SIGNING EVENT AT DUXFORD AIR SHOW – 23rd & 24th SEPTEMBER
Along with two days of exciting flying, we’re looking forward hosting some amazing WWII veterans so meet enthusiasts and sign items for collectors.
On Saturday we’ll be joined by BATTLE OF BRITAIN & RAF FIGHTER COMMAND veterans and on Sunday we’re hosting WWII veterans of the famous 617 SQN BOMBER COMMAND.
Saturday
Our Battle of Britain & Fighter Command guests include:
Flight Lieutenant ARCHIE McINNES - after completing pilot training, he flew Hurricanes throughout the Battle of Britain with 610 and 238 Sqns. In late 1940 he moved to the Middle East flying Hurricanes, but in November 1941 he was shot down and badly injured. After prolonged hospitalisation in South Africa he returned to Britain for a posting at Whitehall.
Warrant Officer GEOFF HULETT - volunteered for the RAF in late 1941 aged 18 and completed pilot training before joining 225 Group in India as a ferry pilot delivering aircraft in support of the Allied air attacks against the Japanese. He flew many types of aircraft including Spitfires, Hurricanes and P-47 Thunderbolts. He was awarded the Burma Star.
Squadron Leader ALLAN SCOTT DFM - he joined the RAF in March 1941 and after completing pilot training was posted to 124 Sqn at Biggin Hill to fly Spitfires. Aboard HMS Eagle he then went to Malta to serve with 603 Sqn and later 1435 Sqn from the island, again on Spitfires. He saw considerable action during the October ‘Blitz’ and through this heavy fighting with Bf109s and Ju88s was credited with at least 5 victories and 2 probables. Returning to the UK he spent time as an Instructor before serving with 122 Sqn on P-51 Mustangs over Europe. His final tally was 6 victories.
Sunday
Our 617 Squadron Bomber Command guests include:
Flight Lieutenant SYDNEY GRIMES - completed a full tour as a Wireless Operator on Lancasters with 106 Sqn before joining 617 Sqn for a second tour. His first mission was attacking the German battleship Tirpitz, before returning a month later on the mission that sank it. He finished the war having completed a total of 43 Ops’.
Squadron Leader BENNY GOODMAN Ld’H - flew Lancasters with 617 Sqn where he completed a full tour of 30 Ops’ including missions over Germany, Holland and France as well as taking part in all of the raids against the German Battleship Tirpitz.
Leading Aircraftman BERNARD MABEY - joined the RAF in 1943 and trained as Ground Crew working on Halifaxes with 640 Sqn at RAF Leconfield, Yorkshire. In 1945 he transferred to RAF Waddington as part of ‘Tiger Force’ working on Lancasters with both 617 and 9 Sqns.
Our guests are happy to sign items for collector’s and purchases at the event over £40 can be signed free of charge. All other items are subject to a signing fee.
THE GALLERY - will be open by appointment only from 21st – 25th September as we prepare for Duxford. As always, our online store and phone lines remain open and we look forward to hearing from you.
