IWM Duxford
The Imperial War Museum has a particular place in the hearts of the Parker family as it represents the part Max’s parents; Geoffrey and Betty played in the RAF and WAAF during WWII.
Geoffrey met Betty in 1943 and they were shortly married (life expectancy in Bomber Command was of course not high at the time and decisions that may have been taken less hastily in peacetime were not the same during wartime).
While Betty worked on the vital job of plotting both allied and German aeroplane positions over occupied Europe, Geoffrey flew dangerous missions ahead of heavy bomber marking targets as a Pathfinder in the elite 105 squadron flying out of RAF Bourne just 16 miles from Duxford in the ‘wooden wonder’ Mosquito aeroplane. From July 1941 to Oct 1945 Geoffrey flew 1,502 hours and was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross. The couple bought Hodges Farm (next door to Piglets) in 1944.
Geoffrey’s detailed log book is available to guests to view on request and makes for fascinating reading for those interested in the RAF during WWII.
Squadron Leader Geoffrey W.A. Parker, DFC, circa 22 july 1941 to oct 30, 1945, 1502 hrs
RAF 105 Pathfinder Squadron badge and the De Havilland Mosquito
WAAF Section Officer Pauline Betty Bailey (soon to be Parker) on 18th October 1943
Duxford is just 25 minutes by car from Piglets and offers a very full day (or more) of fascinating RAF and USAF WII history from their static display hangers.
Below are special display days which include restored flying machines of all ages. just click on the images to be taken to their booking page.
Do wrap up warm as it can be quite windy and wear comfortable shoes as walking between the hangers can be at times quite a distance.
In the evening why not relax at Piglets and enjoy a glass or two along with a home cooked meal with bed just a few steps away.
Duxford Imperial War Museum Air Show dates for 2023
COMMEMORATING D-DAY: Duxford played a pivotal role in Operation Overlord, providing air support for D-Day operations. See their special flying display honouring their place in history. SUNDAY 4th JUNE, 2023.
THE AMERICANS: Honouring American and British shared Second World War history with flying displays, living history groups and more. FRIDAY 28th JULY, 2023.
DUXFORD SUMMER AIR SHOW: From camera-ready flypast moments to enjoying refreshments on a lazy Saturday summer’s evening, see Duxford in a whole new light. SATURDAY 24th and SUNDAY 25th JUNE, 2023.
DUXFORD FLYING EVENING: From camera-ready flypast moments to enjoying refreshments on a lazy Saturday summer’s evening, see Duxford in a whole new light. SATURDAY 26th AUGUST, 2023.
DUXFORD BATTLE OF BRITAIN AIR SHOW: Hear the roar of Merlin engines and step back into Summer 1940 with vintage entertainment and living history. SATURDAY 16th & SUNDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER, 2023.
DUXFORD FLYING FINALE: Celebrating the highs of all our flying displays and aerial events from the year, in one fabulous final flying display SATURDAY 14th OCTOBER.
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