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A worldwide debut and some 1940s nostalgia at the Flying Legends Air Show

Manhattan Dolls - Duxford

The Flying Legends Air Show (Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July) sees a welcome return by The Bremont Horsemen Flight Team, best known for their masterful handling of P-51 Mustangs which they flew at Flying Legends in 2009 and 2011.

At this year’s Flying Legends Air Show, The Bremont Horsemen Flight Team presents the worldwide debut of their thrilling new display in a trio of Supermarine Spitfires.

The Bremont Horsemen are Steve Hinton, Dan Friedkin and Ed Shipley, highly-skilled warbird pilots who share a passion for showcasing historic aircraft.

Following the success of the Vintage Village at the Flying Legends Air Show 2012, it makes a welcome return this year in all its bygone charm!

Situated on the historic hangar base next to Wing Co Joe’s Café, the Vintage Village offers a nostalgic destination for rest and relaxation. Enjoy a glass of fizz or two from the stylish Prosecco Bar and watch the world go by in our traditional deckchair seating area.

Enjoy authentic thirties and forties songs, sung in true Andrews Sisters style by The Manhattan Dolls, direct from New York. The Manhattan Dolls have wowed the crowds at Flying Legends over the past two years with their stylish and glamorous performances. Sing along with them as they perform instantly recognisable wartime hits or cut a rug with a jitterbug on the hangar base.

Accompanying The Manhattan Dolls, and playing musical interludes, will be the Wilmslow Concert Band. They will perform swing and big band hits of the thirties and forties for your listening pleasure.

Enjoy a unique living history experience aboard the Home Front Bus. This classic double-decker bus contains detailed reconstructions of a 1940s living room, a wartime shop, a bombed-out street and an air raid shelter. Containing period features and artefacts, the Home Front Bus replicates the sights, sounds and smells of the Home Front, creating an authentic trip back in time.

Also on display in the Vintage Village will be a replica Supermarine Spitfire. Why not complete your day of nostalgia by having your photograph taken next to this iconic British aircraft?

Enhance your vintage experience by pre-ordering an IWM Duxford Picnic Hamper. Soak up the atmosphere in the Vintage Village and sink back into a traditional deckchair as you enjoy a perfect ration-free picnic lunch for two, including a scrumptious red onion and goats cheese tart, homemade bloomer sandwiches, hand-cut crisps, a seasonal salad, mixed olives, a refreshing Pimms summer berry jelly and traditional lemonade, all served in a disposable hamper which includes cutlery, plates and glasses. Forties food never tasted so good!

The IWM Duxford picnic hamper for two costs £26.50. To order, please email duxfordevents@elior.com or call 01223 497 501. Please give a minimum of three days notice for your picnic order. Picnics are then collected from Wing Co Joe’s Café on the day.

Join us for some forties fun in the Vintage Village!

Flying Legends

Over 50 historic aircraft are already booked to appear at the Flying Legends Air Show 2013. In addition to the first ever performance by The Bremont Horsemen Spitfire display, there will also a rare chance to see two iconic British Gloster Gladiator aircraft display over IWM Duxford’s historic airfield.

A worldwide following has ensured that the Flying Legends Air Show is the heritage air show event in the aviation calendar. Each of the historic aircraft on display at the Flying Legends Air Show is a living tribute to the outstanding skills of the people who built, maintained and flew them and to the dedication of those who have brought these stunning aircraft back to life.

The Flying Legends Air Show presents these iconic aircraft in a spectacular display that honours their history and aerial achievements. The flying display promises an unmissable fusion of power, sound, excitement and nostalgia as a series of rare and unique piston-engined aircraft perform their breathtaking flights over the historic airfield at IWM Duxford.

Buy now and save!

Purchase your tickets for the Flying Legends Air Show by Monday 1 July at our advance booking rate and enjoy 10% off our ‘on the day’ ticket prices.

To purchase your tickets go to www.iwm.org.uk

Museum Celebrates Armed Forces Day

Dakota Flypast - Armed Forces Day

Saturday 29th June 2013

11.00am – 2.40pm

Veterans and their guests must pre-register

Dakota flypast 2:35pm (weather permitting)

On Saturday 29th June, events across the country will celebrate the contributions made by those who serve and have served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. The annual Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to reflect and pay tribute to our heroes past and present, including current serving personnel, service families, veterans and cadets.

