Want to see the Dakota armada heading for France, places to be

[NutLoose]

These are the dates and times not including the Duxford days for the UK on the 4th and 5th that I am going too, see the linky Daks over Normandy for details, they are also doing Germany and Paris I believe,

5 June

UK Times ( all times are approximate)

13.40 – 14.05 Take-off Duxford Airfield

14.21Colchester Flypast

14.29Southend-on-Sea Flypast

14.37Maidstone Flypast

14.50Eastborne Flypast



Additionally for those in Scotland, Prestwick will host the US contingent for viewing enroute

https://www.tsia.scot/


Current update - all ten of the Oxford, Connecticut gathered DC-3's/C-47's/C-53's departed this morning, and most have now arrived at Presque Isle, Maine for a fuel stop on their way to Goose Bay, Canada. N47E "Miss Viriginia" has already arrived at and departed from Presque Isle on its way to Goose Bay right now, and N8336C "Spirit of Benovia" is making a direct flight right now straight to Goose Bay. All should be at Goose Bay by this afternoon.

You can track all of them on FlightAware and FlightRadar24:

"Miss Virginia" - N47E
"Spirit of Benovia" - N8336C
"Placid Lassie" - N74589
Historic Flight Foundation's "Pan Am" - N877MG
"Virginia Ann" - N62CC
"Flabob Express" - N103NA
"Betsy's Biscuit Bomber" - N47SJ
"D-Day Doll" - N45366
"Legendary" - N25641
"That's All Brother" - N47TB

Hopefully "Miss Montana" N24320 will be able to get out of Missoula today - it was originally going to be part of the group that was gathered at Oxford, but it has been held up in Montana due to the weather over the past few days.

The DC-3 "Clipper Tabitha May" N33611 has already arrived at Greenland as of yesterday, and may be heading to Iceland today.


https://forum.keypublishing.com/forum/historic-aviation/3862366-daks-over-normandy-departure-date-from-us


http://ddaysquadron.org/1422-2/

https://www.daksovernormandy.com/program/



.. (https://www.daksovernormandy.com/program/)

[Green Flash]

A couple of days ago on FR24 I noticed an N reg DC3 descending into EGPK and two more approaching Iceland from the west.

[Green Flash]

Update! Two Daks now over the Western Isles, looking like they are making for Prestwick.

[GeeRam]

Update! Two Daks now over the Western Isles, looking like they are making for Prestwick.

I'm counting 3 of them inbound from Iceland, N74589, N47TB & N47E.

N47SJ has also not long departed out of Goose on its way to Greenland.

[Green Flash]

And another has coasted out from Iceland and yet another just out of Goose Bay. Bit of a party in Ayrshire tonight methinks!

[ACW342]

Just Crossing the Clyde descending into PK

A342

[1.3VStall]

I'm going to be in Normandy 3rd-8th June. Can anyone tell me where the para DZs will be on 5th June? I have twice e-mailed "Daks over Normandy" to ask the question, but no response.

[NutLoose]

Read the daksovernormandy link I posted

[NutLoose]

https://www.daksovernormandy.com/news/daks-over-normandy-historic-routerevealed/ (https://www.daksovernormandy.com/news/daks-over-normandy-historic-route-revealed/)


https://www.daksovernormandy.com/program/

[GeeRam]

Looks like 2 of them have had to divert into Kangerlussuaq in Greenland, one went in their on the 20th and is still there, and another diverted in there yesterday.

Looks like N47TB has is heading for Duxford today (left Prestwick about 20 mins ago) and is not staying at Prestwick for the weekends events with the others.

Edit: N47TB has landed at Coventry instead. Just looked at N47TB's history, was in first wave dropping US Airborne Troops onto St.Mare Eglise just after midnight on 6th June.
Was used on ops for Market Garden and Varsity as well.

[NutLoose]

Flypast did a spread on it, it was stored pending conversion to a turboprop when a historian researching someone asked if they had ever had an aircraft Serial No 42-92847 , it was then it's history was discovered, someone heard about it and published its tale, the CAF read it and it was then bought to restore, it wasn't just in the first wave, it was the aircraft that led the Normandy invasion drop.

“This is a modern miracle,” said CAF President/CEO Stephan C. Brown. “The aircraft was within weeks of being torn apart, when its serial number 42-92847 was traced, and it turned out to be the actual lead aircraft for the D-Day invasion.” After returning from the initial drop of 101st Airborne Division paratroopers on D-Day, That’s All, Brother towed a glider to Normandy, carrying essential supplies and men of the 82nd Airborne Division into the heart of the battle. The aircraft remained on combat status throughout the European campaign, participating in Operation Market Garden, the relief of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, and the crossing of the Rhine River. After the war it passed through sixteen civilian owners and its story was forgotten.

http://warbirdsnews.com/warbirds-news/warbird-collections/commemorative-air-force-news/save-c-47-led-d-day-invasion.html

Constructed late in World War II, That’s All, Brother has an impressive military history. Some of the key dates are as follows:

March 7, 1944: Built at Douglas Aircraft plant in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.

