ECHOES OF EAST ANGLIA - "The Mighty Eighth" - "Easy Eight"

We understand that not everyone can take two weeks off at a time, which is why we are excited to announce a new option for a shortened version of our normal Roger A. Freeman Heritage 10-day Tour.  This means that you can still experience the history and beauty of England and have an immersive historical experience, even if you have limited time.

Experience the history of the WWII "Mighty Eighth" heroes on the Roger A. Freeman Heritage Tour, titled "The Mighty Eighth." This immersive travel experience is provided by the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.

Join us on our upcoming tour as we visit heavy bomber bases, fighter group airfields, and select off-the-beaten-path sites. Our tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the legacy of the "Mighty Eighth" while also allowing you to discover the beauty this country has to offer on your own.

Your Tour Leader and Tour Manager are both knowledgeable authorities on the history of the Eighth Air Force, Royal Air Force Bomber Command, and general WWII history.

The tour will be led by Mark S. Copeland, the Director of Educational Travel for the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. Mark is recognized as one of the leading experts on the Eighth Air Force during World War II. He is highly respected in the field and possesses a deep passion for WWII history.

For over four decades, Mark has traveled extensively throughout England and has designed this tour to be the finest of its kind. You will visit unique sites that are not included in any other tour itinerary. Throughout the journey, you will also have the opportunity to meet local historians, museum docents, and volunteers, all of whom will enrich your experience.

Day 1 - Wednesday, October 21, 2026 - Arrival Day

Tour participants will arrive at Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London, where they will be greeted by a representative from the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. Guests will be escorted to an exclusive private car with a dedicated driver for transportation to the MacDonald Hotel in Windsor.

After checking in, you will have the opportunity to explore the charming village of Windsor. In the evening, a cocktail reception and welcome dinner will be held, where you can meet the other tour participants and ask any questions you may have about the itinerary.

Day 2 - Thursday, October 22, 2026 - Wycombe Abbey "Pinetree" / Battle of Britain Bunker - Uxbridge.

We will start our morning with a visit to Wycombe Abbey, known as "Pinetree," which served as the wartime headquarters of the Eighth Air Force during World War II. Our group will enjoy a private catered reception, followed by a welcome lecture given by our Tour Leader, Mark Copeland. We will also have the opportunity to explore the actual wartime offices of General Ira Eaker and General James Doolittle.

After lunch at the Crown and Treaty Pub in Uxbridge, we will continue our day with a private guided tour of the Battle of Britain Bunker at RAF Uxbridge.

The command bunker at RAF Uxbridge was the main center of communication for the Royal Air Force Fighter Command during the critical days of the Battle of Britain. Please be aware that accessing the bunker requires a descent down 76 steps, as there is no elevator available. For those who choose not to enter the bunker, there will be an excellent video presentation shown in the conference room.

We will conclude the day with a casual dinner at the MacDonald Hotel in Windsor.

Day 3 - Friday, October 23, 2026 - Debden Aerodrome

We will depart from Windsor and travel to the English countryside into Essex and Cambridgeshire. We will stop for a delicious lunch at a country pub in the village of Rickling Green, called the Cricketer's Arms.

We will then proceed to Debden Aerodrome (Carver Barracks), where we will be guided by two British Army Officers through the former airbase of the RAF "Eagle" Squadrons and the famous Fourth Fighter Group. We will then proceed to the ancient city of Bury St. Edmunds in the heart of East Anglia. where we will check into the luxurious Angel Hotel.

Dinner will be on your own, where you will have the chance to explore this beautiful city.

Day 4 - Saturday, October 24, 2026 - St. Andrew's Church / Old Buckenham / Horham

The day will begin with a drive to Old Buckenham, the home of the 453rd Bomb Group. Flying the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, the 453rd Bomb Group was part of the Eighth Air Force, Second Air Division. Eighth Air Force historian Mr. James Cleary will be our host as we tour the excellent Eighth Air Force Heritage Museum, followed by lunch at a local pub, The Gamekeeper.

After lunch, our group will proceed to St. Andrew's Church in the quaint village of Quidenham, where we will be greeted by the local parish warden. This beautiful church dates back to the 15th century. We will view the "airman’s window," which is also duplicated in the Chapel of the Fallen Eagles at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.

The 95th Bomb Group was the only group to be awarded three Distinguished Unit Citations in the Eighth Air Force. Additionally, the 95th Bomb Group led the first mission to strike Berlin, the capital of Germany. Our day will conclude with a special visit to Horham, the wartime home of the 95th Bomb Group, and a visit to the Red Feather Club. This restored NCO Club now houses an amazing museum and dance hall. We will enjoy a delicious catered meal while listening to vintage "big band" music from the 1940s.

Day 5 - Sunday, October 25, 2026 - Framlingham Airfield Museum / 100th Bomb Group Museum

Today, we will travel to Framlingham/Parham Airfield to visit the restored control tower, which has been converted into a first-class museum. This site is significant as it was the wartime home of the 390th Bomb Group Memorial Museum.

We will then travel to Thorpe Abbotts to visit the 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum, where we will have private access to this remarkable tribute to the 100th Bomb Group. The 100th Bomb Group is prominently featured in the Apple TV nine-part miniseries "Masters of the Air." A catered lunch will be served at the Museum.

Our evening dinner will be a delicious meal at the Angel Hotel in the exclusive private dining room.

Day 6 - Monday, October 26, 2026 - Cambridge American Cemetery (Madingley) and Duxford Air Museum

The day will start with a tour of the Cambridge American Cemetery at Madingley. We will hold a special commemorative ceremony at the cemetery exclusively for our group.

Afterward, we will visit the famous Duxford Air Museum, which features an impressive collection of vintage aircraft. Lunch will be at your leisure, and you'll have the option to choose from several dining spots located within the museum.

Finally, we will check into the MacDonald House in Windsor.

Day 7 - Tuesday, October 27, 2026 - Churchill War Rooms / St. Paul's Cathedral 

The day will begin at the Churchill War Rooms beneath the National Treasury Building with a private tour that allows participants to go "behind the glass".

Lunch will be at Amalfi, and we will continue to St. Paul's Cathedral, which includes the American Chapel and the U.S. Roll of Honor.

Back to the MacDonald House for an evening dinner.

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 - Departure Day

Our guests will enjoy a smooth check-in process for their flights back to the United States. Transfers will be arranged via private car, with a 20-minute drive to Heathrow Airport. You will be dropped off at your respective terminal for departures.

Tour Map - This will guide you through our tour.