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford will once again participate in this annual event by hosting veterans young and old from all three services. During this special reunion, hosted by Museum staff, all Veterans will be treated to a full day’s programme. There will be free refreshments for guests on arrival at 11.00am followed by guided tours around the Museum’s Conservation Centre. For lunch, veterans will have the unique opportunity to dine with other guests amongst the aircraft and artefacts on display in the Museum’s Hangar 1. During the afternoon, guests will then be treated to a 1940’s Home Front Cabaret Show performed by Rebecca Grace lasting approximately one hour.

A highlight for Armed Forces Day guests and visitors to the Museum will be a spectacular flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota, scheduled for 2:35pm (weather permitting). All-in-all this promises to be an exciting day which will enable Veterans to meet up with old friends, reminisce over shared experiences, and enjoy themselves in the authentic atmosphere and setting of the Royal Air Force Museum.

Event organiser, Nina Mitchell says:

“With former Service Men and Women joining in from across Shropshire and the West Midlands, Armed Forces Day is set to be a truly memorable and sentimental gathering for Veterans and their guests to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming new faces as well as regular attendees to the event”

Attendance to the event is free of charge and by advance registration only. Any Veterans who would like to attend the event, are asked to book their place now by calling 01902 376 252 or for more information visit www.rafmuseum.org/cosford. Parking for Armed Forces Day guests is also free.

Anticipation Heats Up For Cold War Line Up At Cosford

Vulcan Bomber by Mr Jamie Hunter

Avro Vulcan XH558 leads the way with several cold war era jets lined up for various displays at the RAF Cosford 75th Anniversary Air Show this Sunday 9th June.

With pre-show ticket sales already breaking recent records, the West Midlands’ premier aviation event looks set to be one of the best ever. One of the key reasons for anticipation reaching fever pitch is the confirmed appearance of the World’s last remaining flying Avro Vulcan, which will, subject to serviceability, be roaring through the Shropshire skies in what could be her last year of flight.

Kept in the air by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, the aircraft that retired in 1993 after 33 years of service with the RAF returned to the skies in October 2007 and has been facing a long and determined battle to stay airborne ever since.

Wing Commander Mike Wilson, the Chairman of the Air Show Executive Committee, says “The RAF Cosford Air Show team is delighted to welcome XH558 and members of the Vulcan to the Sky organisation to the 2013 event. As it represents a cornerstone of British aviation heritage, the Avro Vulcan is truly a remarkable aircraft. We are looking forward to seeing its iconic shape gracing the skies over RAF Cosford once again and hope that our guests will be as thrilled as we are by the Vulcan’s appearance.”

In addition to XH558, RAF Cosford will also be providing a flying display by a Jet Provost aircraft, which was used as a jet trainer for RAF aircrew throughout the 1950’s, 60’s and beyond. On the ground, a 1970’s Harrier GR3 is the star in a keenly anticipated exclusive to the Cosford static display, with a reconstruction of an operational field hide used as they were with the Harriers in Germany throughout the East/West divide.

As well as the celebrations of its 75th anniversary, RAF Cosford also looks to showcase its current day activities in the form of the Jaguar jet. Another Cold War aircraft, these last remaining Jaguars are used to help train the next generation of RAF aircraft technicians and engineers. A duo of the aircraft will be performing a demonstration taxi on the morning of the Air Show to provide the public with an extremely rare opportunity to witness the jet in action.

Further to the Cold War aircraft, a diverse collection of other vintage and modern aircraft will also be showing off their abilities on Sunday. With displays from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with their enchanting Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota aircraft, to the emphatic demonstrations by the RAF Typhoon and the RAF Red Arrows. With over 25 aircraft on offer, the Air Show will boast a bumper flying display lasting over 6½ hours.

With ticket sales projected to be sky-high and the great British weather finally emerging, visitors looking to make the most of their day and reduce any possible travel delays are encouraged to exploit a special Air Show train timetable. This provides extra services throughout the day right into the heart of RAF Cosford, which is served by its own railway station. Dropping you off right next to the airfield, it is just a short walk to the pedestrian entrance. Those who purchase their Air Show admission ticket with their rail travel will also be able to enjoy the discounted advance rate.

