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‘The sight of a
“Messerschmitt” flying head-on into a formation of Hurricanes and
Spitfires created a talking point for the crowd.’
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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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.. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Review by Chris Clarke
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