Betsy’s Biscuit Bomber Makes Trip Across the Pond for D-Day Commemoration
Estrella Warbirds Museum, a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of military aircraft, vehicles, and artifacts, announced the participation of “Betsy’s Biscuit Bomber,” the WWII C-47, in Daks Over Normandy, June 2-6, 2019. The event commemorates the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day invasion. “Betsy” will also participate in the 70th Anniversary of The Berlin Airlift June 10 – 18 and other celebrations in the United States and abroad. An American fleet of nearly 20 vintage C–47s will cross the Atlantic and join up with other C–47s from around the world for the Daks Over Normandy event crossing of the English Channel into France.
The aircraft will fly from Paso Robles, CA to participate in celebrations across the country including performances at the Planes of Fame Air Show in Chino, CA, May 4-5; AOPA 80th Anniversary Fly-In in Frederick, Maryland, May 10-11; and, a historic memorial flight over Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia and down the Potomac River. The pilots will then fly to Oxford, Connecticut for three days of training and formation practice for the D-Day invasion re-enactment. On May 18th, the formation will fly low up and down the Hudson in a send off ceremony with fire boats, and circle the Statue of Liberty prior to departure for Goose Bay, Newfoundland. After stops in Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, and Cambridge UK, Betsy will continue on to Duxford, England to participate in paratroop drops, and reenactments in both England and France before moving on to Germany. Following the Berlin Airlift, the fleet will cross the Alps for a three-day celebration in Venice Italy. Returning to the United States, ”Betsy” will participate in the Spirit of the West 4th of July celebration in Cody, Wyoming then return home to Paso Robles.
June 6, 1944 marks the date when approximately 160,000 Allied troops stormed the Normandy beaches that began the liberation of Western Europe. The assault was preceded by 24,000 troops who parachuted in or came by glider. The most important aircraft to support the airborne assault was formed by over 800 Douglas C-47 Skytrains (Dakotas).
“Betsy’s Biscuit Bomber,” a WWII C-47 built by Douglas Aircraft of Santa Monica is owned and operated by The Gooney Bird Group, LLC, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization located in Paso Robles, CA. The group is dedicated to preserving and maintaining airworthy historical planes, and educating current and future generations of the engineering achievements, and personal sacrifices made by our military men and women.
Daks Over Normandy will be the largest assembly of authentic C-47 World War II aircraft and paratroopers since June 6, 1944 to honor veterans and war heroes for their service and sacrifice in the Allied victory in World War II. Aircraft from around the globe will participate in commemorative events before and after the June 6 flyover with community activities and static displays in the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany, and the United States. For details and a schedule of events see: betsysbiscuitbomber.com and daksovernormandy.com.
“Betsy’s Biscuit Bomber” is a featured display at Estrella Warbirds Museum located at 4251 Dry Creek Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446. The museum is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Legal Monday Holidays (President’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Veteran’s Day).
Visit: ewarbirds.org. For information on “Betsy’s” C-47 world tour, contact Scott Stelzle, President, Gooney Bird Group, LLC and flight crew member at: sasjunk65@gmail.com
