Daks over Duxford Wed 5th June

[Paul K]

I had a wonderful day at Duxford on Wednesday, watching the take-off of twenty one Dakotas heading for 75th D-Day anniversary commemorations in Normandy. Even though they didn't get all the Dakotas they hoped for, and two of those present went U/S, it was an astonishing thing to see and hear. This video was shot from very near where I was standing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KYw6xOvRzo

The first aircraft you see starting up, HA-LIX in the pale blue trim, is the only Soviet license-built Li-2 still flying. The first ten aircraft to take-off were the ones carrying the 'paratroopers' who recreated the drops over in Normandy later in the day. Also present was the only C-41A ever built ( the one with the horizontal red stripes on the rudder ), and Robert Randazzo with his pristine PMDG DC-3 ( the Pan Am one, Clipper Tabitha May, with the horizontal strips in the nose ).

How anyone can not like old aircraft is beyond me!

[Molyned]

Brilliant - thanks for a great video.
We may never see that many airbourne again.
Cheers
Dave M(oly)
ps - nice to see my favourite aircraft in the background - the PBY.

[Nigel H-J]

Absolutely Brilliant Paul, thanks for posting. As many as there were taking off from Duxford during D day itself it must have been one hell of a nightmare to get them all up and in formation before the drops took place.

I found that video quite moving, thinking of all those that did not see it through to the end of the war and 'gave their all' so that we could live in freedom.

Regards
Nigel.

[nigelb]

Great video Paul, thanks for posting!

Nigel²

[Filonian]

Many thanks Paul. A moving sight and a fitting Remembrance.


Graham

[Tomliner]

Brilliant video Paul. What sights and sounds! I love the Dak, an aircraft that never looks dated and a definite classic. A superb tribute to all who took part in D Day and especially to those who never returned.Thanks very much for posting it. EricT

[FlyTexas]

That was great! Thanks Paul.

Brian

[simondix]

Very good. I was there on Tuesday when the weather was not so benign. Got some decent photos including the Dakota Norway landing on one engine when it went. Decent landing as well on one engine and a stiff crosswind. Wish I could have done the 5th and it was moving on the 4th.

[Airspeed]

Thanks Paul,
A good watch!

[Swanoir]

Beatiful