All profits made from the RAF Cosford Air Show are donated to service and local charities.

For more information or to book tickets please visit www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or call 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083 (10p/min).

(Vulcan photo by Jamie Hunter)

P40 rollout at North Weald

P40 Warhawk

Peter Teichman is no stranger to the war bird community, His love for WW2 hardware is clear for all to see. The 2nd May 2013 was a day to remember for all who attended the unveiling of P-40 Kitty hawk G-KITT. Owned by the Hanger 11 stable (owned by Peter ), the aircraft has undergone an 8 month, re-furb with a great new paintjob. Finished in the colours of Phillip Adair’s ‘Lulu Belle’ of the 89th FS, the aircraft looks absolutely stunning, with a great attention to detail applied.

Peter used social network site Facebook to spread the word and invite friends of the Hangar 11 team to an impromptu gathering to unveil the new colours. I must admit, it was a great atmosphere and I felt very welcomed from the off. Peter really is a superb guy, choosing to mingle with the assembled crowds and was very happy to chat to everyone. It felt like a big family in some respects and we were all offered a limited offer T-shirt to support Hangar 11.

With the official unveiling done, It was a great privilege to see the P-40 fly for the first time in its new colours. A stunning display was put on by Peter and you can see in his flying just how much he enjoys flying his war birds. Upon landing, you couldn’t fail to see the beaming smile of satisfaction on Teichman’s face. Job well done Peter and the Hangar 11 crew. I’d like to say a big thank you to all those involved and look forward to seeing G-KITT on the airshow circuit……

By Neil Darby

Carol Counts Down To Cosford

With less than 10 days to go until the RAF Cosford 75th Anniversary Air Show, Carol Vorderman has confirmed her attendance on the day in support of a selection of engineering-orientated exhibits for the public to enjoy on Sunday 9th June.

The focus of the displays is to develop an interest and educate young people in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) to inspire the future generation of technical-minded individuals through the medium of interactive activities.

In order to help achieve these aims, TV personality Carol Vorderman will be there to help promote interest in various opportunities available within the spectrum of STEM. Carol will join a number of female RAF personnel and act as the ideal role model for the female presence in the STEM community today. This is highlighted by a Spitfire on display by the RAF Museum Cosford which focuses on appreciating Women in Engineering during their roles in the Air Transport Auxiliary in World War II.

When speaking about her appearance at the STEM exhibition at this year’s RAF Cosford Air Show, Carol says “I’m really looking forward to the RAF Cosford Air Show. I’ll be taking the opportunity to meet some of the organisations promoting Science and Engineering careers and I’m hoping to have a go at some of the activities on offer myself. With an outstanding flying display lined up as well it should be a great day out!”

Additional displays will include a wide array of exhibits with everything from flight simulators and scientific demonstrations to rocket cars and 3-D virtual reality environments, with many offering the opportunity to interact with the displays to provide a truly hands-on experience. Also in attendance will be Jaguar Land Rover with a spectacular display of some of their finest cars including a brand new 2013 Jaguar F-TYPE as well as the XKR model used in the 2002 hit James Bond film ‘Die Another Day’.

The STEM exhibition supports a diverse selection of ground displays aimed at all ages right across the show ground including both military and civilian demonstrations. The flying displays also promise to entertain, with over 6½ hours of airborne excitement. With over 40 aircraft performing, don’t miss your chance to witness the spectacular RAF Red Arrows, Vulcan XH558, the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and many more!

All profits made from the RAF Cosford Air Show are donated to service and local charities.

For more information or to book tickets call 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083 (10p/min), or visit visit www.cosfordairshow.co.uk.

Airfix Making History at the RAF Museum

Airfix has been a ‘household’ word for decades. In the same way that ‘Hoover’ has meant vacuum cleaner for generations, Airfix means model kits. From being the largest manufacturer of plastic combs by 1947, Airfix branched out into toys and other domestic products, but in 1952 embarked, with the little ship The Golden Hind, on producing construction kits, this was rapidly followed by the first of its aircraft kits, the 1:72 scale Spitfire in 1953.

