Duxford Autumn Air Show 2009

In the final major airshow  in the UK for 2009, the Duxford Air Show featured a superb mix of modern and historic aircraft in a stunning display.

For those that appreciate spectacular aerobatic displays (and who doesn’t) they were treated to an incredible display of both formation and individual aerobatics by the “Blades” aerobatic display team. They comprise of 4 ex Red Arrow team members who certainly put the WOW factor into their display. In addition to the Blades the displaying Belgian Air Force F-16 showed its full range of stunning manoeuvres, including its “fly by wire” slow speed handling, contrasting vividly with the loud fast crowd pleasing passes when it piled on the afterburner.

There were of course all the usual Duxford favourites ranging from a display by the D.H.Rapide and Avro Anson in a tribute to the women ferry pilots of the wartime Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) through classic “warbirds” through to early post war aircraft and the early jets like the F-86 Sabre, all brought right up to date with the previously mentioned F-16. What an amazing mixture!

The display is of course only a part of the day at Duxford. Quite apart from the various parts of the truly world class museum(s) there were many very interesting ground displays and trade stalls. One that I found particularly interesting was the Vector Fine Arts marquee where they had as their guest Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Tootal DSO OBE, who commanded the first UK Battle Group of 1200 soldiers to be sent to Helmand Province in Southern Afghanistan in 2006. The fighting 3 PARA participated in during their six month tour of duty in Afghanistan has been described as the most intense combat the British Army has experienced since the Korean War. It involved 498 engagements with the Taliban and the expenditure of over 479,000 rounds of ammunition.

Fifteen members of the Battle Group were killed in action and another 46 were wounded in combat. The numerous gallantry awards for the Battle Group included a posthumous Victoria Cross and George Cross. On returning to the UK, he set up the 3 PARA Afghan Trust charity. The charity provides support to the seriously wounded soldiers and the next of kin of those members of 3 PARA that were killed in the fighting. In aid of funds for this trust he was signing copies of his new book “Danger Close” (and any other items you had to sign) and was more than happy to chat. Again, how many opportunities like that do you get other than at Duxford?

Unfortunately that’s it for this year in terms of Air Displays until the Spring Airshow 2010 on the 16^th May. There are however many more reasons throughout the year to pay a visit. Just the museum alone is more than a full day out, but if you check out the IWM Duxford website http://duxford.iwm.org.uk  you can find details of many other events and special days that they have throughout the year and you can also register to receive regular email updates of up and coming events. Well worth it!

On a final note, one of these events that will be very special is on Remembrance Day, Sunday 8 November 2009, when Imperial War Museum Duxford will be holding a special service of Remembrance.

Admission to the Museum is free for all on this day, and it is hoped that people will take this opportunity to explore IWM Duxford on
the day when members of the Armed Forces, who have lost their lives in active service, are remembered.
 

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