70th anniversary of the arrival of the Americans at RAF Duxford
In April 1943, the 78th Fighter Group of the US Eighth Air Force moved into RAF Duxford and helped to change the course of the Second World War.
To commemorate this significant event in RAF Duxford’s history, we are hosting a number of events and activities throughout 2013.
Somewhere in England: Portraits of the Americans in Britain 1942 to 1945 is a new temporary photographic exhibition which opens on Saturday 13 April, the anniversary of the first 78th Fighter Group combat mission from RAF Duxford. These striking images have been selected from the Roger Freeman collection of over 15,000 images of the United States Army Air Forces during the Second World War, which has recently been acquired by IWM. Some of the images have not been seen in public before.
Our new Americans in Britain tour looks at the US aircraft flown from RAF Duxford and other USAAF stations in East Anglia during the Second World War. You’ll hear true tales of courageous actions by air crew members and find out how British people reacted to the ‘friendly invasion’.
The Spring Air Show on Sunday 26 May is Remembering the Mighty Eighth on the 70th anniversary of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visiting RAF Duxford to welcome the 78th Fighter Group of the United States Army Air Forces to Great Britain.
The highlight of the Spring Air Show will be the first-ever display by the Eagle Squadron. This historic four-ship display comprises a Mark I Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, P-47 Razorback Thunderbolt and the P-51 Mustang Princess Elizabeth. Princess Elizabeth is being shipped over from the USA specifically for the Spring Air Show.
Tags: 2013, April, Duxford Imperial War Museum, News