On Thursday, November 10th, the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre announced the arrival of yet another vintage military aircraft at their facility in East Kirkby; North American B-25J Mitchell 44-29366. Until recently, this B-25 had been a part of the Royal Airforce Museum however, in 2021 they chose to deaccession several significant airframes, making them available for other organizations to acquire. As we reported a few days ago, the RAF Museum’s CASA 352 (Spanish built Junkers Ju 52) went to the Kent Battle of Britain Museum, and this August, the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre learned that they had made a successful bid for the Mitchell.
The Mitchell’s forward fuselage soon after its arrival in the hangar at East Kirkby. (image via Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre)
After months of communication and planning between the two museums, the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre finally welcomed their new prize to East Kirkby. Regarding this accomplishment, Maggie Appleton, the RAF Museum’s Chief Executive Officer stated: “It’s wonderful to be sharing this announcement with the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre. The B-25 Mitchell is an aircraft steeped in history and has many inspiring stories to share – from its original development to the pilots that flew it. I look forward to visiting soon to see the aircraft in its new home.”
Andrew Panton (left) standing beside the Mitchell’s forward fuselage after its arrival in the hangar at East Kirkby. (image via Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre)
Andrew Panton, General Manager for the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre then remarked: “It’s an absolute delight to be able to bring the B-25 to the Centre. The addition of this wonderful aircraft enables us to tell the story of 98 and 180 Squadrons prior to D-Day as part of 2 Group, Bomber Command. Our role is to educate future generations about Bomber Command so they will continue to be remembered… Having a range of aircraft operated by the Command helps us to bring their memory alive. We hope to breathe life back into 44-29366 in the coming years. We must extend our sincere gratitude to the RAF Museum for entrusting the future of the B-25 to us, and to Welchs Specialist Movements for their conscientious transport.“
B-25J Mitchell 44-29366 arriving at its new home in East Kirkby, Lincolnshire following decades on display with the Royal Air Force Museum. (Photo via Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre)
The B-25 is currently sitting disassembled in one of the hangars at East Kirkby. Museum personnel will use this opportunity to perform a thorough inspection of the airframe to assess its condition, with the eventual aim of breathing new life back into the airframe as either a taxiable exhibit… or even a flyer. Obviously, their primary objective remains the continuation of their epic endeavor to return their Avro Lancaster B.VII NX611 back to the skies, but it is exciting to see the possibility of having another important Bomber Command aircraft on hand for similar treatment. In the interim, the B-25 will remain on static display at East Kirkby, with museum personnel expecting to reassemble the medium bomber during the week of November 21st.
For a complete history of B-25 Mitchell 44-29366, please click HERE.
The B-25’s center section arriving at East Kirkby on November 9th. (Photo via Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre)
The Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre is a family-run museum which first opened in 1989. It is now widely seen as a living memorial to the 55,573 men of RAF Bomber Command who lost their lives during WWII. It presently houses two of Bomber Command’s most significant aircraft, an Avro Lancaster Bomber B.VII and a deHavilland Mosquito NF.II, along with many wartime vehicles such as a Ford WOT1 Crew Bus, the only one of its kind extant. For more information, visit www.lincsaviation.co.uk
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.
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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