Thousands of aircraft

The veterans of Duxford say they try to keep up to date with developments in the RAF as best they can.

“I keep up with the hardware,” says Jim. “There are much fewer aircraft now… the Hercules, the new EuroFighter, the typhoon and the tornado. Back in the 50s there were thousands of aircraft and hundreds of bases scattered around.”

Former Duxford navigator Wilf Hodgkinson, whose twin brother Val was station adjutant, says that one that good thing now is that there is a better understanding between the services than there was in his time.

“After I left Duxford, I was staff officer in Gibraltar – the only RAF staff officer among all the Navy officers. But I understood their job, they understood ours. In my early years in the RAF the other services were regarded, by and large, as the enemy.

“There was very little interservice co-operation. I think it changed with the Falklands , it was a turning point in the Services. The forces were getting thin, even by that stage and it wouldn’t have worked without more co-operation, and I think it’s improved even more since then.” To emphasise his point of interservice friendship, he says: “You must mention that I’m a member of the Kimbolton British Legion. Otherwise I’ll be in all sorts of bother.”

However, while it might seem that all is rosy in the Old Dux garden - there is a big shadow hanging over them. “Sadly, we’re now getting into attrition rates. Recruitment can’t keep up with the people dying. You’ve got to understand that when our generations  passes on there won’t be anyone to pick it up. We lost 10 members last year who died,” says Jim.  “And we only recruited five new ones. Sometimes, you get members you don’t know by sight, and sometimes you don’t even know them by name. But they were still there at the relevant period, and that’s what matters. The people we know are from a band of time. The pilots from the war are almost all gone now..

“We’re realistic about it - within a few years, there won’t be any Association. We’ll all be gone. There’s no replacing us. We’ve made arrangements with the people at Duxford, they’re going to take all our assets, such as they are, photographs and memorabilia, and hopefully it will become part of the history of the Royal Air Force.”

For the forseeable future though, the members of the Old Dux intend to live life to the full. Les acts as an official Duxford guide, Doreen has had books published, Larry runs the Old Dux website and newsletter while others help track down new members or organise social events. Other Old Dux members have been interviewed for the museum archives.

“My wife says to me that they were the happiest days of my life,” says Les. “And I think she’s right. I’d have paid the RAF - what a life! There was good cheap beer in the mess too!”

An exciting programme of events will mark the airfield’s anniversary

The Imperial War Museum Duxford is Europe ’s premier aviation museum. It was built during World War I and later played an important role in the Battle of Britain. With more airworthy Spitfires than anywhere else in

the world, Duxford can justifiably claim to be the home of the Spitfire. But there are another 200 aircraft on display, including the legendary Lancaster , Concorde and the SR-71 Blackbird spyplane, which flew faster than a bullet on the edge of space. In total, more than 50 working historic aircraft are based at Duxford.

 

The summer programme includes:

18 May Spring Air Show: The opening to Duxford’s air show season.

1 June Remembering RAE Duxford: A celebration of lDuxford’s 90th birthday with talks by pilots and crew, a photo exhibition and the chance to see aircraft synonymous with Duxford take to the air.

19 July Duxford Flying Proms Spectacular: A Proms concert that combines all the elements of a traditional outdoor concert with the magic and brilliance of special aerial displays by an array of vintage and modern aircraft.

15 August Burma Star Day: A day to commemorate those who fought in the Burma campaign. Entry will be free to holders of both the Burma Star and the Pacific Star on this day.

6-7   September Duxford 90th Anniversary Air Show:

Showcasing some of the best.loved air show favourites from the Spitfire and B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B to some more contemporary jets.

For further information, call 01223 835 000 or visit www.iwm.org.uk/duxford