Airfix : Making History celebrates the artists who decorated the packaging for the company’s products. Stirring scenes of combat and heroism stimulated the juvenile market of the 50s, 60s, 70s & 80s to part willingly with its pocket money, and the pleasure of making your own toy was a thrill which the generation of thumb-twiddling, computer game addicts – exposed as they are to hugely more violent and destructive ‘amusements’ than modelling – has abandoned to its loss. Modelling teaches patience, discipline and the advantages of following the instructions, virtues which are, regrettably, held in little esteem today.

Older visitors of Airfix : Making History are therefore invited to indulge in nostalgia. Younger viewers are encouraged to marvel at the imagination of the engineers who designed the vehicles, aeroplanes and tanks which are represented in miniature, at the skills of the mould makers who devise the kit components and to be thrilled by the artists whose work makes these products so attractive.

Paul Hudson, Head of Marketing of the Royal Air Force Museum said :

‘ As someone who spent their formative years making 1:48 scale Spitfire and Lancaster models, plus a very fulfilling summer at the age of 11 making the model of the HMS Victory, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Airfix and Hornby Ltd for allowing the Museum to tell the story of Airfix through these beautifully executed pieces of art during the 60th anniversary year of the first Spitfire Kit and 75th anniversary year of the company itself. Each of them is a mini masterpiece, which inspired the imaginations of generations of children to explore, learn and make.’

Darrell Burge, Marketing Manager, Airfix said :

‘ Given that Airfix has used the collection at Royal Air Force Museum regularly over the years on which to base it models, we felt that holding an exhibition which explored an often overlooked element of the Airfix experience, our box art, was both logical and pertinent. Having viewed the exhibition on display, I would urge Airfix fans across the globe to visit London and see it.’

‘Airfix : Making History’ will be on display at the Royal Air Force Museum London’s Art Gallery from Saturday 1st June 2013 until 3rd May 2014. On Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June to celebrate the opening of the exhibition, visitors to the exhibition are also invited to discover the virtues of modelling by participating in free make and take sessions, which will run from 11am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm on each day.

The exhibition will be open daily from 10am until 6pm. Admission to the exhibition and to the Museum is free of charge.

www.rafmuseum.org

Newark Air Museum’s Contribution To Armed Forces Day

Newark Air Museum has recently announced how it plans to contribute to the Armed Forces Day celebrations in the region. The museum, which is located on part of the site of the former World War II training base of RAF Winthorpe in Eastern Nottinghamshire, close to the county border with Lincolnshire, is making special arrangement for visiting service personnel.

Amongst its famous collection of 76 aircraft and cockpit sections from across the history of aviation the Newark Air Museum already displays representative airframes from the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force. So in recognition of the valuable contribution made by the Armed Forces the museum trustees have agreed to join in the celebrations by granting serving members of the Armed Forces a Special Discounted Admission Offer from Monday 24th June through to Sunday 30th June, 2013 inclusive.

Service personnel who visit the museum during this period in uniform, or with a current military I.D. card will be granted FREE access to the museum. Any additional members of their group i.e. wives, partners, children, parents etc. will each be entitled to admission at a standard fee of just £4.00 per person. (The museum would be extremely grateful if these additional ‘donations’ were made using the Gift Aid scheme).

The discounted offer is also being extended to members of Seafarers UK who are celebrating Seafarers Awareness Week during the same period: plus Armed Forces veterans who are able to show a Veterans Badge/Pin or a valid Association I.D card – all will be able to benefit from this offer.

During this special period, normal museum admission rates will apply for all other visitors and the museum trustees hope that all visitors will join in welcoming the members of the Armed Forces to the museum and its site in eastern Nottinghamshire, close to the county border with Lincolnshire.

Normal museum opening times will apply; 10am to 5pm each day; with the last admission at 4pm. If the museum’s Cockpit Opening Team is able to open aircraft and helicopter cockpits during this time normal additional admission fees / donations will still apply for people accessing these exhibits.

http://www.newarkairmuseum.org/

70th anniversary commemorative flypast from IWM Duxford

Today, Monday 27 May, the Eagle Squadron, with B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B and P-51 Mustang Miss Velma, carried out a commemorative flypast of American Second World War airfields to honour the American airmen who died whilst fighting for their country from British soil.

The Eagle Squadron’s historic Hawker Hurricane X, Supermarine Spitfire Mark I, Republic P-47G Thunderbolt and North American P-51 Mustang Princess Elizabeth flew alongside B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B in a poignant commemoration of the legendary fighter and bomber aircraft flown by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in England.