March 8, 1944: To USAAF at Baer Army Air Field, Indiana, via Dallas Love Field.

April 16, 1944: Departed for England with Air Transport Command.June 5, 1944:
Lead aircraft of the main airborne invasion on the eve of D-Day. Led over 800 aircraft dropping over 13,000 paratroopers behind enemy lines in Normandy. September 1944: Participated in Operation Market Garden (17–25 September 1944).

March-May 1945: Participated in Operation Varsity (24 March 1945 – 2 May 1945)

August 4, 1945: Departed for the United States




She will also be touring Germany, see

https://thatsallbrother.org/europe-tour/



https://thatsallbrother.org/

https://www.baslerturbo.com/thats-all-brother.html


.. (https://www.baslerturbo.com/thats-all-brother.html)

[NumptyAussie]

Inspired by this thread, I opted for watching "a bridge too far" rather than "the longest day". I think I made the better choice, despite pundits opinion.

[SASless]

Watch "Band of Brothers".....very well done and based upon real events. Also...read the Book....as it is an amazing story.....and there are related books about Dick Winters who led Easy Company assuming command after the Commanding Officer was killed during the initial jump into Normandy.

Winters was an amazing leader of Soldiers and earned the DSC for an Infantry attack on a howitzer position at Brecourt Manor on 6 JUN 44.....an action that is still taught today by the US Army.

[RAFEngO74to09]

C-47 mass take-off scene from "Band of Brothers" - real aircraft not CGI'ed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lamYp2WsJVA

[RAFEngO74to09]

Videos about the D-Day lead aircraft "That's All, Brother": The aircraft is fantastic - rebuilt with brand new original replacement parts of the correct period standard where available.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlV383eh6zQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syqgse28qoE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqx9qL5Wsu4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUU-W6ydhIE

[NutLoose]

Excellent, thanks all for contributing, according to Flypast she landed at Coventry for a check and also a celebration, I intend to bore the poo out you all with photos of them at Duxford, so be aware :E

[Kiltrash]

Will be at Duxford on the 4th., cannot do the 5th as SWMBO has decreed a family gathering ...look forward to the mass take off pictures

ps having viewed the TV schedules not seen any prog's that look like this event will be included…. shame on them... other than local news bulletin at 18.30 (hopefully) so have set several on the planner in hope

[Union Jack]

Videos about the D-Day lead aircraft "That's All, Brother": The aircraft is fantastic - rebuilt with brand new original replacement parts of the correct period standard where available.

There's also a photograph of "That's All, Brother" landing at Prestwick at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-48389010 amongst some other very lovely pictures of Scotland this week.

Jack

[GeeRam]

There's still another 3 on their way over, and maybe a 4th as well that will make the trip.
"Miss Montana" landed in Greenland today, and one has landed near Lake Michigan after a two leg trip from Oregon, and another is about to arrive in Goose prior to its crossing.
The 4th a C-41 is still in Oakland, California but is rumoured to be about to shortly set off on its cross-country hops.

[Geriaviator]

Please pardon double post as I did not see this thread first ... Miss Montana landed EGPK this afternoon from Reykjavik. What a wonderful celebration this will be!

[RAFEngO74to09]

Another interesting video describing what went into preparing for the D-Day Squadron of US C-47s flying over for the event.

Prestwick got a special mention - with the Airport Manager discounting fuel to cost and waiving fees - and local volunteers helping to remove the auxiliary tanks from the cabin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV4Uzsd1jF8

[tdracer]

Historic Flight Foundation's N877MG is scheduled to arrive in Duxford on Wednesday (29th) - currently in Reykjavik.
Although built as a C-47 and operated over the 'hump' during the war, it's currently configured as a DC-3 with an 'executive' interior and a Pan American paint scheme. So not as visually correct as some of those participating in the D-Day event. OTOH, David Hamilton, the only surviving pilot from the twenty pathfinder aircraft flying on the night of June 5, 1944, is scheduled to be in the cockpit.

I posted about N877MG flying over my house a couple weeks ago on it's voyage to Normandy here:
https://www.pprune.org/aviation-history-nostalgia/621419-c-47-just-overflew-my-house-s-way-normandy.html#post10469330


.

[GeeRam]

Historic Flight Foundation's N877MG is scheduled to arrive in Duxford on Wednesday (29th) - currently in Reykjavik.


It arrived at Prestwick last week and took part in the special events at Prestwick with the others there. Some of them left and flew down to Duxford yesterday.

[SpringHeeledJack]

Does anyone happen to know exactly where and at what height the armada will overfly Eastbourne heading out over the channel ? I'm hoping to head down and position myself for a good view seeing as how this won't be repeated again for some time. Any pointers appreciated.

[treadigraph]

Original plan to walk up from Polegate to Beachy Head via a refreshment stop at Jevington :) has been vetoed by my knees. Therefore plan to be somewhere on the western end of the promenade at Eastbourne and hope that Eastbourne means Eastbourne and not Hastings, Seaford or even Brighton. I presume that a NOTAM will be issued to safeguard a corridor on the day?

