30 pictures from IWM Duxford’s Battle of Britain Air Show

Visitors to IWM Duxford’s Battle of Britain Air Show last weekend (September 18-19) really got into the spirit of the event, as our exclusive pictures show.

At one of the airfields that made history during the Second World War II, visitors to the site were able to dress the part and immerse themselves in the summer of 1940 when the Spitfire and the Hurricane ruled the skies and the ‘Few’ brought hope during one of the UK’s darkest hours.

There was action both in the skies and on the ground as the museum, hangars, airfield and showground were transformed for the weekend with living history, 1940s music and dance, entertainment and activities.

One of the only in-person air shows taking place in the UK this year, aeroplanes taking part – alongside the Spitfires and Hurricanes – included the North American TF-51D Mustang ‘Contrary Mary’, the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress ‘Sally B’, and the Goodyear Corsair FG-1D.

IWM head of commercial services Adam Kendall said: “It was a privilege to see the warbirds of the Battle of Britain flying under blue skies at Duxford this weekend and to see so many people enjoying another air show as we draw to the end of the air show season.

“The weekend gave us a great opportunity to revel in the spirit of the summer of 1940, with plenty of Spitfires taking to the skies, and we were so happy to see thousands of people having a great day out – especially after two years without this air show. We certainly have plenty to celebrate at our ‘Best of 2021’ flying day next month.”

That event is on October 9. Visit iwm.org.uk/airshows/events/october-flying-day-one for details.

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