Return To Hardwick

This is a narrowly-focused documentary about just one B-24 Bomb Group in the 8th Air Force and it is equally about the efforts of the second generation, that is the families of the veterans, to keep the memory of those who served in that unit alive. This could have been a mess of film, but the people whom made it clearly made a great effort to get it right and they really succeeded. The film balances the memories of the veterans with photos and film clips from their unit during the war, with interviews of the surviving veterans and family members, visits to the base as it appears today in England, tours with family members of the base, Unit reunions and a visit to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth near Savannah, Georgia. The DVD included optional additional material for those more interested and I found these very worth while as well. Although the film was a project framed around one Bomb Group, it is really succeeds as a tribute to all units that flew bomber missions in the ETO in WWII and poignantly addresses the question of how the legacy of the "Greatest Generation" can be safeguarded by future generations.

My dad was a waist gunner on the B-24, "Gambling Lady", 93rd BG, 409th BS. He was stationed at Hardwick field. His few photos are precious, and were great to refer to when my wife and I had the opportunity to visit the field a few years ago. Mr. Colin Mann, featured in the film, was our personal guide for two days. He is an outstanding guide with a wealth of knowledge and history. Be sure to look him up if you are planning to travel to Hardwick. He took us all around the area, including Norwich, the library, the cemetery and the chapel. This film documentary brought back great memories of the trip, along with a few emotions. Thanks to all who worked so hard bringing it to fruition; I wish I could have seen it before my trip. A great tribute to a great generation of heroes. Show it to your grandkids.

A beautiful and moving tribute to the 93rd Bomb Group in particular, the 'Mighty Eight' in general and the English citizens who befriended American GIs based on their soil - and embrace their memory today! The 'then and now' aerial comparisons of the base, well-selected film and photos plus the interviews with veterans and relatives brilliantly tell the story of this storied 8th AF outfit. I have several relatives who fought in WWII (none in the USAAF though) but I discovered the 8th as a child first watching the 'Twelve O'Clock High' TV and later the classic film of the same name, I've held a deep fascination for the WWII exploits of American flyers based in the UK and have read literally hundreds of books on the subject since the 60s. Viewing this film is one of the highlights of my 8th AF "obsession" and thank the producers and all involved for a true gem!

This is a wonderful tribute to the 93BG, one of the leading bomb groups of the 2nd Air Division, the B-24 wing of the 8th Air force. I'm proud to be an Associate Member of the 93rd and a contributor to this lasting tribute to the 93rd and its brave men. I have never been to Hardwick, and enjoyed seeing the the original site--as it was and is now. And seeing some of the original 93rd members. I attended the 60th Reunion in Salt Lake City of the 8-1-43 Low Level Ploesti mission, which included the 93rd. I had a chance to meet so many heroes of that mission. I'm family-connected to one of those heroes who did not survive the mission.

This documentary is a gem. A look into the lives of people who saved us from tyranny and their families who return decades later to see where they served. The documentary is a labor of love being funded by the members and family of the Bomb group. It provides insights to their 394 missions, men lost and what it was like to serve in the 8th Air Force. Although very old when this made they take no credit for their tremendous service. The 8th AF had more casualties than the entire Marine Corp in WWII.Take the time to look at one of the groups that made up the 8th.

This documentary is very well done and interesting to even those who are not interested in WW2 such as my wife. My cousin, Russell Longnecker, was in Ted's Traveling Circus and flew missions from Hardwick. He was also pilot of Thundermug during the low level bombing raid on Ploesti. He was an eye witness to Col. Addison Baker and crew in Hell's Wench being shot down. Russ was a lucky one. His plane limped back to the base in Libya.

I think that Europeans have a much better appreciation for what took place during the World Wars...after all, they lived it. Americans were never occupied and never bombed so even though our 'boys' were there, those at here at home had thousands of miles of separation from what was really real for those in war-torn countries.

I participated in the reunion of veterans and their descendants that was featured in this film. Having known about this film since its inception, I am impressed with the masterful job that Michael Sellers did in putting all the pieces together to tell the story of the incredible sacrifices and accomplishments of the 93rd Bomb Group. He beautifully interwove the story of the impact on future generations and the enduring bonds between these men and their families and the people of Norfolk.

Does not play in UK ripped off