[NutLoose]

What route will you be taking from Duxford to Caen-Carpiquet Airport?
We will fly from Duxford to Colchester, Southend, Maidstone, Eastbourne, Beachy Head to France. More precise we cannot make it at this time because the actual flight route depends on a number of factors, e.g. weather and clouds, other air traffic, etc. Please see the news page daksovernormandy.com/news/daks-over-normandy-historic-route-revealed/ (https://www.daksovernormandy.com/news/daks-over-normandy-historic-route-revealed/) for more information.


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1340x2000/sannerville_7e92e04cc70379930223ed745af553f14fbedf6d.jpg

[NutLoose]

French drop zone showing here

https://www.daksovernormandy.com/news/all-your-faqs-answered/

[1.3VStall]

Nutloose, I will be at the DZ on 5th June camera in hand (and also at Caen Carpiquet on 7th June). Just praying for good weather!

[NutLoose]

27th May 2019, 16:59N47E, N47SJ, N103NA, N45366, N62CC, N74589 and N47TB landed DX today

27th May 2019, 16:39The C-47 N24320 "Miss Montana" (#12 for the crossing) made it into Prestwick today.

At present, the C-47 N150D "101st Airborne Tribute" (#13) is flying direct from Goose Bay, Canada to Reykjavik, Iceland. This being the C-47 that just came out of restoration in March. Even though it is registered in the US, it appears the owner is based in Switzerland (it is registered to one of the names/trustee groups that allows for the aircraft to be registered in the US but be based in another country).

The DC-3 N18121 (#14) just landed at Narsarsuaq, Greenland.

N341A (#15) made it as far as South Dakota last night - not sure if they'll be able to continue east today or not, as there is a big weather system over Minnesota and Wisconsin, but maybe they'll skirt south underneath it.

I will be at the other end, camera in hand :)

https://forum.keypublishing.com/forum/historic-aviation/3862366-daks-over-normandy-departure-date-from-us/page2

[Green Flash]

The lure of the legendary fish and chips was too much for N150D, he's just lobbed in to Wick.

[SARF]

Can’t wait to see this in Southend. Let’s hope they beat up the pier . Well not too close they might blow it over

[RAFEngO74to09]

"That's all, Brother" at Cambridge Airport flying the US Ambassador to the UK.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx3KB8CdfY4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGysWUIyG4Y

[RAFEngO74to09]

"Drag 'em Oot" at Membury.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilpTiRnjmGs

[RAFEngO74to09]

"D-Day Sqn" at Duxford
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrieB6XAT6Q

[Green Flash]

And still they come. Today sees a Basler into Wick and a Dak into Dalcross.

[treadigraph]

Another C-47 en route Goose to Greenland last night.

[GeeRam]

Another C-47 en route Goose to Greenland last night.

That was the Hap Arnold C-41, and because of weather holds up earlier, they pushed on to Iceland last night.
Good chance they make UK shores today.

[treadigraph]

Wow they are cracking on...

[treadigraph]

N150D and N47TB heading south across Kent towards Eastbourne accompanied by a Cessna 208...

[SpringHeeledJack]

.....and a couple of others, it would appear that they're doing a dry run of the Portsmouth event of next week. Must be nice for those along the South Coast right now with all those Daks flying by.

[treadigraph]

Been quite a day for American aerial sightseers in the South.

[GeeRam]

Wow they are cracking on...

Landed at Inverness a few hours ago, likely fly down to Duxford tomorrow.

9 of the USA Daks will be flying out of Duxford tomorrow afternoon to fly into Old Warden for the airshow on Sunday, and depart after the show on Sunday to return to Duxford. Most of the European Dak contingent will be arriving at Duxford over the course of Saturday and Sunday.

[NutLoose]

