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Duxford Battle of Britain Airshow 2024
‘The sight of a “Messerschmitt” flying head-on into a formation of Hurricanes and Spitfires created a talking point for the crowd.’
Airshows are not primarily commercial ventures, they obviously need to make money, but usually in support of the organiser’s particular focus. Duxford itself serves as Britain’s largest aviation museum, housing nearly 200 aircraft and military vehicles, with the purpose of telling the story of military history from 1914 to the present day. So all the Duxford airshows and flying days are planned with that purpose in mind.

Duxford has been hosting airshows since 1976, with the Battle of Britain show becoming one of the highlights of the air show calendar in the UK. And so on the weekend of 14th and 15th September 2024, the Duxford site welcomed over 31,000 visitors all attending for their own reasons and above all else hoping for good weather!

People attend airshows for lots of reasons, and If you walked around Duxford and asked people what makes for a great airshow you would doubtless get a multitude of different answers. So planning a show and keeping on-message can be a challenge.

The Falcons Parachute Display Team was scheduled to open Saturday's show, but operational issues prevented their performance that day—though they did appear on Sunday. However, Duxford offers plenty of ground attractions, from permanent museum exhibits to engaging activities like re-enactors and live music. This meant the slight delay to the flying display hardly dampened the experience.
The show began just after 1 PM with a scenario featuring three Merlin-powered aircraft. The Hispano HA-112 Buchon appeared in its original livery from the "Battle of Britain" film, alongside the Supermarine Spitfire MK1a AR213—another star of the same film—and the MK1a N3200, a genuine Dunkirk veteran. The Buchon, essentially a Messerschmitt Bf 109 built by Hispano for the Spanish Air Force, features a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine in place of its original Mercedes-Benz power-plant. Complete with pyrotechnics, the three aircraft staged a dramatic dogfight over Duxford airfield.
 
As the Merlin engines of the Buchon and Spitfires faded away, there was a brief pause before we transitioned from the 1,600 horsepower Merlin to the immense power of the Pratt & Whitney F-35 Lightning II. The change in speed, agility, and volume was dramatic. Visitors to the Air Space hangar during the morning had the opportunity to see a scale model of the F-35B built entirely from standard Lego pieces, complete with "firing" missiles. This Lightning, from 617 Squadron at RAF Marham put on a full role demonstration, showing off the capabilities of this front-line aircraft. Let's hope we see more of the F-35 during next year. 
Next up was the Mercury Formation consisting of the Bristol Blenheim, Westland Lysander and Gloster Gladiator. The Mercury Formation remains an iconic representation of the RAF’s history, often celebrated at air shows to honour the bravery and innovation of those who flew and maintained these aircraft.
 
The Blenheim was one of the RAF’s most advanced aircraft at the start of the war and played a vital role in early bombing campaigns. Another film star, the aircraft on display was the MK1 and featured in the film Dunkirk.

Famous for its short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities, the Lysander was used for reconnaissance and artillery spotting. Most famously, it became the workhorse for clandestine missions, landing in occupied Europe to deliver agents and supplies for the Special Operations Executive (SOE). There were two aircraft flying today V9367 from the Shuttleworth Collection carrying the black markings of 161 Squadron and V9312 which is part of the Aircraft Restoration Company based at Duxford.

Although considered obsolete by the start of WWII, the Gloster Gladiator saw action in several theatres, including the defence of Malta. The two aircraft joining the display are the only two airworthy examples. One from the Shuttleworth Collection in the colours of 73 Squadron and the Fighter Collection’s Gladiator in the colours of 72 Squadron.

From light bombers and fighters the show moved on to two of the best known heavy bombers of World War II: a joint display by the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Sally B and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Avro Lancaster B1. Each can put on an impressive show, but jointly they really set the scene for the Battle of Britain theme. Sally B first arrived at Duxford in March 1975 and is now the only airworthy Flying Fortress in Europe. And of course it was a joy to see the BBMF Lancaster flying again after the tragic events earlier in the year.
 
The flying schedule continued with a navy theme with the familiar Catalina, Swordfish, Wildcat and Nimrod forming up and displaying in formation and individually.

