Flying Fortress to celebrate 80th anniversary of Liberation

In 2024, the area around the Sanicole airfield celebrates the 80th anniversary of the allied Liberation. Can you think of a better way to commemorate the event than with an iconic historic aircraft that played such a vital part in allied air operations during the Second World War? Be sure to come and admire the center point of attention in the hit series “Masters of the Air” during the International Sanicole Airshow on 21 & 22 September: the B-17 Flying Fortress “Sally B”.

Allied bombers played a vital role in weakening the enemy’s industry and infrastructure. For more than 45 years, the Sally B foundation has kept one of the most famous allied bombers airworthy in Europe, the B-17 Flying Fortress. Sally B is the last B-17 flying in Europe and is based at Duxford in the United Kingdom. The aircraft takes its name from the woman driving the foundation, Ellie Sallingboe.

The American B-17 is a huge four-engine bomber armed to the teeth for self-defence against enemy fighters. They had a crew of 10 on board on their daring missions over continental Europe as part of the 8th air force. Without their legendary heroism and the incredible sacrifices made by the crews, the Liberation of Europe might not have been possible.

The Sally B foundation aims to honour the memories of the young aircrews by keeping the aircraft flying at airshows in Europe. This requires enormous financial means which have to be raised continuously to keep this piece of living history accessible.

Don’t miss this iconic aircraft!