Tales of RAF Bomber Command at IWM Duxford this October half term
This October half term, find out more about the dangerous and thrilling missions of RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War.
Every day, from Saturday 27 October to Sunday 4 November, hear amazing true tales of aerial warfare told by our enthralling storyteller. From 11am to 3pm, we’ll be telling a range of stories, showing the Lancaster bomber from the perspective of people who all had very different experiences of this legendary aircraft.
Our storyteller will be portraying a number of different characters, including:
Flight Lieutenant Amos of RAF Bomber Command, who will show you around his beloved Lancaster. Find out about the bomber crew who flew in the aircraft on perilous missions and the importance of their individual roles to the solidarity of the crew. Learn what life was like for the bomber crew, both in the air and on the ground.
Aircraftman Harding, who ferries bombs out to the Lancaster. Hear about the life of the ground crew, including the long hours they worked in all weathers to keep the mighty Lancaster in the air.
Rear Gunner Sergeant Reg Kemble, a ‘tail-end Charlie’ who you’ll meet as he gets kitted up for the night’s mission and checks his four .303 Browning machine guns in his rear turret. Hear about his lonely vigil, night after night, in the cramped and claustrophobic rear turret, where, at any moment, a German night fighter aircraft could appear out of the darkness.
Grenadier Dieter Grebb, a lowly foot soldier in the German Army, who is on leave, visiting his family in Cologne. A bombing raid hit overnight and Dieter is trying to make sense of the death and destruction that it has left in its wake.
You’ll also find out about the legendary Dambusters mission, including the brilliance of Barnes Wallis, the creation of the bouncing bomb and the courageous leadership of Guy Gibson.
Try on RAF uniforms and handle equipment actually used by 1940s airmen.
Activities run daily from Saturday 27 October to Sunday 4 November between 11am and 3pm, in front of the Lancaster in AirSpace.
Storytelling sessions run approximately every 45 minutes from 11am to 3pm, with a different story told in each session.
Half term activities are included in standard admission to the museum and, as usual, visitors aged 15 or under enjoy free admission to the museum. For further information go to www.iwm.org.uk or call 01223 835 000.
