Flying Legends Air Show provides a feast of nostalgia

Visitors 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 Second World War 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.

(Image removed)The dramatic highlight of the flying display was 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 (right).

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 First World Ware 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 the day’s remarkable flying display.

Image:  Living history groups add authentic atmosphere to the Flying Legends Air Show.