An epic photoshoot took place today over the White Cliffs of Beachy Head. Nine D-Day Squadron (https://www.facebook.com/DDaySquadron/?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBZx1aBkGQlt4F9UKAO1gFmklh8mZgBL6TIVuTfV Xl2JNaV9NzuYAW8dgoif-bWBIPANoDFlg7ONkoQZ50FXaGyq2soIr0moQiJUODCMKFwAQFKJpvL4KKV4B delTxTgEfem0fP_GXiCSMsBI7-EpBg_rW20pS4pcOecIETErxx9v6VQnEda_lI0sLh69gqrD3I8xt5jYBnxAEG PqTdy79lebBWjAPCP9KOYy4LQopSrptxyZOG_9aZ2oPvENwl3sKiQulL9uqf yGQgmMXn7M0-1n_UoZMYontUQ2PYh0_lC9zQI4qpT_U8uwixcxagDsiPMLJRpBBOxAIr9McF o1n_-pEL) airplanes flew down the southern coast of England to fly along the iconic and historic White Cliffs. In this stunning shot by Rich Cooper of The Centre of Aviation Photography (https://www.facebook.com/centreofaviationphotography/?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBZx1aBkGQlt4F9UKAO1gFmklh8mZgBL6TIVuTfV Xl2JNaV9NzuYAW8dgoif-bWBIPANoDFlg7ONkoQZ50FXaGyq2soIr0moQiJUODCMKFwAQFKJpvL4KKV4B delTxTgEfem0fP_GXiCSMsBI7-EpBg_rW20pS4pcOecIETErxx9v6VQnEda_lI0sLh69gqrD3I8xt5jYBnxAEG PqTdy79lebBWjAPCP9KOYy4LQopSrptxyZOG_9aZ2oPvENwl3sKiQulL9uqf yGQgmMXn7M0-1n_UoZMYontUQ2PYh0_lC9zQI4qpT_U8uwixcxagDsiPMLJRpBBOxAIr9McF o1n_-pEL), Commemorative Air Force That's All, Brother (https://www.facebook.com/thatsallbrother/?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBZx1aBkGQlt4F9UKAO1gFmklh8mZgBL6TIVuTfV Xl2JNaV9NzuYAW8dgoif-bWBIPANoDFlg7ONkoQZ50FXaGyq2soIr0moQiJUODCMKFwAQFKJpvL4KKV4B delTxTgEfem0fP_GXiCSMsBI7-EpBg_rW20pS4pcOecIETErxx9v6VQnEda_lI0sLh69gqrD3I8xt5jYBnxAEG PqTdy79lebBWjAPCP9KOYy4LQopSrptxyZOG_9aZ2oPvENwl3sKiQulL9uqf yGQgmMXn7M0-1n_UoZMYontUQ2PYh0_lC9zQI4qpT_U8uwixcxagDsiPMLJRpBBOxAIr9McF o1n_-pEL), Placid Lassie and 101st Tribute, Rendezvous with Destiny bank in a cohesive formation - bringing to life an image 75 years in the making.


https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/61785999_2393420400715275_5364196866013528064_n.jpg?_nc_cat= 111&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr3-1.xx&oh=829ad402d2372254ff2ebead2410a139&oe=5D5EA26D

[havoc]

https://missmontanatonormandy.com/gallery/

https://missmontanatonormandy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/33396680_130166981184584_1962611548157378560_n-768x512.jpg=leftWe are fortunate to have an historic C-47 aircraft in the Museum of Mountain Flying in Missoula. She has a rich history we would like to share with you!

N24320 was built as part of the United States war effort. She did not fly during World War II, as the war ended prior to her being completed. Her original mission was to serve our country in World War II, and this is one of the reasons we are flying her to Normandy…to complete her mission. Even though she did not serve in World War II, she has led a life of service.

Our N24320, is the airplane that flew the smokejumpers that fought the Mann Gulch Fire near Helena in 1949. Twelve smokejumpers and 1 smoke chaser perished in the Mann Gulch Fire. N24320 is displayed in the Museum of Mountain Flying as a tribute to those smokejumpers and all smokejumpers that help protect the forests of the United States.

While under the ownership of Johnson Flying Service, N24320 crashed in water killing the pilot and 12 passengers. She was repaired and put back into service. Johnson Flying Service, which was a FBO in Missoula, is significantly represented in the Museum and provided much of the training and first piloting opportunities for many of our Museum members.

N24320 was located by Museum founder Dick Komberec, a retired Delta pilot whose early piloting experience included working for Johnson Flying Service. Mr. Komberec spotted N24320 near Atlanta, Georgia during one of his flights to that area, and the Museum undertook fundraising efforts to purchase the airplane which was flown back to Missoula in and has since been a centerpiece of the Museum.

N24320 has been a work of pride for many museum members who annually take her to the runway for an engine run-up. She has a current airworthiness certificate and a crew of volunteers will be ensuring that she is in top form and ready to cross the Atlantic with the other planes from the United States which will participate in the Normandy tribute.

The Museum membership includes several experienced trans-Atlantic pilots who, along with younger, yet experienced, pilots, will be making the flight to Duxford, UK, and participating in the many activities scheduled during the two months of the tribute project.

The C-47 committee has selected the designation “Miss Montana to Normandy” to represent and honor the participation of the over 57,000 Montana citizens who served during World War II in all branches of the military, and also to honor the citizens of Montana who served in the war effort on the home front. The original designation “Miss Montana” was the nose art on the B-25 flown by Capt. Malcolm W. Enman, a Drummond, Montana resident who earned the Distinguished Flying Cross with a cluster, the Air Medal with 5 oak leaf clusters, and the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and American Defense ribbons, along with three stars for participation in three major campaigns, the Gilbert, The Marshall and the Caroline Islands. Mac, now deceased, is the father-in-law of Dick Komberec and grandfather of Eric Komberec, museum members, who plan to make the trip to Normandy as pilots.

[GeeRam]

As of late afternoon today, there's now 22 parked up at Duxford.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1005/47986687063_54036afe79_k_4cfa9f7248f030cd5bfe65ccdf665b10209 cd4f2.jpg

[NutLoose]

They were supposed to all have arrived today, I wonder if some were out flying or they are awaiting the odd stragglers. Will be there on the 4th and 5th.

