Flying Legends air show (Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 July) sees a very special aviation reunion take place.
Clarence E ‘Bud’ Anderson, a retired officer in the United States Air Force and a Second World War ‘triple ace’ will be reunited with his P-51 Mustang ‘Old Crow’, the aircraft that carried him safely through 116 missions.
‘Bud’ Anderson flew two tours of combat against the Luftwaffe in Europe with the 363rd Fighter Squadron of the 357th Fighter Group, based at RAF Leiston. The 357th Fighter Group was credited with shooting down 609 enemy aircraft in only 15 months, a quota unequalled by any other fighter group.
The 357th Fighter Group produced 42 fighter ‘aces’. Bud Anderson was the leading ace of 363rd Fighter Squadron, with 16 ¼ aerial victories. In his faithful P-51 Mustang, he undertook all 116 missions without being hit by fire from enemy aircraft and without having to turn back for any reason.
Bud Anderson returned to the United States in February 1945 as a Captain and continued in military service for over thirty years.
Flying Legends is without doubt one of the finest warbird air shows in the world, providing an unrivalled line-up of the classic propeller-driven combat aircraft from both the First and Second World Wars, many of which are now either rare or unique.
The Fighter Collection are pleased to announce that over 50 aircraft will participate at the 2010 event including 10 Spitfires. Flying Legends will showcase the development of this iconic fighter with participation of the very rare Mk1 Spitfire right through to a Mk XIX variant.
Participating aircraft includes Sea Fury (x2), Sky Raiders, P-51 Mustangs (including a mystery Mustang not previously seen at Flying Legends), Dakota, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane, A-26 Invader, Lufthansa, Brietling Wing Walkers, a British trio of Mew Gull, Arrow Active and Miles Magister and a Hawker Tribute.
These legendary aircraft and superbly talented pilots come from across the globe to display at Flying Legends. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of iconic aircraft, including the P-51 Mustang, Hawker Hurricane, Lancaster bomber and much more.
On the ground, there will be activities for all ages, plus the opportunity to experience a nostalgic wartime atmosphere as you mingle with re-enactors recreating the roles of RAF pilots, US Army medical personnel and the servicemen of the 101st Airborne Division.
