent Fund.