[tdracer]

What are those two unusual looking biplanes in the foreground? I'm not familiar with that type - are they also part of the D-Day activities?

[Two's in]

What are those two unusual looking biplanes in the foreground? I'm not familiar with that type - are they also part of the D-Day activities?

At the risk of revealing my secret spotter's credentials, they are de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapides. It was an early 30's passenger plane (6-8 pax) converted to a nav and radio training aircraft during the second World War, military version known as the Dominie.

[NutLoose]

They also do pleasure flights at Duxford and air to air photography. The T6 Texan is beside them, from the programme
All dayScenic DC-3 Flights

All day Photo flights DC-3’s with T-6’s as photo aircraft.

All day Photo flights DC-3’s with Dragon Rapide as photo aircraft

https://www.classic-wings.co.uk/dragon-rapide-flights/

https://forum.keypublishing.com/forum/historic-aviation/3845195-duxford-diary-2019/page15



.. (https://www.classic-wings.co.uk/dragon-rapide-flights/)

[dead_pan]

What are those two unusual looking biplanes in the foreground? I'm not familiar with that type - are they also part of the D-Day activities?

Nice photobomb by the 152/172/Skyhawk too. Just snuck in there...

[NutLoose]

Maybe it brought in a tube for the Dak with the flat next to it. ;)

[pontifex]

Nutloose,

The published route is Eastbourne, Beachy Head. Is that for real, or is it Eastbourne(Beachy Head)? If the former it probably means the formation is going to fly along the sea front, over the Head, and then a fairly large turn towards France. Having some knowledge of this sort of thing (with the BBMF many years ago) I can see some troubles in the turn with a large formation flown by some relatively inexperienced pilots. I just want to know where to position and so do a number of mates.

Thanks, Pontifex

[treadigraph]

NATS AIC document shows the centre of the corridor routing SSW from Maidstone then turning over Eastbourne directly south. I'm going to be on the front at Eastbourne.

[zetec2]

Meet you on the pier Treaders ?

[NutLoose]

Wearing a rose and carrying a box of milk tray?? ;) hope have a good view

[zetec2]

Yes, a rose in my lapel but carrying a copy of the Times under my left arm, Milk Tray, just looking for a meet not romance !!!!!!, rgds, Paul H.

[NutLoose]

Duxford day one, turned up fashionably late to avoid the traffic and it worked, straight in but parked miles from the main area, Daks loaded up and took off for mass drop then landed again, weather was gusting 12 to 15 knots where the chutes are limited to 10 knots so drop was cancelled, the wind dropped a bit after taxying in with promises of another attempt but the weather turned for the worse with rain as well, so drops scrubbed, I can't understand it, they're only paras ;) nice to see a row of Daks taxying out though and have pictures to sort through

Display by two Austers followed by 2 seat spit and mk 9 displayed, lots of this thing flew on DDay.... Well the data plate might off.. :) did well in formation with cross wind. Three Daks then displayed in formation and were followed by the p47 2 P51 and a Wildcat, singletons and formation, due to drop cancelled they were putting up three more Daks but as rain was getting heavy I departed just in time to be subject to a hit and run, luckily just scuffed some lacquer, what rankles is I have a dashcam on order that would have got his number, building on road has cctv so visiting them tomorrow morning to see if they got him on it.

lets see what tomorrow brings.

[tdracer]

Stumbled on this today - nice write-up on the fly-in:
https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/mission-over-normandy-180972145/

[RAFEngO74to09]

Duxford 2019 - 3 x C-47 display

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZnGVvp3oYg

[goofer3]

Yesterday came down the A11, passed Newmarket services at 0900, just got on the A505 and joined a 5 mile queue, stop start, mostly stop. Usually park on the right of the airfield but it was coned off, [but they did open it up later], so had to go down to the land warfare end. Eventually parked at 1125. As NutLoose mentioned, weather not very good so left early afternoon like many others. When you come out from there you can only turn left. Not much use when you need to go the other way. Total of 188 miles, was it worth it? Not for me.
Hope people have better luck today.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/900x506/_mgl8881_husaninadsh900_8f4bb1d3c106343325ab55a4729b1c143d54 b542.jpg

[newt]

Will be on Beachy Head from 2pm if anyone I know is there then get in touch! Should be a fine spectacle!

[racedo]

Trying to persuade a mate to come and will go onto the pier, Beachy a possibility but maybe ground level a better idea.

[treadigraph]

Will be in Eastbourne on the front somewhere, close to whichever pub we are in at 2pm...

[dead_pan]

You just know the assembled news crews are going to phuq their coverage up with idiotic commentary and hyperactive editing...

[pr00ne]

dead_pan,

....and you just know the whinging and moaning about it will precede it...

[Treble one]

Latest Update from Duxford-Dakota takes offs at around 15.24.

[davydine]

Will it be possible to follow the flight on FR24?

[ACW342]

BBC News now live

[treadigraph]

Have a look at what G-AOEI has drawn in the sky on adsb just east of Duxford! Not sure why the track stayed up when I clicked on G-GGEM!

