The Mighty Masters of the Air

Meet in the morning at a Cambridge hotel, our base throughout the tour, then 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 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. Return to hotel for welcome drinks and an introductory talk from our guide before dinner. (D)

Today 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. Return to Cambridge for an Alan Turing themed walking tour where we learn about this famous code breaker, his association with Cambridge and the city during WW2, rounded off by a drink in the historic Eagle Pub where USAAF and RAF pilots would congregate, their signatures, slogans, and drawings still visible on the ceiling. (B,D).

Travel to IWM Duxford where we enjoy a full day at The Americans flying display, a unique experience of World War Two aircraft in the air. There will also be an opportunity to visit the fantastic Duxford aviation collection including the American Air Museum where we marvel at the remarkable collection of aircraft, so central to the story of the Eighth. (B,D).

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. 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).

On our last day we visit 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. We return to Cambridge to visit the American Military Cemetery and Memorial. 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 and bid farewell. (B).