Back to the Merlin engine, with four Hawker Hurricanes making up the next part of the display with aircraft from Bygone Aviation, Fighter Aviation Engineering and Hurricane Heritage. A pleasingly understated display with some box formation passes and tail-chases.
A solo display from the RAF Grob Tutor T1 flown by Flt Lt Bob Dewes followed the Hurricanes. Before a joint display with the Shuttleworth’s Avro C19 Anson and the Messerschmitt Bf108 Taifun, piloted by Nigel Wilson. Although not an obvious pairing, they both were both non-combat aircraft used for transport and training.
Staying with the training theme we moved on to a selection of Allied and Luftwaffe trainers consisting of a Focke-Wulf Fw 44 Stieglitz and the Miles Magister M14A along with two Tiger Moths and Piper L4 Cubs.

Picking up the pace was the “Thunder Formation”. Kicking off a dynamic display the trio of the Grumman Bearcat, Republic p-47D Thunderbolt and Hawker Fury MKII from the Fighter Collection and Fighter Aviation Engineering respectively performed a very close-formation pass down the crowd line. They then performed individual displays.
If there’s one modern RAF visitor to air displays that consistently impresses crowds it’s the RAF Typhoon Display Team. For 2024, the Typhoon is painted in D-Day colours and piloted by Flight Lieutenant Turnbull “Turbo”. The display is breathtaking and it’s as much a pleasure watching the display as it is seeing the incredulous looks on young faces. Flight Lieutenant Turnbull was apparently inspired by a trip to Duxford at a young age, who knows how many young aviators he has gone on to encourage.

The Swedish Air Force Historic Flight’s Saab B17a followed on from the Typhoon. An unusual looking aircraft on the ground with its large wheel covers. These wheel fairings, or “spats” have dual purpose allowing for an integrated ski mechanism. They also act as air brakes during high-speed dives, which formed part of an impressive display. This was the B17A’s second UK appearance, both at Duxford.
Back to the non-combat aircraft we have three Beech Model 17 Staggerwings with a display including the signature the Beach boys formation and a synchronised landing. The Staggerwings were intended to be used as executive transport aircraft, with the wing arrangement giving improved ground visibility for pilots and general handling. They put on an entertaining display.

Picking up the pace again we have a couple of P51D Mustangs; “Miss Helen” from the Aircraft Restoration Company and “Jersey Jerk” from Fighter Engineering. John Dodd and Nick Smith put on a really impressive display, showing off the speed and agility of these iconic fighter aircraft. “Jersey Jerk” has quickly become a crowd favourite and is certainly very photogenic..
 
Although slightly slower through the air, another highlight of the day was a First World War aerial sequence featuring the Historic Aircraft Collection's Airco DH9 - the only authentic, flying WWI bomber in existence. The World War One Aviation Heritage Trust provided the RAF BE2e and Albatros D.Va, while Paul Ford brought the RAF SE5a and Fokker Dr.I.

The display recreated a tactical Allied airstrike, with the BE2e scouting targets for the DH9 bomber while the SE5a provided escort. The Albatros D.Va and Fokker Dr.I played the role of intercepting enemies, demonstrating WWI air combat tactics with a thoughtfully choreographed display.

And so onto the final section of the day, one of the highlights of the flying season. The Duxford “Big Wing” featuring twelve Spitfires and four Hurricanes with the Air Craft Restoration Company’s Hispano HA-112 Buchon as an unusual choice for “Joker”. The sight of a “Messerschmitt” flying head-on into a formation of Hurricanes and Spitfires created a talking point for the crowd.
The Big Wing is more than just a formation, the combination of sight, sound and emotion still makes a huge impression on the Duxford crowd.

Returning to the question of what makes for a great airshow experience; I was joined for part of the day by Matt, an American visitor who had arrived from Florida the night before and slept in his car to ensure an early start. Though a regular airshow attendee in the US and an avid fan of the Battle of Britain film, Matt had never seen a Spitfire in flight. It was wonderful to spend a few hours sharing in his excitement as he encountered the hangars and buildings so familiar from the film—and especially watching his reaction to the Big Wing.

The Battle of Britain Air Show at Duxford continues to be a celebration of aviation history, bringing together vintage aircraft, modern military capabilities, and most importantly, people. From the familiar sound of Merlin engines to the thunderous display of the newer F-35, the show bridges past and present, educating and inspiring new generations while honouring the legacy of those who served.

Review by Chris Clarke