RAF Duxford airbase history marked in new exhibition

The exhibition tells stories of the people who lived and worked at RAF Duxford

The history of an RAF airbase whose pilots fought battles across the world is being charted in a new exhibition.

Historic Duxford, which has been 20 years in the making, details the history of Duxford airfield in Cambridgeshire from 1918 to 1961.

The exhibition, which will open at the airbase on 28 March, tells the stories of people who lived and worked there during World War II and the Cold War.

Among its items include regalia worn by Battle of Britain ace Douglas Bader.

Steve Woolford, head of interpretation and collections, said: "For the first time we are giving visitors an insight into the heart of this historic site, telling RAF Duxford's own story.

Historical importance

"The personal stories of the men and women who lived, worked and fought for their country at RAF Duxford take centre stage, supported by the personal objects that help to convey those stories.

"We're able to show why Duxford is so important historically and also to help visitors to look at our historic site with fresh eyes."

The exhibition, which also includes video and audio interviews, looks at the different jobs at the airbase, the living conditions and how people spent their leisure time.

It also contains items and interviews with Sir Douglas Bader - one of the deadliest RAF fighters - who flew from Duxford during World War II.

It will be the first permanent exhibition at Imperial War Museum Duxford since the opening of AirSpace in 2007, which told the story of British aviation.