B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B was the first aircraft to take off from IWM Duxford, followed by two-seater P-51 Mustang Miss Velma, carrying a very special passenger, United States Army Air Forces veteran Clarence ‘Bud’ Anderson.

The Eagle Squadron then took off and moved into formation with B-17 Sally B and P-51 Mustang Miss Velma.

This year, IWM Duxford commemorates the 70th anniversary of the United States Army Air Forces arriving at RAF Duxford. From its arrival at RAF Duxford in April 1943, the 78th Fighter Group flew P-47 Thunderbolts on bomber escort duty, switching to P-51 Mustangs in December 1944.

From IWM Duxford, the Eagle Squadron formation’s first destination was Bassingbourn Barracks, which was home to the USAAF 91st Bomb Group from August 1942 to June 1945. The 91st Bomb Group flew B-17 Flying Fortresses, the most famous of which was the Memphis Belle.

On leaving Bassingbourn, the Eagle Squadron flew over Cambridge American Cemetery at Madingley, where a memorial ceremony was being held.

The formation then continued to RAF Mildenhall, home to the modern-day United States Air Force in Europe, and from there to Bodney airfield, which was home to the 352nd Fighter Group from May 1943 until V E Day.

From Bodney, the aircraft continued to RAF Snetterton Heath, which was used by the 8th Air Force 96th Bombardment Group from June 1943 until its deactivation in December 1945.

Then onwards to RAF Knettishall, which was built for the 8th Air Force during 1942-1943 with a specification to accommodate heavy bombers. It was home to the 388th Bombardment Group from June 1943 until V E Day.

The next destination was RAF Horham, which was handed over to the 13th Combat Bombardment Wing of the 3rd Bomb Division in 1942. Horham was mostly home to the 95th Bombardment Group (Heavy) which flew B-17 Flying Fortresses in bombing campaigns until V E Day.

From Horham, the Eagle Squadron overflew RAF Thorpe Abbots, which was originally built as a satellite station to RAF Horham.

The 100th Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force arrived at Thorpe Abbots in June 1943. The Group earned the nickname The Bloody Hundredth due to heavy losses incurred during eight missions to Germany. A dozen or more aircraft were lost on a single mission.

The 100th Bombardment Group flew its last mission on 10 April 1945; its 306th combat mission.

The commemorative flight then continued to RAF Halesworth, which was home to the 56th Fighter Group, flying P-47 Thunderbolts, and then to the 489th Bombardment Group (Heavy), flying B-24 Liberators.

From Halesworth, the Eagle Squadron made its way to RAF Leiston. This was an emotive experience for veteran Bud Anderson, as he flew his P-51 Mustang Old Crow with the 357th Fighter Group from this airfield. At this point, P-51 Mustang Miss Velma, carrying Bud Anderson, peeled away from the formation for a reminiscent return to RAF Leiston.

The Eagle Squadron’s final destination before returning to IWM Duxford was RAF Debden. This airfield was home to RAF Eagle Squadrons which were later formed into the 4th Fighter Group when the USAAF took over the airfield.

It was a poignant and historic commemoration to the American airmen who lost their lives fighting for freedom from British shores.

www.iwm.org.uk

Air Tattoo is Full of Eastern Promise

Eastern European airpower will take centre stage in the Cotswolds this summer when two of the world’s most potent fighter aircraft take to the skies for one of the UK’s biggest outdoor events – the Royal International Air Tattoo. 

Airshow organisers have just added a legendary Mikoyan MiG-29, from the Polish Air Force, and a SAAB JAS-39 Gripen from the Hungarian Air Force to the seven-and-a-half hour flying display programme, which takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21.

The Russian-built MiG-29 is a giant among modern-day combat jets, combining supreme power and agility with remarkable versatility. Developed in the mid-1970s, in response to a rapid stream of highly-capable new fighters emerging from the US and Europe, the MiG-29 made its first flight in 1977 and joined the then Soviet Air Force six years later. It has since been acquired by many other nations, several of them in Eastern Europe including Poland.

