A special episode previewing Silver Wings – a new project honouring the influence of the United States Eighth Army Air Force during World War Two – and its impact on communities in the East of England.

Presented by The Forum in partnership with the American Memorial Library in Norwich (UK), Silver Wings shines a spotlight on the stories of American servicemen and women stationed in Norfolk.

This 10-day exhibition and event series runs from 12-21 September 2025 as part of Heritage Open Days – England's largest community-led festival of history and culture.

For full details and the programme of events, please visit theforumnorwich.co.uk/silver-wings.

The Joe Dzenowagis YouTube channel is at www.youtube.com/@2nd.Air.Division.8thUSAAF.

With grateful thanks to Orla Kennelly, Joe Dzenowagis and Julie Mathien.

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Visit the Mighty Eighth Podcast website: mighty8thpodcast.com

To contact Johann and Mike, email johann@ruralcity.co.uk

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Meet the American pilots who defied their country's neutrality to fly for the RAF in WW2.

In this Wings of Defiance episode, we tell the story of the Eagle Squadrons – American volunteer pilots who joined the Royal Air Force before the USA joined the war.

We explain how pilots were recruited and how what they did was technically illegal because the USA was neural in the conflict.

We take a trip to Little America and the site of the former US embassy in London's Mayfair.

And we follow in the footsteps of the Eagle Squadron pilots at an airfield in England – still working today after 80 years.

With thanks to Peter Gardner and Jack Holloway of North Weald Airfield Museum – well worth a visit.

Do please like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Visit the Mighty Eighth Podcast website: mighty8thpodcast.com

To contact Johann and Mike, email johann@ruralcity.co.uk

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It was one of the most audacious air attacks of World War II – a low-level raid designed to cut off Hitler's fuel supply by bombing the Ploesti oil refineries in Romania.

Taking place on Sunday, August 1, 1943, Operation Tidal Wave saw five B-24 Liberator bomb groups take off from Libya and fly in complete radio silence across the Mediterranean towards their target.

In this episode, we tell the story of the mission – from conception to completion.

We delve into the tactics, get to grips with the personalities involved and look at the effectiveness of one of the most daring and ambitious raraids carried out by the United States Army Air Force (USAAF).

For photos and more information about Operation Tidal Wave, visit the episode page on the Mighty Eighth Podcast website.

With special thanks to David Pratt, Kerry Wilmot, Paul Thrower, the Woodrow family and Hardwick Airfield Museum.

Please like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Visit the Mighty Eighth Podcast website: mighty8thpodcast.com

To contact Johann and Mike, email johann@ruralcity.co.uk

Follow the Mighty Eighth Podcast on X - @mighty8thpod

Follow the Mighty Eighth Podcast on Facebook - @mighty8thpod

Follow the Mighty Eighth Podcast on Instagram - @mighty8thpod

Follow Johann on X - @johanntasker

Follow Mike on X - @mikehistorian

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