USAAF Airfields Tour of England, UK
During the Second World War, the East of England became home to hundreds of US airmen. They began arriving in 1942, with many existing RAF (Royal Air Force) airfields made available to the USAAF (United States Army Air Force). By 1943 there were over 100,000 US airmen based in Britain. The largest concentration was in the East of England, where most of the 8th Air Force and some of the 9th were located on near a hundred bases. The 8th Air Force was the largest air striking force ever committed to battle, with the first units arriving in May 1942. The 9th Air Force was re-formed in England in October 1943 - it was the operator of the most formidable troop-carrying force ever assembled.
USAAF Airfields Tour of England, UK - Sample Inclusions
- Opportunity to visit USAAF Airfields.
- Full list of USAAF Airfields and a map will be provided.
- Visits to World War Museums.
- Opportunity to visit some USAAF Headquarters.
8 Day - USAAF Airfields Tour of England, UK
Day One - London
Arrive into Heathrow Airport and take the Heathrow Express into central London. Check-in at your centrally located hotel and this will be your base for the next 3 nights. Rest of the day at leisure to rest and relax after your long journey or for some independent sightseeing.
Day Two - Cabinet War Museum - Imperial War Museum - London
After breakfast take the London Underground for a morning visit to the Cabinet War Museum, which uses cutting-edge technology and multimedia displays to bring the exciting story of Winston Churchill to life from Churchill's childhood to his 'finest hour' and later years. This will be followed by a visit to the Imperial War Museum, covering all aspects of life during wartime. Rest of the day and evening is at leisure.
Day Three - Dover Castle - Kent - London
Depart London for a day excursion to Dover for a visit to Dover Castle for a visit to the Secret Wartime Tunnels, set deep within the cliffs. There will also be an opportunity to walk round the extensive battlements, the Medieval Tunnels and Roman Lighthouse. It is spectacularly situated above the White Cliffs on the Kent coastline and this magnificent castle boasts a fascinating history. Return to London through the picturesque Kent countryside, stopping en route for a traditional English pub supper.
Day Four, Five & Six - East of England
Travel to the East of England and spend the next 3 days touring various USAAF Airfields and there are 71 sites to choose from and a full list of airfields will be provided.
Day Seven - Cambridge American Cemetery - Imperial War Museum Duxford - Heathrow Airport
Depart for the journey to Cambridge for a visit to the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial, the only Second World War American military cemetery and memorial in Britain, established in December 1943. This will be followed by a visit to the Imperial War Museum in Duxford. The aerodrome at Duxford was built during the First World War and was one of the earliest Royal Air Force stations. During 1917 the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) expanded and Duxford was one of a number of new stations established to train RFC aircrew. On 1 April 1918 the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps were merged to become the Royal Air Force, the world's first fully independent air force. In September 1918 Duxford opened as a flying school - No. 35 Training Depot Station - and after the war ended in November 1918 the airfield was used as a base for the disbandment of squadrons from the Continent. Take the final journey to Heathrow Airport for overnight.
Day Eight - Home
Take the transfer to Heathrow Airport for your return flight home.
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