Watch Return to Hardwick

Return to Hardwick is a powerful and moving documentary film that tells the story of the heroic Eighth Air Force and specifically the men of the 93rd Bomb Group who were stationed at Hardwick Aerodrome in England during World War II. The film is directed by Michael Sellers and features interviews with veterans, historians, and family members of those who fought in the war.

The film follows the story of a group of World War II veterans who return to the place where they served more than 70 years ago. These veterans range in age from their 90s to over 100 and are accompanied by their families as they visit the air base where they flew missions over Germany during the war.

Through their experiences and memories, the audience gains insight into the intense struggle that these men faced during the war. They were part of the largest air campaign in history, and their missions were key to the eventual Allied victory. Over 400,000 airmen served in the Eighth Air Force, and more than 26,000 lost their lives. The documentary gives a voice to these brave men who put their lives on the line for their country.

One of the most poignant moments of the film comes when the veterans visit the airfield where they served. They describe how they would look at the planes on the ground and know which ones were likely to make it back and which ones would be lost. They talk about the fear they felt as they took off on a mission, never knowing if they would return.

The film also explores the relationship between the American GIs and the local people in England. The airmen were welcomed into the community, and many formed close relationships with the Brits. In fact, some veterans returned to England after the war to marry their sweethearts.

Return to Hardwick is both a tribute to the brave men who fought in World War II and a reminder of the sacrifice and courage that it took to win the war. The scenes of the veterans returning to the airfield and sharing their memories are incredibly powerful and emotional.

The documentary also features stunning archival footage of the Eighth Air Force in action, as well as interviews with historians and experts on the war. These interviews provide context and background for the events of the war and the significance of the Eighth Air Force's contributions.

Throughout the film, the audience is reminded of the humanity and bravery of these men. They were ordinary young men who were thrust into a terrifying and dangerous situation. They faced incredible challenges and hardships, but they did what was necessary to protect their country and their way of life.

In the end, Return to Hardwick is a powerful and moving tribute to the men of the Eighth Air Force and a reminder of the heroic sacrifices made during World War II. The veterans' stories are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of the human will in the face of overwhelming adversity. This film is a must-see for anyone interested in history, the military, or the human experience.

Return to Hardwick is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.