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Sunday, 14 July, 2002, 18:05 GMT 19:05 UK
World war legends fly for show
Major General Donald J Strait
Major General Donald J Strait in front of a P-51 Mustang
Thousands of aviation fans turned up to the second day of the Duxford air show that showcases World War I and World War II aircraft.

"The Flying Legends Air Show" at the Imperial War Museum in Cambridgeshire featured dozens of aircraft, pilots and combat veterans from around the world.

Some of the classic aircraft at the show include the only Invader still flying, the Spitfire, B-17 Flying Fortresses, Corsairs and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The air show marks the 60th anniversary of the arrival of the US 8th Air Force in Britain.


The...veterans have been stars and the public have been very keen to talk to them

Tracey Woods, Imperial War Museum

The A-36A Invader dive-bomber was making its first appearance in Britain at the show.

It is the only one of 500 built that is still airworthy.

The Invader first went into action in June 1943, attacking targets on the island of Pantelleria between Sicily and Africa.

Special guests will include former chief test pilot of the Spitfire, Alexander Henshaw.

To fit in with the theme, American ace fighter pilots from the Second World War, Robin Olds, Donald Strait and Gerry Johnson will also be present.

Major General Strait, former World War II pilot of the 356th Fighter Group, shot down 13 enemy aircraft.

40,000 visitors

Retired USAF Brigadier General Olds shot down enemy aircraft during both World War II and the Vietnam War.

Tracey Woods, from the Imperial War Museum, said the show had proved extremely popular.

"The place is heaving with people and we estimate more than 40,000 will have visited over the two days.

"The United States Air Force and RAF veterans have been stars and the public have been very keen to talk to them and get them to sign items."


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