![F-22 Raptor flies alongside P-51 Mustang at Flying Legends at IWM Duxford [Picture: David Mackey / IWM] <i>(Image: IWM)</i>](/resources/images/15691636.jpg?type=mds-article-962)
There was a feast of nostalgia at the Flying Legends Air Show at IWM Duxford.
Thousands of spectators from all over the world visited IWM Duxford today (Saturday, July 9) for a 1940s feast of nostalgia at the annual Flying Legends Air Show.
They were transported back to the Second World War, meeting living history groups representing Battle of Britain-era Royal Air Force pilots and ground crew, US medical personnel and the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army Air Forces.
Musical entertainment was provided by New York-based The Manhattan Dolls and also the Umbrella Big Band.
Visitors encountered a remarkable display of World War Two vehicles, met ‘Laurel and Hardy’ with their Model T Ford car, and had the opportunity for a 1940s hair and make-up transformation.
The flying display commenced with a sky full of Spitfires, in a dramatic tail chase display.
This was followed by a Goodyear Corsair and Grumman Bearcat, representing the United States Navy.
The dramatic highlight of the flying display was a display by the contemporary, cutting-edge Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor with a historic North American P-51 Mustang, a first-time display at the Flying Legends Air Show.
Another stunning highlight was the Classic Formation’s gleaming Dakota DC-3 and two Beechcraft Model 18s.
The Flying Bulls’ spectacular B-25J Mitchell, P-38 Lightning and F4U-4 Corsair then took to the skies.
This was followed by a formation of B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B escorted by three P-51 Mustangs.
The Mustangs broke away to perform a spirited display before the B-17 flew in for a final flypast.
The 1930s golden age of flying was represented by three Hawker Nimrod biplanes.
Two Messerschmitt 109s then flew in, chased off by a Gloster Gladiator.
An impressive formation of two Messerschmitts, two Gladiators, a Bristol Blenheim, Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane showcased British aircraft of the Second World War.
Next to take to the skies was a Grumman Wildcat, Grumman TBM Avenger and Hawker Fury Mark II, representing the Navy.
A Fieseler Fi 156a -1 Storch and graceful aerobatics from a Bucker Jungmann represented the German Luftwaffe.
A World War One Sopwith Snipe was followed a Douglas Dakota from Dakota Norway and a display by the Lockheed Electra, which had flown from the USA to take part in the Flying Legends Air Show.
The flying display concluded with the spectacular balbo, a massed flypast by many of the aircraft that had taken part in today’s remarkable flying display.
The Flying Legends Air Show continues tomorrow, Sunday 10 July.
Entry is by advance tickets only. Tickets are not available to purchase on the gate at the air show.
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