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/720x1480/screenshot_20190605_161955_chrome_a26ff8251db7d405bf7d9355ce 587507b08d94c2.jpg

[XV490]

Any idea where the two Hurricanes that just flew NE near Sudbury, Suffolk, were from? The Dakotas went through 10 mins earlier.

[MPN11]

Will it be possible to follow the flight on FR24?

Strung out across the Channel south of Eastbourne right now. Only a handful (8?) squawking helpfully.

[SpringHeeledJack]

So....who of the gathered at Eastbourne found the sweet spot of the flypast and where was it ? Pier ? Beachy Head ?

[RetiredBA/BY]

Cause of the delay?

[Auster Fan]

Cause of the delay?

There was a delay on the ground (possibly to do with getting all the parachutists onboard?), but the commentary stated there was an issue with a VVIP in France (not sure what), totally outside the control of Duxford....

[racedo]

So....who of the gathered at Eastbourne found the sweet spot of the flypast and where was it ? Pier ? Beachy Head ?

Sadly it wasn't the pier :(.

Great view BUT they were just a bit too inland where as many people were expecting to have them come down parallel to the beach and over the pier before turning at Beachy Head.

[GeeRam]

So....who of the gathered at Eastbourne found the sweet spot of the flypast and where was it ? Pier ? Beachy Head ?

Definately Beachy Head, they come directly over the top, which was exactly the route as planned and published in the NOTAM etc, so don't know why people thought they would be taking a different route?......plus you could see them coming from some distance away from up on the Head. Seriously large number of people up there though...!!

[NutLoose]

The USA putting up a Herc and Osprey formation over Duxford was superb.... Like 14 ish of them.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48009595147_b8c3ce4f33_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2g9rJ1t)
Dakota heaven (https://flic.kr/p/2g9rJ1t) by Tony Taylor (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142550108@N08/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48009648313_9bd998b05f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2g9rZP8)
Dakota heaven departure day one (https://flic.kr/p/2g9rZP8) by Tony Taylor (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142550108@N08/), on Flickr

[newt]

Late but impressive! Shame they could not fly closer formation! Wonderful atmosphere on Beachy!

[treadigraph]

Could have done with being further west along the front than the Band Stand but still pretty impressive and handy for the previous pub and the next one...

I gather two were hors de combat at Duxford, lost count of how many actually took part. + 2 x P-51 (over the top of us), 2 or 3 B-18, 3 AT-6, a Cessna Caravan and one of the Dunkeswell sky-diving Beech 99s which was a surprise.

[SpringHeeledJack]

Any photos of the flypast from Beachy Head ? The sound must've been glorious. What happens now with the gathering the Daks ? Do they return to Duxford for a while, or disperse to whence they came ?

[GeeRam]

Could have done with being further west along the front than the Band Stand but still pretty impressive and handy for the previous pub and the next one...

I gather two were hors de combat at Duxford, lost count of how many actually took part.

Yes, the Norwegian one bailed out of the practice formation the day before over DX and landed on one engine, so was out of the running anyway, and then one of the US contingent, the Flabob Express, had an engine issue on the day, and never took off.
Rumours are the Norwegian one needs an engine change, not sure on the US one. From both their point of view though, they are in the right place to have had such issues, than if it had been one of the more isolated airfields.

[Chugalug2]

What an amazing achievement this C-47 formation drop was. The preparation and logistics to gather the fleet together from around the world must have been immense. I can't think of a more fitting act of remembrance to the brave young men who manned the original armada 75 years ago, especially those who jumped into the cauldron of the Battle of Normandy. Special mention of course for two who jumped from both armadas; Harry Read, 95 and Jock Hutton, 94, in tribute to their comrades who didn't survive. They broke the mould...

[GeeRam]

What happens now with the gathering the Daks ? Do they return to Duxford for a while, or disperse to whence they came ?

The US contingent are off to Berlin for the 70th anniversary events of the Berlin Airlift and then heading back to USA after that, along with a few of the European based aircraft so I don't think there are any plans for any to return to Duxford, the rest will disperse to home bases after the events in France.

[ancientaviator62]

Not heard any mention of RAF participation (apart from the 'Arrows'). I assume we put a least one C130 on the para jumps.

[c52]

The website for the Berlin Airlift commemoration speaks of 30 aircraft. Press reports also include DC-4s. https://foerderverein-luftbruecke-berlin-70.de/candy-bombers/?lang=en

[pontifex]

To be quite honest Mrs P got cold and board so we came home. As we got here they flew over the house. Very impressive!

[GeeRam]

The website for the Berlin Airlift commemoration speaks of 30 aircraft. Press reports also include DC-4s. https://foerderverein-luftbruecke-berlin-70.de/candy-bombers/?lang=en

Yes, one of the two airworthy South African Airways Museum DC-4, operated for them by Skyclass Aviation is reported to be making the trek all the way from SA for the event.

