AN “unprecedented” flypast by the Eagle Squadron and Red Arrows concluded Duxford’s Spring Air Show in spectacular style.
Huge crowds flocked to the Imperial War Museum on Sunday to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the American forces arriving at RAF Duxford in the Second World War.
Visitors soaked up the American atmosphere with cheerleading displays at the Hangar Base, nostalgic 1940s songs from all-girl trio The Three Belles and evocative living history re-enactments portraying the uniforms and equipment used by the 2nd Ranger Battalion on Omaha Beach on D-Day.
Second World War US 357th Fighter Group veteran Bud Anderson was the Eagle Squadron’s guest of honour. He flew into the air show in P-51 Mustang Miss Velma and, on landing, greeted the crowds with a drive by in a 1940s American jeep.
The flying display began in grand style with the first ever display by the Eagle Squadron – a Hawker Hurricane X, Supermarine Spitfire Mark I, Republic P-47G Thunderbolt and North American P-51C Mustang all taking part.
Other classic US aircraft included the B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B, Curtis P-40B and P-40F Warhawks, a Boeing PT-17 Stearman, a pair of North American Harvards and the North American F-86 Sabre.
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