At Duxford today the public were given the chance to go inside the Belle for £3. Possibly the most poignant and thought provoking £3 that i have ever spent! Being inside such a superb machine with dummy machine guns and bombs in the racks certainly gives you a good idea of what one was like inside when operational. I already have the upmost respect for those that fought so bravely in the air (and on the ground) but the relatively cramped conditions inside, freezing cold and being shot at with every instance puts these guys up there with the best.
A visiting wartime Lanc pilot was also inside Belle at the same time as myself and he commented on how glad he was that the RAF was bombing mostly at night, unlike the yanks who during the day could see the full horror of war and what was happening to there fellow crewmen.
The experience made me feel very humble and extremely grateful!
By: PeterW - 11th July 2008 at 20:17
Is it possible for the Sally B to be opened up for walk through during the forthcoming Duxford events to raise much needed cash to help keep her flying?…….Martin
She’s normally open at most airshows before and after the flying. Def worth £3!
Peter
By: kartman - 11th July 2008 at 20:12
Is it possible for the Sally B to be opened up for walk through during the forthcoming Duxford events to raise much needed cash to help keep her flying?…….Martin
By: Wyvernfan - 11th July 2008 at 19:46
Possibly longer…. The guy did’nt have much change so i gave him £4 instead!
By: Propstrike - 11th July 2008 at 19:07
Plus the satisfaction of knowing you have contributed about 15 seconds worth of flight-time in fuel costs:)
By: Wyvernfan - 11th July 2008 at 18:14
I’ve got no idea. I only realised what was going on because i overheard the american gentleman standing in front of the Belle say to someone else that she was open for inspection. Sometimes it pays to listen in!
By: wcfcfan - 11th July 2008 at 17:59
Will the B-17s be open for walkthroughs tomorrow?
Steve
By: DaveH1962 - 11th July 2008 at 17:57
At Duxford today the public were given the chance to go inside the Belle for £3. Possibly the most poignant and thought provoking £3 that i have ever spent! Being inside such a superb machine with dummy machine guns and bombs in the racks certainly gives you a good idea of what one was like inside when operational. I already have the upmost respect for those that fought so bravely in the air (and on the ground) but the relatively cramped conditions inside, freezing cold and being shot at with every instance puts these guys up there with the best.
A visiting wartime Lanc pilot was also inside Belle at the same time as myself and he commented on how glad he was that the RAF was bombing mostly at night, unlike the yanks who during the day could see the full horror of war and what was happening to there fellow crewmen.
The experience made me feel very humble and extremely grateful!
Well said. I had a ‘walk through’ yesterday at Bentwaters and it made me stop and think just what all those guys went through.
Very sobering.
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July 11, 2008 at 5:47 pm