Historic Reunion of Dutch 320 Squadron at Wings & Wheels

B25 squadron with Eisenhower

Wings & Wheels is honoured to be holding a reunion with the last remaining veteran crew members of the Dutch 320 squadron on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th August.

Organised by Sander van der Hall of the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historical Flight and Mr Morven Voorspuy, over 100 family and friends of the veterans will be attending with the youngest veteran 90 years and the oldest 97 years old.

The veterans attending include 97-year-old André Hissink (bomber aimer) who flew 66 missions, 94-year-old Edward Hoenson (bomber aimer) who flew 89 mission and 92-year-old Eduard Jacob and 90-year-old Camille Stritzko who were both in ground service and averaged 15 flights each.

On the eve of D-Day, April 18, 1944, General Eisenhower visited the Dutch naval squadron at Dunsfold. During the inspection troops he had a personal interview with the then 21-year-old Mr Jacob who said of the meeting, “I was nervous the great commander talked to me!”

The 320 squadron flew from Dunsfold Aerodrome from February 1944 until October 1944. In total 156 members died and 57 members didn’t come back. The 320 squadron were awarded the MWO four times and the Bravery Award The Airman’s Cross 176 times.

The Dutch B-25 Mitchell will be flying at the airshow in its WW2 colours and saluting the men who were part of 320 squadron. The Veterans and their families will not only be able to watch the magnificent aircraft in the air but will also be invited for a special tour to view the aircraft and meet the pilots at 11:30. An official welcome will begin at 13:00 in the Dutch marquee.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director, Wings & Wheels comments: “We are incredibly honoured to be hosting the visit of the remaining Dutch 320 squadron. The history of the aerodrome is never far from our thoughts and to be able to welcome these veterans to the Show and have the B-25 Mitchell flying as part of the display is a wonderful tribute to them and their comrades.”

 Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the full complement from the RAF as they display with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Hurricane, Dakota) as well as the Royal Navy Black Cats, Blades, Sally B and B-25 Mitchell bomber.  Supercars, classics and race cars put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two-hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum. Over in our Wheels Zone is an array of interactive and static displays as well as two and four wheeled shows in the Stunt Zone with Steve ‘Showtime’ Colley and Mission Motorsport and a new Monster Truck arena offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

The show also includes over 25 fixed-price catering outlets, 2 bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, informative show commentary, opportunities to meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating.  

The 12th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th August 2016, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 21:00.

Advanced rate tickets from £22 for adults or £50 for a family. Single child tickets (for children aged 5 – 15) will be £7. Children under 5 go free. Hospitality packages start from £155 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information, visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and in 2016 will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

Tags: , , ,