Latest news, hot off the press is that talks have begun to get some Soviet World War 2 pilots/aircrew to this years Flying Legends airshow.
Very early days at this stage but several women from the feared ‘Night Witches’ have shown an interest in attending.
Most notable of these veterans is the legendary Nadya Popova – Hero of the Soviet Union, Commander of the 2nd Womens Regiment from 1941-45.
During WW2 she flew nearly 1000 combat missions (on PO-2 bi-plane trainers which had been converted to bombers), in sub- zero temperatures at low altitude facing enemy flak, searchlights and fighters. She also flew without a parachute as it took up bomb room and believed pointless at such low level. On one night alone during the advance into Poland she flew 18 ops.
Not confirmed yet if any of the Russian ladies interested in attending are former fighter pilots who flew aircraft such as Yak-1B.
Out of interest the highest scoring female pilot is believed to have been Lidia Litvjakova, with 15 aerial victories.
No news yet on the potential of Russian airmen also attending.
Be an interesting new development to get some of our Eastern Front allies along after RAF, USAAF and Luftwaffe veteran visitors in recent years.
Talks have begun regarding the sponsorship of their appearance and visit to England.
If anyone has any suggestions which they would like to see Duxford do in conjunction with the proposed visit I’ll happily pass them on.
I have proposed an Eastern Front veteran dinner talk/symposium as part of their visit (as a translator has been lined up to help with their English) but looks unlikely unless the public show enough interest to warrant it.
By: sconnor - 26th April 2006 at 17:36
Has anything else happened on this? I might have a chunk of sponsorship money to contribute to it?
By: TrickysTigers - 25th February 2006 at 11:29
Flying Legends
Excellent idea 😀 ….. Can’t think of a more ideal sponsor than a known vodka brand, would definately keep the public happy should the great British weather turn a bit sour.
By: David Burke - 24th February 2006 at 20:15
Trickys – Have a vodka tent!
By: ollieholmes - 24th February 2006 at 16:41
Sounds a great idea. I do feel we shoould give more tribute to our allies.
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February 24, 2006 at 12:28 pm