Register | FAQ | Members List | Calendar | Today's Posts | Search | Contact |
|
Registered
Members: 600 | Total Threads: 50,794 | Total Posts: 518,298 Currently Active Users: 845 (0 active members) Please welcome our newest member, carthagho |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
09-05-2019, 08:57 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Beachtown
Bike: M900
Posts: 2,188
|
Dakotas Over Normandy
With so many here having an interest in either aircraft or war history (or both of course) I thought I'd post up this little Gem that is happening early next month.
For those unaware, the 6th June is the 75th Anniversary of D-Day which saw the mobilisation of almost 160,000 troops that stormed the German held Normandy beaches. However, prior to the beach assault was an air drop of some 24,000 men who either parachuted or came in by glider made possible by 800 Douglas DC3/C47 Skytrain (Dakota) aircraft. I can't comprehend what that many aircraft must have looked or sounded like flying over Southern England or the feelings of the young men in them but to commemorate that moment in our history there will be events at Duxford IWM from 2nd to 5th June ending in a mass formation of 35+ of these aircraft (complete with around 250 men and women who will parachute onto the beach heads) flying from Duxford to Caen on 5th June (a day earlier than in 1944 as there are also events planned in France where the aircraft will stay until Jun 9th). As this occasion is unlikely to be marked again coupled with the fact I have only seen more planes than that (and never of the same type) in the air at once a couple of times (for Royal events), I've booked the day off work and plan to ride down to Eastbourne to watch them fly over on their way across the Channel to France. Anyone who fancies a cuppa on the Cliffs here is the information and times: https://www.iwm.org.uk/events/daks-over-duxford https://www.daksovernormandy.com/ http://warbirdsnews.com/warbirds-new...ric-route.html
__________________
You're perfect, yes, it's true- But without me you're only you! |
09-05-2019, 09:32 PM | #2 |
record breaker!!
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Peterborough
Bike: M1200R
Posts: 2,154
|
Thanks for the heads up Flip. IWM Duxford is down the road from me, so I'm planning to head there on the 5th to watch the take off and assembly in flight.
If anyone local to me would like to join in, please so. As Flip mentioned, not only is this unlikely to happen again, if I does it probably would be on the 100th anniversary which would make me 86! At that age I'm probably going to be dribbling in my soup talking about how much better life was when I was a whipper snapper!
__________________
It's not the destination, but the journey that matters Definition of a motorbike, a devise for overtaking cars! |
09-05-2019, 09:39 PM | #3 |
Lord of the Rings
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Norwich
Bike: M900sie
Posts: 5,810
|
I already dribble in your soup, but I hoped you didn't notice!
Having a good hard think about keeping you company on the 5th...
__________________
|
09-05-2019, 09:59 PM | #4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Beachtown
Bike: M900
Posts: 2,188
|
Now I'm just trying to figure out getting over the pond to Michigan in August to see thirteen air-worthy Vought (Goodyear) Corsairs. I wonder if Mrs Flip will fall for 'I've got to go for work'?
The sound of all those supercharged 'whistling death' cylinders would be amazing to hear- that's something like a combined 26,000HP.
__________________
You're perfect, yes, it's true- But without me you're only you! |
10-05-2019, 10:48 AM | #5 |
record breaker!!
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Peterborough
Bike: M1200R
Posts: 2,154
|
You are always welcome to come along, I will even provide the soup!
__________________
It's not the destination, but the journey that matters Definition of a motorbike, a devise for overtaking cars! |
30-05-2019, 11:20 AM | #6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Colchester
Bike: S4r
Posts: 94
|
Are you guys still thinking of making the trip over to Duxford? If so are you planning to go for the whole day, I see you need to get tickets in advance.
Dave |
30-05-2019, 07:57 PM | #7 | |
record breaker!!
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Peterborough
Bike: M1200R
Posts: 2,154
|
Quote:
To watch the display will be fairly easy, as there is a road which runs along the back of the airfield, so I'm not concerned about a ticket. However, I'm having to work on that day, so If I'm finished early enough i will head to Duxford.
__________________
It's not the destination, but the journey that matters Definition of a motorbike, a devise for overtaking cars! |
|
30-05-2019, 08:03 PM | #8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Beachtown
Bike: M900
Posts: 2,188
|
Yes that is correct, you need a ticket if you want to go into the Airfield itself as there are lots of displays and things taking place on the ground- I think you can into some of the aircraft etc.
As I have the day off my plan remains the same to watch them fly over Beachy Head after me taking a very scenic route to Eastbourne via a few motorcycle dealers throughout the morning.
__________________
You're perfect, yes, it's true- But without me you're only you! |
31-05-2019, 04:53 PM | #9 |
Lord of the Rings
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Norwich
Bike: M900sie
Posts: 5,810
|
Sorry Dave, I can't help with any semblance of a plan, as it looks like I won't make it unless it is a breakneck last minute thing.
Dacs might possibly be going, not sure what his plans are?
__________________
|
31-05-2019, 04:55 PM | #10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Southampton
Bike: M1100evo
Posts: 2,465
|
|
|
|