THREE Second World War aircraft will take to the skies as part of the Clacton Airshow.
The 2025 show will take place on Thursday, August 21, and Friday, August 22 and is on the theme 'legends of the sky', with two days of aerial displays and family fun planned.
Among the headline displays are three historic aircraft, including two Mustangs and a Thunderbolt.
The North American P-51D Mustang Jersey Jerk is operated by Ultimate Warbirds and sponsored by Ørsted, the company behind the Gunfleet Sands Offshore Wind Farm.
Jersey Jerk honours US 8th Air Force ace Donald J.Strait, who achieved 13.5 aerial victories during the war while flying out of Martlesham Heath, Suffolk.
Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Nellie-B (Image: Paul Johnson/Flightline UK) Another star of the show is the Republic P-47D Thunderbolt Nellie-B, the largest and heaviest single-seat piston-engine fighter ever built.
Also sponsored by Ørsted, the Thunderbolt was instrumental in ground-attack missions during and after the D-Day landings.
A second P-51D Mustang, Moonbeam McSwine, will appear in the Thursday evening twilight display.
The aircraft is sponsored by Red Nova and operated by Ultimate Warbird Flights.
Moonbeam McSwine is painted in tribute to Captain William T. Whisner, a triple ace who earned 15.5 victories in the Second World War and later served in Korea and Vietnam.
This year’s Mustang displays hold special significance, marking 80 years since the loss of a P-51D off the coast of Clacton.
On January 13, 1945, Flying Officer Raymond E. King died when his Mustang, Little Zippie, ditched into the North Sea.
The aircraft was later recovered and is now a centrepiece at the East Essex Aviation Museum in Point Clear, St Osyth.
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Ivan Henderson, councilor responsible for economic growth, regeneration and tourism at Tendring Council, said: "The mighty Mustangs are a real showpiece of power and heritage — vital to Allied victory in the Second World War.
"The flights are a powerful tribute to ‘Little Zippie’ and the brave pilots who flew these legendary machines.
"Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just looking for a great day out by the sea, the Clacton Airshow is the highlight of the summer on the Essex Sunshine Coast."
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