[Martin the Martian]

I was at Duxford yesterday. What an amazing, superb experience as each of the Dakotas taxied past, turned on to the runway and let the brakes off. The sound was incredible and I don't mind admitting that there was quite a lump in the throat. Lot of dust in the air as well, no doubt from the prop wash...

[NutLoose]

And that was just about 20, imagine what it took to get 100 in the air, and ready to go, the flyover as the rest were departing was stunning, brakes squealing engines running,,, the lot.

[NutLoose]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48012997831_6250007293_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2g9Kavr)
Dakota heaven on silver wings (https://flic.kr/p/2g9Kavr) by Tony Taylor (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142550108@N08/), on Flickr

[NutLoose]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48013287986_f0979f20e2_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2g9LDL7)
Nellie B (https://flic.kr/p/2g9LDL7) by Tony Taylor (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142550108@N08/), on Flickr

[RAFEngO74to09]

Not heard any mention of RAF participation (apart from the 'Arrows'). I assume we put a least one C130 on the para jumps.

The BBMF C-47 also dropped paratroopers - click link and individual photos to enlarge: https://twitter.com/RoyalAirForce/status/1136347075250200576

[WHBM]

The departure from Duxford was great.

Anyone got the real gen on why they finally left 2.5 hours late, meant to go at 1340 local, actually getting away at 1610. Duxford annouincer said the first delay was "due to a VVIP in France", then it dragged on well beyond the revised time. Jumpers obviously kept abreast of it, they were just sat on the grass awaiting boarding orders.

[Icare9]

I persuaded Mrs Axe to come to Beachy Head (originally just going to under the flypast route). Found a parking spot by lucky chance by the pub at just after 12 thinking plenty of time for a beer and grub before the flypast....
God knows how that "manager" keeps his job, not on site as "didn't know about the event" and of the 4 pump stations, 3 were used by guests who'd booked tables, leaving the world and his wife queueing out the door. Poor lad was not only taking food orders, but not content with leaving him to pull pints and concoct drinks, also running the hot drinks station.

Well over 45 minutes and then told they weren't serving food if sitting in the front garden, only the rear garden or inside! So, with Mrs Axe left for an hour with two increasingly grumpy dogs tethered while waiting for me to emerge, I just ordered cheapest drinks and bags of crisps. They would have taken ten times as much simply by having staff go round the garden areas taking orders, and ensuring someone was pulling pints continually to serve much of the queue and thus reduce the delays all round. We would happily have spent for drinks and meals had it been better organised.

As to the flypast, yes, heard about the delay, but not why, although rumours were of a senior French dignitary being late, but by 5 pm Mrs Axe was frozen solid as we never expected to be out in the elements for almost 5 hours. Have to say the delay took some of the gloss off, just two Vic's then the rest straggled past, some wing waggling and landing lights flashing. Yes, pleased to have been witness to a momentous event I'll probably never see again, but Daks Over Normandy must have been frustrated that so much time and effort ended up being less of a spectacle than given to believe.

To upset the dogs more, we were off to Shoreham today for my birthday flight to Sandown and back from Shoreham. Big Shout Out to Andy for his patience in letting a leaden limbed chump take the controls.
Thoroughly enjoyed every minute and now the dogs have had a good run, I'm forgiven!

[zetec2]

Just got home to Bicester from a couple of days in Sunny Eastbourne, was able to get right up to the top of Eastbourne pier (top of the pointy sticking up bit at the end) even made & wore a cardboard "Pprune " badge, not a whisper or contact from anyone ??? but met up with a chap (Hugh Pryor) who flew Buffalos & Porters in Oman, so from about 14.00 to gone 17.00 we chatted etc up at the top with panoramic views waiting for the flypast, had contact with friend at Duxford who kept us informed, as to delays which we relayed to others up there with us, best bit was the 2 x P51's overhead pier, the Daks quite some distance away round back of the town on way to o/head Beachy Head, but at least we where there and saw the aircraft and were part of it, something to tell the Grandkids about !. was worth it though.,

[NutLoose]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48015832281_21178dea93_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2g9ZG6g)
DAk boarding (https://flic.kr/p/2g9ZG6g) by Tony Taylor (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142550108@N08/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48015795853_6c4bc2c62f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2g9Zvgc)
DAk departures -4 (https://flic.kr/p/2g9Zvgc) by Tony Taylor (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142550108@N08/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48015764268_6ca5b39d01_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2g9ZkSC)
DAk departures -3 (https://flic.kr/p/2g9ZkSC) by Tony Taylor (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142550108@N08/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48015777352_5d350eb10d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2g9ZpLd)
DAk departures -2 (https://flic.kr/p/2g9ZpLd) by Tony Taylor (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142550108@N08/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48015615158_1a7c49e3ee_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2g9YzxL)
DAk departure -1 (https://flic.kr/p/2g9YzxL) by Tony Taylor (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142550108@N08/), on Flickr

[NutLoose]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48015899436_c4f6d38c65_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ga1347)
DAk Landing (https://flic.kr/p/2ga1347) by Tony Taylor (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142550108@N08/), on Flickr

[SpringHeeledJack]

Lovely photos mr nutloose!

