Dakotas Over Normandy

Flip · 09-05-2019, 08:57 PM

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

Grumpy · 09-05-2019, 09:32 PM

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!

Mr Gazza · 09-05-2019, 09:39 PM

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...

Flip · 09-05-2019, 09:59 PM

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.

Grumpy · 10-05-2019, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Gazza

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...

You are always welcome to come along, I will even provide the soup!

DaveR · 30-05-2019, 11:20 AM

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

Grumpy · 30-05-2019, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveR

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

Thanks for the heads up,Dave.
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.

Flip · 30-05-2019, 08:03 PM

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.

Mr Gazza · 31-05-2019, 04:53 PM

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?

Luddite · 31-05-2019, 04:55 PM

For those who can't get to see the Dakotas in the flesh, one of the fleet, P2100882 "Drag 'em Oot", can be seen on Channel 4, Sunday 8.00pm in "Guy Martin's D-Day Landing".

09-05-2019, 08:57 PM	#1
Flip 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
Grumpy 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
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,793	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
Flip 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!

30-05-2019, 08:03 PM	#8
Flip 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!

30-05-2019, 11:20 AM	#6
DaveR Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Colchester Bike: S4r Posts: 93	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

31-05-2019, 04:53 PM	#9
Mr Gazza Lord of the Rings Join Date: May 2013 Location: Norwich Bike: M900sie Posts: 5,793	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
Luddite Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Southampton Bike: M1100evo Posts: 2,465	For those who can't get to see the Dakotas in the flesh, one of the fleet, P2100882 "Drag 'em Oot", can be seen on Channel 4, Sunday 8.00pm in "Guy Martin's D-Day Landing".