By Matt Haskell
In the world of warbirds, many notable airshows and events showcase the beauty and capabilities of these historic aircraft. However, one stands out above the rest: the Battle of Britain Airshow, held annually by the Imperial War Museum at Duxford Aerodrome. What makes this show so unique? Not only is it held at the very airfield from which many of the aircraft flew during the Battle of Britain, defending the free world, but the event also immerses visitors in a living history experience. Reenactors and historical displays transport attendees back to the 1940s, allowing them to experience a glimpse of what life was like during that pivotal time.
Every year, Spitfires and Hurricanes from across the UK gather at this iconic airfield to create a ramp lineup unlike any other. This year, 12 Spitfires and four Hurricanes were featured, many of which are veterans of the Battle of Britain itself. In addition to these iconic aircraft, numerous other warbirds took part in the display, including a joint formation of the Boeing B-17G *Sally B* and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Avro Lancaster B1. The “Thunder Flight” segment celebrated the power of radial-engine fighters, featuring a P-47D Thunderbolt, a Hawker Fury ISS, and an F8F Bearcat. Even light aircraft played a role, with a formation representing what is considered the last dogfight of the Western Theater during WWII, involving a Piper L-4 Grasshopper and a Slepcev Storch, a ¾ scale replica of the wartime Fieseler Storch.
While aircraft from the Battle of Britain are the primary focus, the airshow also includes impressive displays from modern military and civilian aircraft. The RAF made a strong showing this year, with demonstrations by the Typhoon, F-35B, and the Tutor display team. Additionally, Duxford’s connection to World War I history was honored with a flying display featuring the world’s only airworthy WWI bomber, the Airco/de Havilland DH-9 (Reg. G-CDLI). Civilian aircraft joined the action too, including a unique three-ship formation of Beechcraft Staggerwings, dubbed “The Beech Boys.”
But the warbirds are only half the story. Duxford’s ability to transport visitors back in time owes much to the dedication of reenactors and living history groups who portray the people who flew and supported these aircraft. These passionate individuals go to great lengths to ensure authenticity, often wearing original uniforms and using period equipment. The grounds are filled with meticulously recreated camps, observation posts, and maintenance areas, all contributing to the immersive experience. From the Home Guard to the operations room, fighter camps, and the American crews who arrived later in the war, these reenactors provide an accurate and heartfelt depiction of the Greatest Generation.
The location of Duxford Aerodrome, with its preserved WWII-era facilities, further enhances the event’s atmosphere. Visitors can explore original hangars, operations rooms, and air raid shelters, most of which now house the Imperial War Museum’s collection and are open to the public during the airshow.
Duxford’s cinematic history also adds to its allure. The airfield and some of its aircraft were featured prominently in the 1969 film *Battle of Britain*. The airshow pays tribute to this legacy with a mock dogfight between a Hispano HA-1112-M1L Buchón, a Spanish-built licensed copy of the Messerschmitt Bf 109G-2, and a Spitfire AT213, both of which appeared in the film. Another highlight included a graceful tail-chase formation of four Hurricanes, reminiscent of the pre-attack training sequences depicted in the movie.
Airshow manager Phil Hood shared insights into the event’s mission: “We wanted to bring Duxford back to life. This was a Battle of Britain airfield. Sorties launched from here during the battle, and we’ve built the show around recreating the ‘big wing’ formation. It’s important to show people what really happened, especially now that there are so few left who can tell those stories firsthand. This airshow has centered on the Battle of Britain theme since 2015, and we’ve been growing it ever since. It’s meant to be an emotional, immersive experience that truly connects with Duxford’s history.”
Regarding the living history component, Hood added, “Duxford is a museum day-to-day, with over 200 aircraft on exhibit. But bringing in people dressed in period attire, with a deep understanding of the subject matter, allows us to tell those stories and bring them to life. We’re very selective about the groups we work with—they spend a year preparing and coordinating with us to deliver an authentic experience, and it really does bring the site to life.”
The airshow concludes with Duxford’s most famous segment, the “Big Wing.” During this breathtaking display, all of the Spitfires and Hurricanes in attendance take to the sky for several large formation flypasts. With no music and minimal commentary, aside from a speech by Winston Churchill, the audience is left to savor the symphony of 15 Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, a sound that silences the airfield and stirs the hearts of all who witness it.
While other airshows may boast a broader variety of aircraft or more dynamic aerobatic performances, none can match Duxford when it comes to capturing the spirit of the Battle of Britain and transporting spectators back to that critical moment in history. For more information about IWM Duxford, visit www.iwm.org.uk.
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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