4Aviations first coach trip to the annual Flying Legend air show at Duxford (UK) started on Friday evening 9 July. 45 enthusiasts had gathered at the Utrecht and Breda Prinsenbeek train stations. Due to the start of the holiday season in the centre of the Netherlands we had expected some traffic jams, but this did not occur. Because of that the first part of the trip went very smoothly and we arrived in Calais early. We embarked on the first available ferry and headed for Dover. Because there were no delays we took an extra long brake near Stansted and tried to get some sleep.
The official opening time was 08.00 am, but thanks to the friendly staff our group entered the field some time before that. Also thanks to the staff for letting one of us in without a ticket, he had left it on the coach.
As there is a lot to be seen at Duxford, you need all the time you can get. Some members wandered around the many display halls and enjoyed the history of aviation, while others looked for a good spot along the fence for the display in the afternoon. All the aircraft, which were about to perform, were displayed in front of the crowds.
At two o’clock a non stop air spectacular started with many warbirds being in the air at any time. The show started of with an RAF and FAA presentation: several Spitfires and a Hurricane. This was followed by a couple of Skyraiders, a Seafire, Seafury, Fury, Bearcat and Corsair. Next up were the Germans, USAAF and Russians with a mix of great classic aircraft. Not only the sights are spectacular, but also the non stop sounds of those immaculate props are a feast to once ears. The airshow was concluded with a mass take-off and flypast of all participating aircraft. This was very impressive to witness. This part of the show ended at about 17.30. Then many of the visiting aircraft left. We had lots of time to photograph them as our coach was leaving at 19.00.
The way home did, unfortunately, not go that smoothly. There was a bit of a traffic jam at the Dartford crossing on the M25 and our ferry was delayed until 1 o´clock due to heavy fog on the Channel the previous day. But, we all got home ok and had a very enjoyable day out in the United Kingdom.
