INSIDE BOMBER COMMAND’S “SHINING SWORD”
Visitors can climb aboard a Lancaster bomber during a “behind-the-ropes” exploration at IWM Duxford
IWM Duxford in Cambridgeshire is a branch of the Imperial War Museum and is Britain’s largest aviation museum. It houses nearly 200 aircraft, military vehicles and minor naval vessels in seven main exhibition buildings and is based on the historic Duxford Aerodrome.
Originally operated by the Royal Air Force during WWI, Duxford played a prominent role during WWII when it was heavily used during the Battle of Britain and later in the war by the US Army Air Forces’ fighter units.
Among the many WWII-ERA aircraft housed in the museum is an Avro Lancaster. The most famous and successful heavy bomber of the war, the Lancaster was described by Sir Arthur Harris as the “shining sword” of RAF Bomber Command.
Between 1 February and 17 April, the museum is hosting ‘The Inside View: The Lancaster’ where visitors can participate in a ‘behind-the-ropes’ exploration of the aircraft. Expert IWM guides will begin by talking about the bomber’s history for 45 minutes before visitors will enter the Lancaster through the rear of the fuselage.
Once inside, a 10-minute session reveals the heroism of the young men in Bomber Command along with the harsh conditions they faced in combat. Tours run twice daily and tickets are subject to availability although it is recommended that visitors book in advance.