Following the success of Spitfire: Evolution of an Icon, Hurricane: Unsung Hero and Spies in the Skies: Second World War Aerial Reconnaissance, this year’s winter spotlight exhibition at IWM Duxford, Scramble! The Summer of 1940, will explore the history of two of the Second World War’s major aerial campaigns, the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain, through the aircraft and aircrew who engaged the Luftwaffe in battle for control of the skies.

Open from 27 December until 23 February 2025, Scramble! Summer of 1940 will enable visitors to get up close to an array of historic aircraft, each with its own story of courage and combat. This includes the Supermarine Spitfire Mk I N3200 which was shot down while supporting British forces retreating towards Dunkirk leaving Squadron Leader Geoffery Stephenson to be taken prisoner and his Spitfire to sink under French sands – only to be recovered in the 1980s and restored to flying condition.

Alongside N3200 will be Spitfire Mk Ia X4650 which featured in the film Dunkirk, as well as a Hawker Hurricane Mk I P2902 which provided air cover during the real-life evacuation before being shot down in May 1940 and the Hawker Hurricane Mk1 R4118. The exhibition will also feature a Curtiss Hawk-75, the only airworthy survivor of the French Air Force to fly in the Battle of France, a Bristol Blenheim Mk I, a Battle of Britain night fighter, and the Hispano Buchon, which made an appearance in the 1969 film Battle of Britain, as well as the MG TA vehicle which belonged to famous flying ace and RAF Duxford’ ‘Big Wing’ leader, Douglas Bader.

Liam Shaw, Visitor Experience and Project Manager at IWM Duxford, said, “We are thrilled to be back this winter with a new spotlight exhibition which will give visitors a deeper understanding of two major Second World War campaigns with a close historic association to Duxford. Through this exhibition, we hope to show visitors how behind each aircraft on display, there is a deeply human story of survival as the looming threat of being shot down, wounded or killed permeated throughout the summer of 1940.”

Scramble! The Summer of 1940 will be open to general admission visitors to IWM Duxford on 27 December 2024 until 25 February 2025. There will be a number of associated events and activities taking place throughout January and February, including a Duxford In A Different Light photography session, Scramble! Tours and In the Cockpit: Spitfire N3200 and Spitfire N3200: The VIP Experience.