Duxford BofB weekend

[geedubelyer]

Like many others I was lucky to attend the Battle of Britain weekend at Duxford.

My cousin, my Dad and I went on the Sunday and it was very busy. I can't remember Duxford being so full of enthusiasts.

We wandered around the museums in the morning but there were so many folk about that taking photos was pointless so we concentrated in taking in the superb exhibits. It was my Dads' first time at the IWM and he was very impressed, doubly so since he saw the Concorde on display for the first time.

The weather started out overcast with high white cloud but improved at times. Photography for amateurs like myself is a challenge at Duxford until later in the day and since the lens on my camera is only 55mm I did n't get many shots of aircraft in their element.

Both my cousin and I snapped away enthusiastically and these few shots are the best I could manage. I hope you enjoy them.

One of the neat ideas at Duxford are folk dressed in period gear. Here is PSed image of a typical WWII scene.....

(In truth I think the pilots would have been younger but I did n't want to appear rude by pointing that out. :) )

On to the photos now and a couple of Mustangs that escorted Memphis Belle (Sally B, ) on the day.

We parked ourselves at the end of the field and the aircraft taxied past so close to the fence.

The Bearcat is always a popular performer. Such a fast and agile aircraft and a delight to watch.

The RAFs' Tucano display was crisply flown and the airframe looked resplendant in it's WWII cammo.

The warbirds were interspersed by other less fearsome but equally charismatic aircraft.

For some downed aviators I can imagine there was no more beautiful sight than the Catalina.

Although I managed to crop a couple of photos closer than this, somehow I felt that this image captured the spirit of the Catalina best.

Another majestic design is the de Havilland Rapide. That company certainly knew how to design a beautiful aeroplane.

(Spot the modern airliner out of Stansted not far away..)

Edited September 8, 2010 by geedubelyer

[geedubelyer]

The main reason for the show was the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain so it's no surprise that the Spitfire and Hurricane featured heavily.

One highlight was a fourship formation of Hurricanes (four of the six that remain airworthy)

A warm and balmy English summer afternoon and the sight of these warbirds together was very stirring.

Here's an older looking photo.

The axis forces were represented by the Buchon now wearing a scheme that adorned the aircraft during the filming of the motion picture "The Battle of Britain".

(Yes, that is the Lancaster in the background)

The finale of the show was a 16 ship formation of Spitfires

It is difficult to describe the emotion as the sound of these mighty engines reverberated across the airfield. The hair stood up on the back of my neck, I got goosebumps on my airms and a lump in my throat. It was worth the admission price for that alone!

It must have been just as thrilling for the pilots involved as they split into two formations for some remarkable tail chasing.

The sky was full of R.J Mitchells' finest as they swooped and dived in the warm summer air.

Sadly, you'll have to look elsewhere for record of this spellbinding event. My camera just was n't up to the job and although I managed a long distance shot of the take off, it just does n't capture the moment well enough to post here.

Instead, let me show you a few of these evocative aircraft on the ground.....

Edited September 8, 2010 by geedubelyer

[geedubelyer]

And to wrap up this short report, the last few of the few....

Cheers,

[MikeC]

Lovely pics, many thanks!