Sounds like I made the right decision not to go to Eastbourne in the end, though I'm sure that everyone who did had fun of various sorts.

[1.3VStall]

Well, the organisation in Normandy, or lack of it, was a disgrace. The drop on Wednesday was mega delayed. OK slippages happen, but there were hundreds of people waiting at the DZ with no communication from Daks over Normandy and rumours were rife. Even the Red Devils, who had been promised 2 Daks - which failed to materialise - didn't know what was going on. Then today, we went to Carpiquet. We parked in the official car park and joined the queue for the pre-advertised free shuttle buses to the airfield. We quickly realised that, having talked to elderly people that had been waiting for 3, yes 3, hours, that the buses were a figment of DoN imagination. So we returned to our car and joined the crawling traffic heading for the airfield. Finding somewhere to park on the pavement in the village we then walked 30mins to the airfield. Having finally gained access to th DoN spectators area we found that there was no facility to get close the aircraft, nor talk to the crews - both of which had been offered on the DoN website. So, after a brief walk round we left. My wife and I appreciate the effort that went into flying so many Daks to Normandy and we very much enjoyed seeing them flying. However, anyone involved in the DoM ground arrangements should hang their heads in shame -- particularly in view of the average age of the people paying for tickets.

[NutLoose]

Thank you, there are a lot more, if you click on one it will take you to flickr where you can go through them, I still have more to upload too.

[NutLoose]

Link to other images clicking on them opens them up to larger versions, clicking again they get bigger etc


www.flickr.com/photos/142550108@N08/with/48015899436/

[chopper2004]

I went to IWM on the Wednesday so here are my photos form that day and was only at PAVCON Europe day before I’m Amsterdam. Very moving and special day for a lot of the worlds C-47s to congregate over here. Though wishful thinking some owners had Spooky Puff The Magic Dragon ...The Beechcraft 99 carried members of the parachute regiment also dropping . Well done to those who flew halfway across the world with the likes of the west coast USA to come here..
Cheers

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1333/52e5557a_9907_461e_bd27_9870c9b50f16_a6ec905b146ff85262112bc a69076ab68a73b8f9.jpeg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/960x720/a0d79647_9778_4de0_80a1_a44be452a342_2e3eea6c9bdf8b782b163a8 51b25202b8736e2f2.jpeg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/960x720/4854dde8_9f8f_48fe_a6a7_fafc041dd40e_781e6f3c523705f6b1f141a 1e34f14d10d1ed4d7.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/960x720/5f9f350a_27b3_4354_a1df_8429d1b95deb_470f1a12d45ca434c72381e c8fd57341781b6717.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/960x720/a32d7362_84ff_4b8f_8415_550bac2cbeae_774f59331ac200bc8f12af6 19dc4f1f273681974.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/960x720/34fc559b_e238_433a_9771_9bb1c6ce7fdf_53fa1f97a0e46dec96f4852 d3d588b782db81464.jpeg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1333/2b9466e4_4d23_47d4_9e58_56d7fb96befe_47be6c97481904dce61f96e 8119ff2ed20a76889.jpeg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1333/686e7c57_e0f8_4df8_a84a_b21eaba6543b_a2783f7d3afb840c03f4d24 15f4e3cbc65c934c9.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1333/c076e33b_4df7_4847_853e_d7870f9ebacd_9d2f1172ac1ddc2becfb3e2 8b2627d51879bac6e.jpeg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1333/b3c50507_5b0a_44d5_b7b9_f660d56854f7_d05a64b09d4c76660075257 87e00e281d9e4f7e8.jpeg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1333/ab999c24_5235_4f05_ba32_2996a8ebd8c7_5f6e81ec3e9126292036a92 385fb94dd446d4dff.jpeg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1333/60a10f86_abe0_4ebe_b429_b9fd4bf25bd0_10794c57185a703d6e4e0a3 5fa5f1ff3dc34589c.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1333/e89b24f4_a61d_42d6_a14c_f0dd34987f1a_61f19fef5a237f2b412c014 8ab2ec1a3677f4a91.jpeg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1333/d1b3d2f0_ec5d_48ae_b133_3c9f06c3a20a_a5db0f7f5fe02c5e09ec68c dd2c175d7ba9bb744.jpeg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x1333/353ba155_7db4_49c3_b00a_d9066b90266a_8f586ca2c90ce585d1118cb 1a1d632ebe7477bdf.jpeg

[NutLoose]

Excellent :)

[WHBM]

The general belief is that the departure on the day was 2.5 hours delayed from plan because President Macron had switched round his commitments without discussion. Presumably this was just him acting out the part of his predecessor, De Gaulle, on the day, who made himself a complete nuisance both during the organisation and during the event, to the extent that Churchill had to arrange the French resistance signals to be covertly intercepted and translated, to see what he was doing, while Roosevelt (and thus Eisenhower) eventually refused to have anything further to do with him.

[RAFEngO74to09]

An excellent video here of Daks at Duxford - love that "Band of Brothers" theme - enjoyed binge watching it last week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3F87doiZ-o