Victory in the Skies: VE Day Celebrated in Style at IWM Duxford
The sky above IWM Duxford came alive on 10 May 2025 as WWII aircraft from both sides of the Atlantic roared overhead in a thrilling tribute to Victory in Europe.
Though not as expansive as the famed Duxford Summer or Battle of Britain Air Shows, this commemorative event still drew impressive crowds and offered moments of high-octane nostalgia that delighted aviation enthusiasts and families alike.
The event's centerpiece was a magnificent range of Supermarine Spitfires, the iconic aircraft that became a symbol of British defiance during the Second World War.
Joining them was a Hawker Hurricane, the rugged backbone of RAF Fighter Command in the early war years. Its graceful arc through the Cambridgeshire sky served as a solemn reminder of the aircraft's critical - though sometimes overshadowed - role during the Battle of Britain.
Adding a dramatic flair, a Hispano Buchón - a Spanish-built version of the Messerschmitt Bf 109 - performed mock dogfights with the British aircraft, giving spectators a theatrical taste of aerial encounters from the 1940s. The aircraft's distinct sound and wartime paint scheme provided a thrilling visual contrast to its British counterparts.
The air show also honored the Allied effort with transatlantic muscle. The P-47 Thunderbolt, affectionately known as the “Nellie B” rumbled through the air with its formidable presence. Its flypast was followed by the sleek and swift Grumman F8F Bearcat, a post-war U.S. Navy fighter that displayed a powerful blend of speed and agility in its solo routine - a crowd favorite for its blistering climb rate and snappy rolls.
In a more delicate, acrobatic display, a Bücker Jungmann delighted attendees with looping maneuvers and a dance-like grace.
Adding an unexpected and delightful twist to the show was a trio of Druine Turbulents - homebuilt experimental aircraft with big personality in small frames. Despite their size, the synchronized flight of these three tiny planes displayed precision and showmanship that charmed the crowd and underscored the spirit of aviation passion.
Though this VE Day show wasn't on the scale of Duxford's larger summer spectacles, the atmosphere was every bit as electric. Families sprawled across picnic blankets, veterans nodded in quiet remembrance, and aviation lovers swapped stories as propellers spun above.
|
           |
