27 June 2024
From Texas, USA to the east coast, across the North Atlantic, down through the UK to France, then to Germany, and finally retracing its steps back to the USA… that’s a lot of flying for any piston aircraft, let alone a genuine WWII warbird.
That’s just what That’s All Brother, the actual C-47 that led the main airborne invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944, has just achieved.
The C-47 arrived back in Maine, USA on Tuesday this week and will make its way back to its home base in San Marcos, Texas.
“After an unforgettable journey to Europe to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day and the 75th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, this iconic airplane is on its way home,” said the Commemorative Air Force which organised the flight.
During its European tour with the D-Day Squadron, That’s All, Brother participated in numerous commemorative events, reenactments, and educational programmes.
The aircraft played a central role in the D-Day ceremonies, including participating in a commemorative flight over the Normandy beaches, reenactment jumps with paratroopers dressed in WWII-era uniforms, and a flight carrying five WWII veterans over Utah and Omaha beaches.
Following the D-Day commemorations, That’s All, Brother continued its tour to Germany to honour the 75th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. This humanitarian mission, which took place from 1948 to 1949, saw Allied aircraft delivering vital supplies to the citizens of Berlin during the Soviet blockade.
“We are thrilled to welcome That’s All, Brother back home,” said Deena Clausen, Wing Leader of the Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing. “This aircraft is a flying museum and a testament to the bravery of those who served during World War II. Its journey to Europe and back has allowed us to honour and remember their sacrifices in a profound way.”
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is the world’s largest flying military aircraft museum, dedicated to educating, inspiring, and honoring with flight and living history experiences.
The 11,000-member CAF maintains an airworthy fleet of more than 175 vintage military aircraft for people to experience firsthand.
