From their arrival in the UK in 1942 the Mighty Eighth Airforce launched hundreds of bombing raids against continental Europe becoming the largest air armada in history. Their capability was fearsome – able to send 2,000 heavy bombers and over 1,000 fighter planes on a single mission. By May 1945, the Eighth had flown over 600,000 sorties and dropped over 670,000 tons of bombs. Their contribution to the liberation of Europe cannot be overestimated. We are pleased, therefore, to offer this tour which explores the major sites in the east of England connected with the Eighth, visiting airfields, cemeteries, memorials, control towers and museums small and large, including the American Air Museum at Duxford where we get up close to a B-17 Flying Fortress. Led by expert historian Dilip Sarkar this is a tour not to miss as we celebrate the achievements of these masters of the air.

It is difficult to overestimate the contribution made by the US Eighth Air Force to the destruction of Nazi Germany in the Second World War. From their arrival in the UK in mid-1942 until May 1945 this massive air armada flew over 600,000 sorties to bomb occupied Europe and dropped over 670,000 tons of bombs. Led by Generals Ira Eaker – the proponent of daylight precision bombing – and Jimmy Doolittle - also known for his daring raid on Tokyo - the ‘Mighty Eighth’ were involved in a veritable rollcall of operations including several destructive raids on Berlin, the disruption of transport networks as a prelude to Operation Overlord and the besting of the German oil industry.

The Eighth succeeded in eroding the German Luftwaffe’s capability giving the Allies air supremacy and ultimate victory in Europe. But it came with a heavy price with 6,000 Eighth airmen killed and another 28,000 made prisoners of war. The Eighth’s motto "Peace Through Strength” was clearly exemplified in their outstanding war record.

Day 1: Cambridge
Meet at our Cambridge hotel, our base throughout the tour, for a light sandwich lunch and introductory talk by our expert historian. We then embark on an afternoon Alan Turing walking tour where we learn about this famous code breaker, his association with Cambridge and the city during WW2 enjoying a drink in the historic Eagle Pub where USAAF and RAF pilots would congregate, their signatures, slogans, and drawings still visible on the ceiling. (L,D).

Day 2: Thorpe Abbotts & Duxford
We drive to the Thorpe Abbotts 100th Bomb Group Memorial museum - wartime base of the 100th Bombardment Group, the “Bloody Hundredth”. Here we visit the 1942 control tower with its prized collections and learn about this Group’s important role in the bombing war. We return to the IWM Duxford where we enjoy The Americans: Two Nations United flying display, a unique experience of World War Two aircraft in the air. There will also be an opportunity to visit the American Air Museum within Duxford where we marvel at the remarkable collection of aircraft, so central to the story of the Eighth. (B,D).

Day 3: Parham & Rougham
Drive to the 390th Bomb Group Memorial Air Museum at Parham. Here we marvel over the rare collection of recovered aircraft engines, uniforms, photos, documents, combat records and memorabilia and unique Veterans Wall, where returning US airmen signed their names. Then to Rougham Airfield control tower, home to US 94th Bombardment Group who flew B-17s from here. Enjoy visiting the surviving control tower and Nissen huts and learn from the knowledgeable volunteer guides about the role of the site in the story of the Eighth. (B,D).

Day 4: Horham & Bottisham
Drive to Horham airfield museum, home to the 95th Bomb Group, the only Eighth Air Force Group to receive the Distinguished Unit Citation three times. Here we get a feeling for the off duty lives of the airmen in the WW2 NCOs’ “Red Feather Club”. We also visit the superb museum and faithfully renovated buildings, including one with original WW2 murals. Then to the Bottisham Airfield Museum, from 1943 home to the US Eighth Airforce’s 361st Fighter Group equipped with the P-47 Thunderbolt and, later, the long-range P-51 Mustang. Here we learn about the importance of fighter support in the Eight’s daylight bombing offensives. (B,D).

Day 5: Bletchley Park
We visit Bletchley Park, WW2 home of the UK Government Code and Cypher School. Bletchley played a crucial role in penetrating the secret communications of the Axis powers. Interceptions of transmissions from the German air defence network allowed British and American bomber tactics to be refined, considerably aiding the Eighth’s bombing campaigns. (B,D).

Day 6: Respects & Farewells
Visit Cambridge American Military Cemetery and Memorial (and visitor centre) This serene location is a fitting resting place for over 3,800 American service personnel, many of whom lost their lives in bombing raids in north-west Europe. Here we will learn about some of the personal biographies of these men. Return to Cambridge station via our hotel late morning and farewells. (B).