Duxford Battle of Britain Airshow 2025 review

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Duxford Battle of Britain Airshow 2025


‘Some of the crowd may have managed to keep the lumps from their throats as the symphony of merlin’s were revved up on the taxiway...’
85 years ago, the Battle of Britain was raging on, on the 18 August 1940 the RAF experienced what became known as the hardest day. The Luftwaffe flew 850 sorties in attack of the Southern England’s key airfields. The RAF responded with over 900 sorties. As September approached the battle continued to intensify. Duxford was at the heart of Britain’s defence. It’s hard to imagine the sight and sound of giant armadas of aircraft casting shadows across the ground. The might of the endless streams of Dornier, Junkers and Heinkel bombers Thundering through the air, would be meet head on by the swarms of Hurricanes and Spitfires. The close of this year’s 85th anniversary Battle of Britain Air Show went someway to replicate this. In an emotional tribute to the Douglas Bader’s Big Wing 22 Spitfires and Hurricanes took to the skies from the historic airfield and formed up in an impressive formation to perform several flyovers. Some of the crowd may have managed to keep the lumps from their throats as the symphony of merlin’s were revved up on the taxiway, but they would certainly have had a few tears in their eyes by the time the first wave came in overhead. There is no better tribute to continue the memory of Churchill’s ‘few’.

Paddy Hemmingway was the final survivor of the famous ‘few’. The last living member of the elite 3,000 pilots who stood between Britain and almost certain invasion. He passed away in March this year at the age of 105. Paddy was a Hawker Hurricane pilot. It was therefore fitting that one of the other major set-pieces of the show was dedicated to him. A modern-day record of 8 Hawker Hurricanes flying together for the first time since the 1950s. A fitting tribute to the most numerous RAF aircraft during the battle and a nod to the strength of the current warbird restoration scene. Sadly, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Hurricanes were unable to make this 10! Double figures of Hurricanes is certainly possible now thanks to the efforts of a small number of passionate engineers. Let’s not forget, the skill of the pilots here with Mike Collect leading a team consisting of Alex Smee, Matt Petitt, James Brown, Trevor Dugan, Dan Griffith, Andy Monk and Dave Harvey.



For this special anniversary of the battle, the team at the Imperial War Museum pulled out all the stops. Inevitably some cancellations presented the usual challenges. For example, a strong crosswind prevented the World’s only First World War bomber the Airco DH9 from taking to the skies and a Junkers 52 would have been a poignant addition were it not for serviceability issues. However, there were some truly stand out participants at this year’s show. The star for many was the Douglas A-26 Invader, a very rare visitor to the UK flown today by John Dodd and Marcin Kubrak.

The Royal Navy played a crucial part in the aerial protection of Great Britain during 1940 and throughout the Second World War. This was recognized by a joint flypast from the consolidated PBY Catalina and Fairey Swordfish. The Catalina was revered for its coastal patrols and rescue missions whilst the Swordfish found fame in the sinking of the Bismarck. A feat that seems more incredible, when you see the Swordfish in action. The lumbering biplane was outdated by the beginning of the war. It’s apparent performance was a sharp contrast to the nippy warbirds on show today. This only serves to show the bravery and skill of the Swordfish wartime pilots.

The flying display also saw other rare stars in the sky. The CAC CA 13 Boomerang made a welcome appearance, very few examples exist of this Australian fighter. This one is a replica based in Belgium, current on a UK tour of air shows. Duxford regulars can easily become complacent about the rare aircraft based here in the UK. The Bristol Blenheim is the only flying example in the World, we saw it in the air twice today. Firstly, in a surprise opening of the show flying in close formation with two Spitfires and a Mustang and later in a solo routine. Sadly, it’s Bristol engine cousin the Gloster Gladiator could not join it due to the winds.

Naturally, the show centres around the Second World War, but other notable contributions came from the Belgian Air Force NH90 Caiman. This was the only modern aircraft in the lineup, but with many Belgium pilots contributing to the Battle of Britain, it was great to have some representation. Pilots Filip Peremans and Kevin Beckers demonstrated the Helicopters Search and Rescue capabilities perfectly. There was also a rare combination of post-war jets. The De Havilland Vampire is becoming an increasingly rare sight, so great to see the Norwegian Historical squadron back. The Vampire was joined by an F-86 Sabre.

The rare American jet was far from the only American aircraft on show. We were fortunate to see three P51 Mustangs including the Cavalier F-51D Mustang Miss Rebel joining us from Norway. The Duxford based Fighter Collection contributed their unique collection of Curtiss aircraft with the model 75 and the P40 taking to the skies today. It is also easy to forget that Sally B has been the only Boeing B17 flying in Europe for some time. With so many frequent air show appearances it is easy to overlook the effort it takes to keep this huge bomber in the skies.

Beyond the air displays, Duxford’s extensive museum collections and interactive exhibits offered visitors of all ages the chance to explore aviation history up close. Re-enactors and living history groups mingled with attendees, adding colour and authenticity to the experience. The atmosphere was further enhanced by period music, classic vehicles, and stalls selling everything from aviation memorabilia to traditional British refreshments. It was great to catch up with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight supporting the flying Lancaster from the ground and seeing many RAF veterans onsite signing books was a pleasure too.



The Duxford Battle of Britain Airshow 2025 was a resounding success, skilfully balancing historical commemoration with thrilling entertainment. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or simply seeking a unique family day out, next year’s event is already shaping up to be unmissable. Mark your calendars and prepare to be inspired by the sights and sounds of history in flight.

Review by Lee Chapman