Autumn Air Show
Air Shows, IWM Duxford
After defeating France in June 1940, Hitler assumed Britain would sue for peace but ordered his armed forces to prepare for invasion. Hermann Goering assured him that a sustained air assault would destroy the RAF, winning the air superiority needed.
July 1940 saw German planes target shipping in the Channel, drawing the RAF into combat, before radar stations, communications centres and airfields faced round-the-clock bombing in August. The battle reached a climax with attacks on London in September.
Joan 'Elizabeth' Mortimer, Elspeth Henderson and Helen Turner of the WAAF. All three received the Military Medal for courageous conduct during attacks on Biggin Hill airfield. Biggin Hill suffered a total of ten major attacks between 30 Aug and 5 Sept.
A group of pilots of No. 303 (Polish) Squadron RAF return from a sortie. The first Polish squadrons were formed in the summer of 1940. Pilots came from several other countries, including Australia, Canada, Czechoslovakia, New Zealand and the USA.
RAF Duxford was a Sector Station in 12 Group, responsible for defending the Midlands and East Anglia. As the fighting intensified, Duxford's squadrons were called on to support 11 Group's defence of London and the south-east.
Despite incessant attacks, the RAF's defences held. The Luftwaffe could not continue, and in the autumn switched to 'nuisance' raids and night operations. The failure to defeat the RAF convinced Hitler to postpone his invasion plans indefinitely.
HM King George VI and Queen Elizabeth are greeted by Brigadier Frank Hunter and Major General Ira Eaker of the 8th US Army Air Forces on a visit to Duxford, 26 May 1943. (© IWM CH 19214)
Pilots from the 78th Fighter Group, US 8th Army Air Force relaxing outside the Squadron 'ready room', late summer 1944. (© IWM HU 31937)
Republic P-47C and D Thunderbolts of the 78th Fighter Group lined up on the airfield, winter 1943. (© IWM HU 57985)
Bob Hope, accompanied by Francis Langford, sitting in the cockpit of Captain R E Eby's Republic P-47C Thunderbolt 'Vee Gaile' (82nd FS/78th FG), during their USO show visit to Duxford, 2 July 1943. (© IWM HU 57979)
Wing Commander S L Matthews, Station Commander at Duxford, at the handover of the station to the US 8th Airforce, 1943. (© IWM HU 51427)
A visit to IWM Duxford can support Literacy, History, STEM, Art, Design, Architecture, RE, PSHE, Citizenship and cross-curricular requirements at all Key Stages. We can cater for whole year groups.
All schools and FE colleges must book their visit to IWM Duxford in advance and pay on arrival. Children must be supervised at all times. Our recommended ratio is 1:10.
All activities need to pre-booked so browse the carousels to choose a learning session suitable for Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Post-16, or choose from one of our Special Days.
You can also explore the museum on a self-directed visit, using the exhibitions on site and supporting online resources.
Students must be supervised at all times. We recommend one adult for every six children aged 11 and under and one adult for every 10 students aged 11-15.
Before you request a visit check our current charges and cancellation policies in our Terms and Conditions.
Air Shows, IWM Duxford
Family activities, IWM Duxford
Other events, IWM Duxford
Other events, IWM Duxford
Tours, IWM Duxford
Tours, IWM Duxford
Tours, IWM Duxford
Family activities, IWM Duxford

From the World Wars to the Cold War, IWM gives teachers and students in UK schools everything they need to explore the course, causes and consequences of conflict from the First World War to today.
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