The MiG-29 can fly at approximately Mach 2.25, or almost 1,500 miles per hour, and it can operate at an altitude of over 59,000ft. The delta-winged JAS-39 Gripen is one of the world’s most advanced fighters having been designed to replace the SAAB 35 Draken and 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force.

Both aircraft will line up against other fighters such as the Typhoon, Tornado and F-16 in the flying display which also features a wide range of large transporters, helicopters, historic warbirds such as the Vulcan and aerobatic display teams including the RAF Red Arrows.

Air Tattoo spokesman Richard Arquati said: “The Air Tattoo’s reputation has been built on attracting exciting aircraft from former Soviet Bloc countries. These countries, many of which are now our NATO allies,remain among the most eagerly anticipated and popular participants at our airshow.”

In July, the Air Tattoo will unveil a package of initiatives designed to make the visitor experience even more enjoyable. These include new Service Stations, featuring food courts, free wi-fi hubs, information booths, merchandise outlets, street entertainment, seating and a shaded area providing cover. There will also be three new exciting themed areas called the Adrenalin Zone, Techno Zone and the Vintage Village.

The Royal International Air Tattoo takes place at RAF Fairford on July 20-21. For a full list of all the visitor opportunities and to purchase tickets, visit www.airtattoo.com or call 0800 107 1940.All under-16s go free. Free parking.

Experience the Spring Air Show in American style

We’re now only days away from the Spring Air Show (Sunday 26 May), where we’ll be commemorating the 70th anniversary of the American air forces arriving at RAF Duxford in the Second World War.

Commencing at 2pm, the flying programme presents a wide range of historic American aircraft, including the first-ever display by the Eagle Squadron, which will open the flying display.

We’ve just had confirmation that the Eagle Squadron will also fly in formation with the Red Arrows, giving a spectacular finale to the Spring Air Show. This momentous occasion is a break in tradition for the Red Arrows and honours the historic Anglo-American relationship that has endured at IWM Duxford since the latter stages of the First World War.

The magnificent sight of the Eagle Squadron’s historic Hawker Hurricane X , Supermarine Spitfire Mk I, Republic P-47G Thunderbolt and North American P-51C Mustang Princess Elizabeth alongside the modern Hawk jet aircraft of the Red Arrows will be a unique air show moment never to be forgotten!

There’s plenty of American atmosphere to soak up too as you explore the museum during the morning of the Spring Air Show.

There will be cheerleading displays throughout the morning on the hangar base in front of Wing Co Joe’s Café.

Andrews Sisters-style singing group The Three Belles will perform nostalgic 1940s songs on the hangar base at 11am and 12.15pm.

Colonel Richard Graham makes a welcome return to IWM Duxford, hosting his popular talks around the SR-71 Blackbird in the American Air Museum. His talks will take place at 10.30am and noon. Colonel Graham will also be signing copies of his new book SR-71: The Complete Illustrated History of the Blackbird.

Also in the American Air Museum will be a display from Madingley American Cemetery, Britain’s only Second World War American cemetery. Find out more about the American servicemen who lost their lives fighting on British shores.

Second World War United States Army Air Forces veteran Bud Anderson will be signing books and chatting to visitors in the Tower Shop between 11am and noon.

The Rangers Re-enactments living history group portrays the 2nd Ranger Battalion with the uniforms and equipment that they would have used on Omaha Beach on D-Day. They will have an evocative living history display next to the Control Tower.

Last, but not least, the stunning photographic exhibition Somewhere in England: Portraits of the Americans in Britain 1942 to 1945 can be seen in the Mezzanine gallery in AirSpace.

These striking images, many of which have not been seen by the public before, show the range and diversity of the roles undertaken by the men of the United States Army Air Forces and the women of the Women’s Army Corps and the Red Cross – it wasn’t just pilots and ground crew that kept the aircraft flying.

We tell the individual stories of these men and women, their wartime experiences in Great Britain and how their own personal war ended.

The photographs also capture rare off-duty moments and show how the American airmen became part of the community in which they were based.

In addition to the American atmosphere that can be enjoyed across the museum, there will also be children’s rides, the opportunity to explore retro 1950s and 1960s commercial airliners in true Pan Am style, tank riding and lots of enticing shopping opportunities.

Join us this Sunday for the Spring Air Show as we remember the time when the Stars and Stripes flew at RAF Duxford.

 www.iwm.org.uk