Spitfires, Merlins and Motors (Sunday 28 July) celebrates the iconic Supermarine Spitfire, the unmistakable Merlin engine and the golden age of motoring.

Between 10am and 1.30pm you can get up-close to a number of historic Spitfires on static display.

Taking centre stage will be the Old Flying Machine Company’s Supermarine Spitfire IX MH434, an IWM Duxford favourite which is celebrating its 70th anniversary year. MH434 has been based at IWM Duxford longer than any other Spitfire.

MH434 was built in 1943 at Vickers in Castle Bromwich. It was air-tested by the legendary Alex Henshaw, Chief Test Pilot for the Supermarine Company at Castle Bromwich.

Once on active service, MH434 was allocated to South African pilot Flight Lieutenant Henry Lardner-Burke DFC at 222 Squadron. On 27 August in the St Omar area over France, Lardner-Burke, in MH434, shot down a Focke-Wulf 190 and damaged a second during a mission to escort United States Army Air Forces B-17 Flying Fortress bombers. On 5 September 1943, they shot down another FW-190 in the Nieuport area. On 8 September 1943, they claimed a half-share in the downing of a Messerschmitt Bf 109G in Northern France.

In 1944, MH434 was transferred to 350 Squadron in Hornchurch, before being returned to 222 Squadron. Lardner-Burke having been posted on to another squadron, the aircraft was assigned to Flight Sergeant Alfred ‘Bill’ Burge. Alfred says. “MH434 was the best Spitfire ever. It was my MH434, the perfect Spitfire.”

Alfred flew another 12 operational sorties in the aircraft before the squadron’s existing Mk IXs were exchanged for a modified variant that could carry rockets. After 80 operational sorties, MH434 was stood down in March 1945.

Supermarine Spitfire IX MH434 will be on static display during the morning of Spitfires, Merlins and Motors and will take to the air to perform a spectacular display during the afternoon.

Aircraft Restoration Company is offering a rare opportunity to sit in a Spitfire. This costs £15 per person and includes a souvenir T-shirt and photo opportunity. All proceeds go to the Blenheim Restoration Fund.

There will also be the chance to see Merlin engines in action as they will be on dynamic display throughout the day.

We’ll be bringing the Second World War to life, in our Battle of Britain exhibition, with costumed interpreters representing a Squadron Leader in 1940, a Sergeant Pilot in 1944 and a female Air Transport Auxiliary pilot.

There will also be an RAF ground crew interactive display from Black Knight Historical. A member of RAF ground crew will be on dispersal duty, looking relaxed with his Bakelite telephone, 1940s newspaper and wartime tea, but poised to ring his hand bell and call the RAF pilots to scramble to their aircraft! You may also hear him wind up the air raid siren as he looks out for enemy aeroplanes. The Flight Sergeant is very much in charge of operations as he orders the RAF airfield defence to guard the airfield and its valuable aircraft. The wartime ground crew will also be showing visitors how they re-arm a Spitfire ready for action.

Adding to the nostalgic atmosphere is the first public appearance of the lovingly-restored 1934 Waltzer Christine, owned by Harrison Amusements, who have been running travelling fairgrounds since 1841. Christine is thought to be the only waltzer of its kind in this country, if not worldwide.

We celebrate the golden age of motoring with a display of vintage Rolls-Royce cars alongside hundreds of stunning vehicles, from pre-war vintage to contemporary classics.

Our summer holiday activities will be well underway, so while you’re enjoying Spitfires, Merlins and Motors, why not try your hand at some camouflage and concealment activities?

Between 11.30am and 3.30pm in AirSpace, you can find out how camouflage has been used in wars and conflict from the First World War to the present day in our fun family activities. Discover how camouflage techniques have developed over time. You can see how camouflage is used in nature and how that has inspired military methods of concealment.

Find out where our secret agent gadgets are hidden and test your observation skills as you try to make out our hidden camouflaged objects. Dress up in disguise and see if you can be spotted!

A favourite activity with kids and parents, Airfix Make and Paint take place in the Conservation Hall between 11.30am and 3.30pm. Make an Airfix model, paint it in the creative colours of your choice and take it home as a souvenir of your day. Airfix Make and Paint is suitable for children aged 8 and above.

Don’t miss Historic Duxford, our new permanent exhibition, which is now open to the public.

Housed in our original 1930s Watch Office building, Historic Duxford explores Duxford’s time as an RAF airfield from 1918 to 1961.

With many things to watch, listen to, have a go at, wear and even smell, Historic Duxford paints a vivid picture of daily life at RAF Duxford. Hear and see fascinating personal stories told by the men and women who worked and lived at RAF Duxford, in sound and film.

Personal objects tell the stories of a few of the many remarkable individuals who served at RAF Duxford. For the first time in almost a decade, items owned by Douglas Bader are on display.

See the Watch Office, the forerunner to the Control Tower, as it might have been during the late 1930s. Period details and interactive elements give the impression that the Duty Pilot has only just left the room.

Complementing the Historic Duxford exhibition is a heritage trail around the historic site with eight interactive posts. Each post features audio memories from veterans who worked at RAF Duxford. Pick up a family activity sheet from the exhibition to complete as you follow the trail.

Discover Duxford’s own story – its eventful past and fascinating people. Historic Duxford is included in general admission to IWM Duxford. Visitors aged 15 or under enjoy free admission to IWM Duxford.

Enjoy a day of iconic aircraft, elegant motors and evocative nostalgia at Spitfires, Merlins and Motors.

 http://www.iwm.org.uk/events/iwm-duxford/spitfires-merlins-and-motors

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