A GRAND reunion of the last remaining crew members from 320 Squadron, based at Dunsfold Aerodrome from February to October 1944, will take place at Wings and Wheels 2016.

More than 100 family and friends will be attending the air show at Dunsfold Park with the veterans, whose ages range from 90 to 97, on Saturday, August 27, and Sunday, August 28.

They will include observer airman Andre Hissink, who flew 66 missions, Edward Hoenson, who served in 89 operations. One of the returning veterans had a personal meeting with the Supreme Commander General Eisenhower when he visited 320 squadron at Dunsfold Aerodrome for a pep talk.

The squadron lost 48 crew members during the period it flew from Dunsfold. The Royal Netherlands Air Force Historic Flight is displaying a Dutch B-25 Mitchell at the air show in its Second World War colours to salute the men who were part of 320 Squadron.

The veterans have been invited to revisit their iconic twin-engine attack bomber, which saw action in every theatre of the Second World War, during the show.

In the run-up to the air show, an appeal has been made by Dutch author Everard Bakker for anyone with any information about the fateful night of June 7, 1944, when two Mitchells collided above Horsham, to email him at everard

A fireman who attended the incident reported at the time: “The two planes had taken off from Dunsfold Aerodrome, loaded with leaflets, which were to be dropped over France. The two planes collided above Horsham, crashing in Denne Park. It was a dark night. One plane was burning on the hill.

“As the National Fire Service got the pumps into position it exploded, dispersing parts of the plane, bodies and limbs of the crew, and thousands of leaflets, all over the hillside.

“The second plane had crashed at Kerves Lane, but wasn’t visible; the fire crew spread out in the darkness to find it. The reason it could not be seen was because it laid in a very deep crater.

“As the men approached, an unexploded bomb on board went off. All the men had a very lucky escape. Because of the depth of the crater, the force of the blast went upwards. All the aircraft’s crew was killed.”

Wings and Wheels event director Jamie McAllister said: “Dunsfold Aerodrome has a rich history and the B-25 Mitchell forms a key part of it. We are looking forward to welcoming 320 Squadron veterans and the Mitchell back, and watching her display over the weekend.”

Visitors to Wings and Wheels can also enjoy the full complement from the RAF as they display with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, comprising a Spitfire, a Hurricane and a Dakota, as well as the Royal Navy Black Cats, Blades and Brietling Wingwalkers.

Supercars, classics and race cars will also put on an awe-inspiring display of power and speed on the BBC Top Gear track in a two-hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum. In the Wheels Zone will be an array of interactive and static displays as well as two and four wheeled shows in the Stunt Zone with Steve ‘Showtime’ Colley and Mission Motorsport and a new Monster Truck arena offering demonstrations and passenger rides.

Wings and Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited and this year’s show will be assisting the fundraising efforts of Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes. Advanced rate tickets are still available online at www.wingsand

wheels.net.